Verapamil success?? Thoughts?

[JaclynDT]

Hello All, I have been prescribed Verapamil for migraines, I have only been on it a couple of wks and I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts about this medication, wondering if its worked for anyone as far as the migraine aspect. I have been told that it may take up to 4-6 wks before I notice a difference and of course I did not expect results over night. I am also taking Zoloft and have been told that these two medications should be fine together. It's odd b/c I know that Verapamil is mainly used for chest pains and cardiovascular problems, and today after I took my medications, my chest started to hurt and I felt a little short of breath, If you have ever read my posts in the past you are probably well aware of the fact that I am a major hypochondriac but as always, I feel its better to be safe than sorry.. Any comments/thoughts/suggestions would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!!!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Verapamil normally when used for migraine prophylaxis does not cause chest pain and shortness of breath. However it can cause fatigue which can lead to shortness of breath.
Verapamil can affect the normal rhythm of the heart and should be used cautiously by patients with heart conditions.
I would suggest you to wait and watch, if your symptoms do not abate and get worse it will be a good idea to get a cardiovascular exam done.
Hope this helps!

[JaclynDT]

I was actually rushed to the hospital b/c my chest pains and shortness of breath got so intense, my headache specialist said that it may be a "reflux" from the medication...? and has told me to abruptly stop taking the medication instead of weaning myself off.... Now my head is in a MASSIVE amount of pain.... I can barley focus.... Do you think this has to do with the discontinuation of the Verapamil? Should I go to half a pill and try to wean myself off rather than just not taking it abruptly?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I am really sorry to hear that. I would suggest you to consult your specialist before starting verapamil again. It seems you suffered some kind of allergic reaction to Verapamil which resulting in excessive chest pain and shortness of breath.In these cases the medication is topped abruptly.
Please do not start the medication on your own. There are other options available please check with your doctor at your earliest.
Take care!

[dwdr5]

I just got off of verapamil after being on it for 5 months. The dose was increased over that time. I changed Dr's in the middle of this because the 1st Dr also had me on Elavil, which was a complete disaster for me! Turns out the verapamil was also bad. while it worked for a few months only reducing the severity of the migraine, it caused a very strange side affect of what i could only describe as a headache in my upper neck. My new Dr said this symptom was not related to the verapamil. Regardless, i stopped the drug and in about 10 days the neck pain started to subside. I am now trying topamax.  FYI IMATREX is now generic! picked some up yesterday.

dw

[marquette1959]

I have been using Verapamil for several months. My Dr has increased my dose up to 240 mg 2X a day. The drug has eliminated my migraines for now. I am happy with the medication.

[marquette1959]

I wanted to update my earlier post regarding Verapamil. I did start having migraines again after 3 weeks. I am now trying a new medication that is typically used for depression, in small doses it is supposed to help with migraine. It is called Nortriptyline. Since I  just started taking it I do not have anything to report. I will post later when I know more. Hope you are doing well.