How quickly can I expect my calcium channel blocker to work?

[scottishmuppet]

Hi all - FINALLY got my verapramil, a calcium channel blocker to begin getting my AF under control.

Took my first dose today and have had a few flutters and a bit of AF this afternoon, but my chest pain and heaviness is definitely easing.

Could it be working so soon?

[weezergeezer]

Yes its possible its the verapamil, it tends to smooth out and lower the heartrate unfortunately it wont stop or eliminate Af completely , more likely its part of a management package along with asprin etc

watchout for the most common side effect...constipation !

branflakes for breakfast works a treat for me

[10gingercats in reply to weezergeezer]

I have been on Verapamil for some years and find it excellent for controlling my unruly heart.I very rarely get a 'judder' now.Only when I am extremely anxious on another account....The V. seemed to kick in immediately. I do not get any constipation with it but only take 80 mg X 2 daily. Started off with more but my GP reduced the dose a year ago as it was so effective.

[CDreamer in reply to weezergeezer]

Asprin - really? Most people would be anti-coagulated as this is the first line medication for AFers.

[weezergeezer in reply to CDreamer]

When i was first diagnosed in 2011, I was put prescribed asprin for 15 months as the Af became more frequent I was upgraded to warfarin !

things may well have changed now

[BobD Volunteer in reply to weezergeezer]

They have . Aspirin is no longer for stroke prevention in AF since 2014

[RobertELee]

Sorry to convey a 'downer' but verapramil is unlikely to 'control' your AF. This calcium channel blocker will, among other things, reduce the rate of your heartbeat by relaxing muscles in the heart and blood vessels. This in turn dilates the blood vessels which is why the drug is also good for hypertension. Hopefully, verapramil will prevent your heart racing during an AF episode. A slower heartbeat generally is no bad thing of course but AF will probably still come knocking, though perhaps not so loudly.

[scottishmuppet in reply to RobertELee]

Yes I'm still getting AF but I am far less aware of it which in the short term is such a blessed relief I'm not going to worry for now. The main thing is my constant aching left side chest and shortness of breath have completely gone.

[weezergeezer in reply to RobertELee]

Sadley in my case it didnt slow the heartrate very much in Af, I've hit 220 bpm , the only solution was to lay in bed, I found by doing this my heartrate would drop below 100bmp, but of course Id suffer until the episode decided to switch it self off, thank goodness thats now history

[PeterWh in reply to RobertELee]

If your heart beat is too low that is believed to encourage AF!!!!!