preventative medication Archives - Page 2 of 2

preventative medication

3 June 2010

1% Thursday: Take a Break

This tip is not for everyone, and certainly not for everyone at every time. I’m not talking about taking a break from life or from your job, but taking a break from your preventative medication.

Let me be clear: you most certainly need to discuss this with your doctor. Don’t make assumptions, and don’t stop taking a daily medication without her approval.

Sometimes we are so anxious (with reason) to find a treatment that works, we zip along from one medication and one treatment to another, without stopping. Sometimes you need to do this – after all, you’re probably taking an abortive of some kind even if you’re not taking a preventative, and that can be even worse for your body.

On the other hand, there may be a time when you need to stop for two or three months, and remember what it’s like without the daily preventative. Drugs can affect you in ways you don’t even realize, and it can happen gradually. When you get off the drug for a few weeks, you may realize how significant the side effects were.

This could be wise advice for any treatment – but drugs seem to be the most significant when it comes to those side effects.

So if you’ve been going through a period of trying one preventative after another, talk to your doctor about taking a break of 1, 2 or 3 months. Take the time to remember what it’s like without. It may clear your head and allow you to evaluate future treatments in a more objective way.

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better. Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge. Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!

28 September 2009

What is Verapamil?

James Medications 5

Today we’re going to look at a medication known as verapamil, a calcium channel blocker which is used for both migraine and cluster headache. We’re not going to go into every detail about function and dosage, but we are going to address some important issues that people with migraine and cluster need to know.

What is Verapamil?

Verapamil is a type of medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It comes under many brand names, such as Calan, Covera-HS and Isoptin. Because of the calcium blocking function, blood vessels are dilated, reducing blood pressure and the amount of oxygen your heart uses. It also reduces the risk of spasm in blood vessels. As you may guess, verapamil is commonly used to treat issues like high blood pressure and some other heart and circulatory related problems.

There are many types of calcium channel blockers used in the treatment of migraine. Verapamil is just one type. Verapamil is used as a preventative medication.

Common misconceptions

Many people are concerned about what calcium is being blocked by verapamil. This is calcium in the heart and smooth muscles. It has no impact on blood calcium or the calcium in your bones. So you don’t need to supplement your calcium specifically because you’re taking this medication. (In fact, taking calcium could interfere with verapamil – talk to your doctor)

Another concern people have is that verapamil will lower their blood pressure too low if they don’t already have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already normal or low, you usually don’t have to worry. However, do make sure your doctor is aware of your medical history, and if you start feeling very lightheaded when you stand up, that could be a sign that you should have your blood pressure checked.

Who takes Verapamil?

Verapamil actually has become an increasingly common medication for migraine of all classes. However, there are some conditions it’s more likely to be used:

Cluster Headache (both chronic and episodic)
Hemiplegic Migraine, including both sporadic hemiplegic migraine and familial hemiplegic migraine
Migraineurs who already have high blood pressure
Migraineurs who can’t take beta blockers (ie because of asthma)
Menstrual Migraine
Migraine induced by orgasm or exercise
Types of migraine with prolonged aura

Verapamil has also been used successfully to treat children and adolescents with migraine.

Side effects

Verapamil is a favourite in the class of calcium channel blockers, partly because it’s less likely to cause side effects. However, as with any medication, some people do experience some. Most commonly:

Constipation
Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
Slowing of the heart rate
Tiredness or heaviness
Light headedness (see above)

There are others, though these tend to be the most common – please talk to your doctor if you notice any side effects.

Summary

Though certainly not for everyone, verapamil continues to help some people with migraine and cluster as a preventative medication after many years of use.