Aa
Verapamil success?? Thoughts?
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!!!
Thank you in advance!!!
Verapamil is originally a heart medicine but it works well on headaches too. I take it that you use if for heart problems and not headaches, right?
To have heart problems usually puts you under a lot of mental stress. It is not fun to say the least. Maybe you should also consider seeing a professional that can help you with the mental aspects of being ill? Meet with other people in the same situation? How is the support from your loved ones?
Also check out the heart forums here on medhelp.
Take care and wish you the best!
/Ball
To have heart problems usually puts you under a lot of mental stress. It is not fun to say the least. Maybe you should also consider seeing a professional that can help you with the mental aspects of being ill? Meet with other people in the same situation? How is the support from your loved ones?
Also check out the heart forums here on medhelp.
Take care and wish you the best!
/Ball
Old posts never die... Yes. Stiffness in the neck. Lumbar spine pain. 9 days. 120 mg Verapamil extended release.
Reading this old post, and as inappropriate as it may be, I have to wonder if your having tea made from organic rosemary would have worked.
I'm 9 days into 120 mg Verapamil, and I have pain - lumbar spine, and that's making me quite anxious as, of course, I assume that the anesthetic effects of Verapamil are working, and this previously "hidden" pain has to be due to undiagnosed lung cancer - of course. Did you go mad? I think I might.
I'm 9 days into 120 mg Verapamil, and I have pain - lumbar spine, and that's making me quite anxious as, of course, I assume that the anesthetic effects of Verapamil are working, and this previously "hidden" pain has to be due to undiagnosed lung cancer - of course. Did you go mad? I think I might.
I've been taking Verapamil 120 mg once a day for 5 days for alleged angina and coronary insufficiency. (I do not have hypertension). I've already submitted MedWatch reports about the side effects.
I was extremely concerned about the constipation effects, as I've had much trouble with hemorrhoids and have had some kind of ? in my digestive tract or otherwise. That is the only effect I have not yet had.
My feet burned within two hours of taking the medication. Day 2, I awoke with tachycardia and ended up going to the ER. My ekg was it's usual abby-normal (sic) self. Tachycardia seems NEVER to be associated with Verapamil unless save for a highly-specific cardiac anomaly, which I located in one study. (I cannot locate it now, of course). Anyway, no one believes that there is an association between the Verapamil and the tachycardia, and the fact that my systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped 30 points, (and it is within normal range).
My nose is running, and I feel as though I'm having a reaction to pollen - and I do not have allergies. This morning, I have pain in my back - lumbar region along or to the left of the spine. This is frightening, but my heart function is so decreased by the Verapamil that I'm not having a physiological awareness of the fear. (I am not taking other medications save for aspirin).
My sleep cycle has been shortened two hours. My vision is more blurry - I do have cataracts. Of course Verapamil, like most medications, is loaded with inactive ingredients that are not so very good for you. Plus all the dyes in the pill. (Do I care what color this thing is?)
But my physicians advise to stay on it. I'm too frightened not to, although the Verapamil is really of no use in terms of preventing something like sudden cardiac death - which they tell me is a possibility, even though I have not yet had a catheterization procedure, my ejection fraction is great, my blood pressure (had been) normal.... It all rather stinks.
I was extremely concerned about the constipation effects, as I've had much trouble with hemorrhoids and have had some kind of ? in my digestive tract or otherwise. That is the only effect I have not yet had.
My feet burned within two hours of taking the medication. Day 2, I awoke with tachycardia and ended up going to the ER. My ekg was it's usual abby-normal (sic) self. Tachycardia seems NEVER to be associated with Verapamil unless save for a highly-specific cardiac anomaly, which I located in one study. (I cannot locate it now, of course). Anyway, no one believes that there is an association between the Verapamil and the tachycardia, and the fact that my systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped 30 points, (and it is within normal range).
My nose is running, and I feel as though I'm having a reaction to pollen - and I do not have allergies. This morning, I have pain in my back - lumbar region along or to the left of the spine. This is frightening, but my heart function is so decreased by the Verapamil that I'm not having a physiological awareness of the fear. (I am not taking other medications save for aspirin).
My sleep cycle has been shortened two hours. My vision is more blurry - I do have cataracts. Of course Verapamil, like most medications, is loaded with inactive ingredients that are not so very good for you. Plus all the dyes in the pill. (Do I care what color this thing is?)
But my physicians advise to stay on it. I'm too frightened not to, although the Verapamil is really of no use in terms of preventing something like sudden cardiac death - which they tell me is a possibility, even though I have not yet had a catheterization procedure, my ejection fraction is great, my blood pressure (had been) normal.... It all rather stinks.
As a seven year suffered of chronic cluster headaches who has tried many different treatments, I endorse Verapamil as the best and most effective way to end migraines. I completely eliminated my cluster headaches by taking 240 mg a day. I love this drug! I was worried about taking it as I have low blood pressure but the only side effect was constipation. My doctor said to take a magnesium supplement to relax the GI tract. I'd also recommend starting on metamucil early on so you avoid it getting bad.
Very interesting point and very well vaild. I too had HORRIBLE trauma as a child. Health issues such as Insomnia (first problem and obviously a big one), IBS (stomach) Anxiety, PTSD etc. And a little over 3 years ago I've had migraines with pain that are off the chart! I try desperately to figure out why I have them; logging diet, situations weather, etc. I cannot take pain meds but have taken topomax (had hallucinations!) Verapamil, all kinds of meds but they work temporarily then stop working. I've had three this month and I'm thinking it could be caused by dehydration? I stopped drinking water when weather got cold. I heard a lady say once that she ALWAYS drinks water because she had migraines in the past and she doesn't now because SHE ALWAYS has water with her and drinks it. If anyone wants to start drinking water with me to see if it's as simple as dehydration let me know and we'll do an experient! Good luck - I no longer work due to these migraines...
