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Verapamil |
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What is Verapamil and why is it prescribed? Verapamil-based medications can be prescribed for several heart and blood pressure problems. Verapamil is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. It eases the heart's workload by slowing down the passage of nerve impulses through it, and hence the contractions of the heart muscle. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, corrects irregular heartbeat, and helps prevent angina pain. Some doctors also prescribe Verapamil to prevent migraine headache and asthma and to treat manic depression and panic attacks. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Verapamil regularly for it to be effective. Verapamil does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Verapamil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Verapamil. Try not to miss any doses. If the drug is not taken regularly, your condition can get worse. Check with your doctor before you stop taking this drug, a slow reduction in the dose may be required. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Verapamil at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Are there any Verapamil side effects? Verapamil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Verapamil side effects may include congestive heart failure, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, and upper respiratory infection. Less common or rare Verapamil side effects may include angina, blurred vision, breast development in males, bruising, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive milk secretion, fainting, fatigue, fever and rash, flushing, hair loss, heart attack, hives, impotence, increased urination, indigestion, intestinal blockage, joint pain, light-headedness upon standing up, limping, loss of balance, muscle cramps, pounding heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, shakiness, skin peeling, sleepiness, spotty menstruation, sweating, tingling or pins and needles, and upset stomach. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Verapamil? If Verapamil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Verapamil with ACE inhibitor-type blood pressure drugs (such as Capoten and Vasotec), Beta-blocker-type blood pressure drugs (such as Lopressor, Tenormin, and Inderal), Vasodilator-type blood pressure drugs (such as Loniten), Other high blood pressure drugs (such as Minipress), Alcohol, Aspirin, Amiodarone (Cordarone), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Chloroquine (Aralen), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Dantrolene (Dantrium), Digitalis (Lanoxin), Disopyramide (Norpace), Diuretics (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, PCE), Flecainide (Tambocor), Glipizide (Glucotrol), Grapefruit juice, Imipramine (Tofranil), Lithium (Lithonate), Nitrates (such as Transderm Nitro and Isordil), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Quinidine (Quinidex), Rifampin (Rifadin), Ritonavir (Kaletra, Norvir), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Verapamil? Verapamil can reduce or eliminate angina pain caused by exertion or exercise. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how much exertion is safe for you. Verapamil may cause your blood pressure to become too low. If you experience dizziness or light-headedness, notify your doctor. Congestive heart failure and fluid in the lungs have occurred in people taking Verapamil together with other heart drugs known as beta blockers. Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking. If you have a heart condition, liver disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or Duchenne's dystrophy, make certain your doctor knows about it. Verapamil should be used with caution. |
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