Warning about stopping verapamil

[Glenn]

I started taking verapamil to prevent cluster headaches many years ago, and it worked.  Well, at least the headaches stopped for the most part.  When I developed high blood pressure, since it works for that, too, the dosage was increased -- that was 10 years ago.  During that time, never a cluster, only very occasional isolated attacks  New doctor, two months ago, took me off verapamil and prescribed a different med for BP, and guess what.  I've been in a cluster period ever since.  Went back on verapamil, increased dosage, 160 mg. X 3, and duration and severity have decreased since then.  Oxygen was delivered today.   Haven't ever used that before.  I can hardly wait for my next headache, to see how it works!  Not.  But glad I have this additional tool.  Delivery guy told me he has a number of customers who use oxygen for cluster headaches -- which surprised me -- I thought I was the only one.  And, he said all these other customers are very pleased with oxygen therapy, so, that's good news.  Point is, though, might be best not to go off verapamil.  I had thought, why not -- hadn't had a cluster in years!  But boom -- big time cluster right after stopping verapamil.  Sure wish I had said "No thanks" to the doc who suggested taking something else for blood pressure.  Won't make that mistake again.

[BoscoPiko]

1 hour ago, Glenn said:

Point is, though, might be best not to go off verapamil. 

These types of reports scare me. I wonder what your dosage was prior to increasing to 480 and what type of verapamil (ER or RR)? I am assuming you were on a lower dose prior with the "increased" wording in your message. Anyhow, I am happy you are finding relief at 480 which is where I am at. So glad you also got O2 as it really can be a game changer for so many. I struggle with the O2 and get "hit and miss" results but any score is better than none and most of my unsuccessful aborts happen when I was unable to get to the O2 quick enough. Since you got your 02 today, keep in mind that you will be in need of a non re-breather mask along with a regulator that allows at a minimum of 15-25 LPM flow rate which can be easily purchased online. 

 

2 hours ago, Glenn said:

I can hardly wait for my next headache, to see how it works!  Not.

This made me laugh. Sorry I tend to appreciate humor of this sort. I may be demented in that way but blame God.. He made me this way..

 

2 hours ago, Glenn said:

I had thought, why not -- hadn't had a cluster in years!

Jelly over this comment but do need to preach the D3 regimen which has kept me doing quite well for some time now. You can read about it on here by using the search bar. Wishing you the best!!