I have been in the same situation was you with migraines, and have tried many different preventative medications with horrible side effects. One thing I came upon, that has really assisted with decreasing my migraines is EMDR therapy. I have a lot of trauma in my background growing up, and come to find out some of my migraines are results of triggers of past trauma that I have dissociated or separated from. Just a thought and another resource.
I have the same thing. I noticed your post is older-Did you ever find any relief? I have stiff/hurting neck and one shoulder constantly and just thought it was sitting at a desk?
I am on verapamil for svt and take Miralax every day because of some surgery I had 2 years ago. So it takes care of the constipation. And eat lots of veggies and fruits.
I have been diagnosed with Hemaplegic Migraines that are a rare form of complec migraines. My neurologist has just started me on Verapamil and I start my first dose today. I wanted to thank you all for both the good and bad comments that you posted on here. I am hoping, praying and even begging that I will also be helped like some of you were with the use of verapamil.
the constipation can be easily remedied if you take magnesium supplements. take 800-2000mg daily, which is helpful with headaches and sleep. too much mag will result in diarrhea, so they'll kinda settle each other out!
i have been on verapamil sr 180 r for 7years now it is miracal drug for me i have cluster migrains thought i was going to die if they did not stop... doctor told me to try varapamil no more migrains... except they come back about every 2 to 2 1/2 years for a week or 2.... this drug has helped me to have a life again... if the doctor gives it to u you need to try !!!! hope everybody stops haveing migrains.. cause everybody that has migrains no it is the worst thing in the world hope that god blesses u all
Hi. The feet and ankle swelling is definitely a side effect of the verapamil. I have only been on it for a few days and am watching my ankles with great trepidation. So far the migraines seem better, but it is too early to tell. I am on 180mg each night. Am having magnificent sleeps!
My 14year old daughter was just put on Verapamil 120mg once a day for headaches. She doesnt see a change and doesnt like taking medicine if she cant see it working. My daughter believes it just turns you into a pill popper.
Anyways she has had a constant headache for 2months straight with no relief. Doctor said he doesnt know what else to do but to send her to a neurologist for a spinal tap. The MRI came back normal.
Has anybody else suffered this way? If so what helped you? She has been on prescription pain killers, steriods, antibiotics (3 different kinds), trips to the ER and still no relief.
Anyways she has had a constant headache for 2months straight with no relief. Doctor said he doesnt know what else to do but to send her to a neurologist for a spinal tap. The MRI came back normal.
Has anybody else suffered this way? If so what helped you? She has been on prescription pain killers, steriods, antibiotics (3 different kinds), trips to the ER and still no relief.
I've been suffering migraines for about 28 years, but they've changed over the years and I only got diagnosed about 4years ago. It seems the older I get the worse they become, I'm 47. Neuro has prescribed Inderal (which worked for about 6 mths), Topiramate, Endep. Nothing works. Now I'm on Verapamil 240gm, 2tabs in the morning. Still having migraines but not as intense. But my feet and ankles have swollen up really badly. Is this fluid retention? Has anyone else experienced this on Verapamil? If so, can it be relieved?
I am getting ready to begin Verapamil for chronic migraines of almost 3 years. Nothing has worked for prophylaxis.
Has the verapamil helped you?
Has the verapamil helped you?
Triptans like Imitrex, Zomig, Frova, etc. CAUSE neck pain. Are you sure it's the verapamil and not the triptan causing the neck pain?
I have had migraines for years and over the years I have been prescribed several different drugs. I took Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline, and Propranolol. The first two are anti depressants. They worked well, especially the Nortriptyline because it also helped with my insomnia. The drawback is that one of the side effects is gaining weight. Propranolol is a beta blocker.In my opinion , after awhile many drugs lose their effectiveness if you have been using them for a long period of time. My migraines have gotten worse the last couple of months so I will be starting Verapamil tomorrow. Wish me luck!
aS WELL AS ME! i went from 154lbs to 116lbs I was depressed and foggy and cranky and my headaches seemd worse than when I started it? I ended up having a seizure on it and breaking my arm. I did not have a good effect with it either but everyone is different?
Is this the Houston Headache Clinic with Dr. Ninan Mathew that you mentioned? Just wondering. I went there for some time. I know this post was old, so I'm not sure if you yiu've posted since.
If you wake up with headaches, have you tried drinking a full tall glass of water before getting out of bed? Soaking your feet in hot water for ten minutes every day may help, too. That was recommended by an acupuncturist, and that seems to help me some. I've also started an elimination diet to see what food triggers may be contributing. I think I may be allergic to gluten. Diet is huge and worth looking into. Good luck!
If you wake up with headaches, have you tried drinking a full tall glass of water before getting out of bed? Soaking your feet in hot water for ten minutes every day may help, too. That was recommended by an acupuncturist, and that seems to help me some. I've also started an elimination diet to see what food triggers may be contributing. I think I may be allergic to gluten. Diet is huge and worth looking into. Good luck!
Hello! I just laughed out loud because I went through the same issue, I am also 20 years old. I was on Topamax for four years with great success then it all went south. I became suicidal, endlessly tired, and paranoid to the point I would rather the migraines. Then my Dr. suggested I switch to Verapamil and after the first transition weeks my migraines greatly dissipated. I hope Verapamil works for you. I still get a headache during high stress times such as school finals week, however, the combination of eating healthy foods and de-stressing with yoga or exercises has done wonders! I am a new woman.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Migraines and Headaches Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Allentown, PA
Queen Creek, AZ
Queensland, Australia
Trinity , TX
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
