Verapamil discontinuation PAIN!!!!!!

[JaclynDT]

I was recently prescribed Verapamil [after several other medications failed] for my "migraines" that I have on a daily basis. Migraine is such a vague word to describe the pain I am in.... I consider it more of brain zaps, a tingling burning pain that happens everyday. [If you have read my posts before I know is seems that I am repeating myself but I really need help]. Monday I was rushed to the hospital bc I had terrible chest pains and shortness of breath, the Dr. who prescribed me the Verapamil says that it could of been caused from a "reflux" of the medication, and told me to abruptly stop taking it and that weaning myself off wouldn't be necessary, granted I have only been on the medication for a couple of wks but I have always been told you must wean yourself off of any medication b/c abruptly discontinuing something could cause major problems. It has been two days since I've had a pill and my head is in extreme amounts of pain... could this be directly related? Please please please give me any suggestions you may have. Thanks in advance!!!

[louie1260]

If your daughter starts topamax, be sure to find a urologist.  One of the major side effects of topamax is kidney stones.  After taking it for my migraines for two years, I had kidney's full of stones.  I have had three operations to rid myself of them and the surgery/recovery is very painful.  The neurologist found out that I was in the hospital for a week ( the first time) and no kidding..yelled into the phone.. OH MY GOSH...ITS THE TOPAMAX!  No one had bothered to tell me that what I was taking for my migraines would create a major problem in my kidneys.  That started in 2009..my last surgery was the summer of 11.  Be very careful if taking topamax.  Some side effects are not mentioned nor discussed in detail by your neurologist.Kidney stones hurt worse than childbirth witout any pain medication.  I should know...I delivered one of my children without any pain medicaiton at all.  Stones are 1,000 times worse.  Be very, very careful.

[louie1260]

If your daughter starts topamax, be sure to find a urologist.  One of the major side effects of topamax is kidney stones.  After taking it for my migraines for two years, I had kidney's full of stones.  I have had three operations to rid myself of them and the surgery/recovery is very painful.  The neurologist found out that I was in the hospital for a week ( the first time) and no kidding..yelled into the phone.. OH MY GOSH...ITS THE TOPAMAX!  No one had bothered to tell me that what I was taking for my migraines would create a major problem in my kidneys.  That started in 2009..my last surgery was the summer of 11.  Be very careful if taking topamax.  Some side effects are not mentioned nor discussed in detail by your neurologist.Kidney stones hurt worse than childbirth witout any pain medication.  I should know...I delivered one of my children without any pain medicaiton at all.  Stones are 1,000 times worse.  Be very, very careful.

[Rfrank2]

I would proceed with extreme caution with topamax! I've had chronic mIgraines for 10 years now. I'm 25, and have tried pretty much everything. Topamax gave me my life back for 6 months......until it gave me glaucoma!!! Yes, really read up on this med! Glaucoma is a very real side effect. It also makes ANYTHING carbonated taste awful and bitter. It's a great med for some people but it took my already damaged brain and made it way worse.

[meek930]

my daughter and i both get hemoplegic migraines.i have no insurance but my daughter does.after seeing  a neurologist (i had no clue there are so many different kinds of migraines) they gave her verapamil to take on a daily basis.it seemed to decrease her migraines,but now after taking it for almost 2 years it seems to do nothing.i am taking her back and i've heard topamax is the thing they are prescribing now.so at 17 she is going from a blood pressure med to an anti seizure med.any comments or advice out there?

[myheadhurts24]

can I ask you the dosage you are taking of Verapamil that relieves your migraines?  I have been on 180mg for 4 weeks now and have had just as many migraines as usual.

[patsy115]

I tried every possible treatment for migranes and was taking about 7 Imatrax a week to deal with them. Eventually a doctor prescribed Verapamil and said it would prevent migranes. It took about 3-4 weeks & the migranes decreased dramatically - I now only get about one a month! Hooray what a relief!
Many thanks
Patsy

[bradish]

Hi,

I use Verapamil often.  Have you seen a doctor about your migranes and told the doc about your symptoms?  You said you have burning.  Is it all over or just one side, face, head, forehead, etc.  I have cluster headaches which are much worse then migranes.  It is a burning painful sensation which occurs on one side of the face.  The pain usually occurs while you are sleeping and you are awakened with the pain.  Sometimes your eye will close slightly and wonder and your nose will run.  Good luck to you and hope you can find a med that will work for you.  I went thru several before I found one that worked for me.  Good luck.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It is very difficult to tell as to exactly how many days these pains will last. I will however suggest you to keep yourself relaxed, and do not exert yourself.
Do keep us posted!

[JaclynDT]

Do you know how long the chest pain may last? I am still having it.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I am really sorry to hear that. Abruptly stopping verapamil can result in headaches.
It seems you suffered some kind of allergic reaction to Verapamil which resulting in excessive chest pain and shortness of breath.In these situations Verapamil has to be stopped abruptly.
There are other options available for migraine prophylaxis like anticonvulsants, beta blockers and Topamax. Please check with your doctor at your earliest.
Take care!