Verapamil is a commonly used headache medication. I was on verapamil for a 3-4 week period, before I had a reaction to it after I went in a hot tub, where veins in my body seemed really inflammed and were like popping out in the back. However, my second cousin has been using it for years successfully to treat and eliminate his chronic headaches.
A new UK study suggests that at high doses the drug verapamil can cause heart problems and all patients being treated with the drug should have frequent electrocardiograms (EKGs) to check for irregular hearbeats.
The results showed that of the 108 patients whose EKGs could be monitored:
- 21 patients (19 per cent) had arrhythmias (irregular heart beat).
- 13 patients (12 per cent) had first degree heart block at 240 to 960 mg a day, with one patient needing to have a permanent pacemaker fitted.
- 4 patients had junctional rhythm.
- 1 patients had second degree heart block.
- 4 patients had right bundle heart block.
- Bradycardia (heart rate below 60 beats per minute) occurred in 39 (36 per cent) patients, but verapamil was stopped in only 4 patients.
Therefore if you are using this drug or are going to consider using this drug for headaches it may be very benneficial, but be aware of the heart problems it can cause and check your EKG frequently.
For the entire article visit http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/79557.php