VELERAN CAUSES ACID REFLUX!!

I have been on Veleran for almost 3 years for a minor Blood Pressure problem. About 2 months ago I awoke with a burning sensation in my chest!  I actually went to the ER my heart is fine!! I was given prilosec for heartburn,  It worked for about a month or so until more recently the heartburn has grown consistently worse.

I have seen a specialist,  and will be having an endo test but he thinks VELERAN IS PARTIALLY OR WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MY PROBLEMS!!  from what I understand the smooth muscles of the escophagus are relaxed by the Verelan causing acid reflux??

Could this be possible? If so what other options do I have?

Beta blockers are not an option(dizziness headache etc.),  the Verelan has also controlled my PAC's.  I am not happy about taking other medications for side effects!

Please advise!!

P

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Paul,

I assume you mean Verelan (verapamil)which is a calcium channel blocker drug used for high blood pressure.  While it is possible that your symptoms are caused by acid reflux I couldn't find any information in the literature about verapamil contributing to reflux.  The effects of verapamil are more on the blood vessels than on the muscles of the esophagus.  Verapamil can cause constipation in < 9% of patients and nausea, dyspepsia and abdominal discomfort in less than 3% of patients.

Be sure your doctors have ruled out heart problems with a good stress test.  If that was negative then the endoscopy is probably a good idea.  Best wishes.

[Paul Santos]

Thanks for the reply!

I did have a stress test, Ekg, etc.  Everything was fine!

I will have an endo in about 3 weeks,  what else could my problem be?  is an ulcer possible?  my symptoms are in my chest and throat, it doesn't seem to be Classic symptoms for an ulcer such as pain on empty stomach in abdomen etc.(or should I check with the gastro forum?)

Thank you for responding

Paul