Question about verapamil

[kyomagi]

Just a quick side note, verapamil is great for treating pvc's

On to my question.  Is verapamil safe to take for, lets say 10 or 15 years?

I have been on the 240mg version for 2 years now and was wondering if its safe to keep taking

[is_something_wrong]

Verapamil is usually indicated to treat high blood pressure, though it can be used to treat / convert supraventricular arrhythmias (not PVCs as I know) but it probably have an effect. Verapamil is a calcium blocker, is it possible that your blood calcium is a bit high, causing PVCs?

As far as I know it's safe, but it should NEVER be used with beta blockers.

Natural calcium channel blockers (such as magnesium) have a similar effect. If you are worried, speak with your doctor / cardiologist.

[dmacd74]

Hi Kyomagi,

I was on verapamil for about 8 years without any problems, 240mg/day.  I didn't have any side effects.  I believe it is a very, very safe drug.  It controlled my slightly high blood pressure and numerous pvcs.  For some reason it just stopped working, which I think was a gradual thing.  Last summer I had bigeminy pvcs and my blood pressure was creeping up.  I have now switched to toprol which is working well.  You need to take things slowly and wait and see.  Who knows, they may come up with a great drug that we will all switch to before 10 years go by.  Don't worry too much about the future, just know that you are on a good drug and you will see what happens......

[IaneFortin]

A few months ago I too was on Verapamil to try and tame my tachycardia. I had the exact same dose as you do. I had been even longer on 50mg of Atenolol for almost 10 years and I had no ill side effects, from what I understood there's always a possibility of side effects with taking drugs for a long time. My cardiologist said that chances are slim of experiencing these
Less common:
* breathing difficulty, coughing, or wheezing
* irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat
* skin rash
* slow heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute)
* swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs  

You have already been on the medication for 2 years with-out any problems, should anything arise contact your doctor right away and they'll will help you out as much as possible.

Iane F.