Verapamil side effects

[Elsa1509]

This is only my second post but I’ve had my cardiac appointment and been referred to an EP for an ablation as a result of my 7 day ECG (multiple episodes of SVT) and sinus tachycardia.

In the meantime I have been prescribed Verapamil (40mg x 3 daily). My problem is I suffer badly from constipation and this is a known side effect of this drug. The consultant said to increase my fiber.

I cannot take Bisoprolol due to my chronic Raynauds syndrome.

Has anyone got experience of Verapamil ? I keep looking at the box not wanting to start for all sorts of reasons - however I work full time in a stressful job and probably need to start them for my symptoms and stress levels.

Thank you so much for any thoughts or experiences anyone can relay on this drug!

[wilsond]

I don't have experience of it but would suggest a high fibre diet can only help,with extra fluids too. Best wishes

[Elsa1509 in reply to wilsond]

Thank you Wilsond and I’m really working on that and it definitely does help! Thank you for your advice.

[Geonome]

I tried Verapamil, but had constant severe headaches, in addition to the constipation. I managed the constipation with additional magnesium, but couldn't manage the headaches. Discontinued Verapamil after a week.

[Elsa1509 in reply to Geonome]

Thank you Geonome and I read that this is a potential side effect and some people in their reviews mentioned this. I’m sorry you had those headaches. We all react so differently to drugs so I guess the only way I can tell is to try it - it’s just that if I start it and it doesn’t work out i then have to seek medical advice to come off it (apparently!) At the moment I think it’s easier not to start it but as I had a bad heart episode yesterday morning I nearly took one. I have a full on week at work next week so am probably stalling for that reason as well ! I hope you found a good alternative and thank you for your reply.

[Valsha]

I take verapamil with no problems. I put the slight constipation down to statins, and take a couple of prunes a day and that seems to sort it.

[Elsa1509 in reply to Valsha]

Thank you Valsha and I will take the plunge at some point to try the Verapamil and arm myself with things like prunes to hopefully overcome this side effect! Thank you.

[Pearce1940oscar]

I have taken verapamil for 4 years and have had no headaches or constipation

[seasider18]

I took Securon, modified release Verapamil for years. It was a very effective drug for me but did cause severe constipation. It also made me more susceptible to sunshine.

[Elsa1509]

Thank you seasider18 - I really suffer with this problem anyway (!) so I am thinking it is going to make my bowel even more lazy then it is 😩! I may just continue with the Bisoprolol as a pill in the pocket if I get desperate with my symptoms and put up with my fingers turning blue! I’ll also wait to see how quick my EP appointment comes through. That’s interesting about the sunshine as well - I have been tested for Lupus as I have raised antibodies and react to the sun sometimes. I just hating taking drugs anyway and just want to get the ablation done ! Thank you!

[wheezybronch]

If your doctor has prescribed Verapamil, I would take them, not everybody has all or any or any of the side effects. This is a drug that is designed to prevent problems, absolutely no good taking them when you have them. You really should take them but if you don't you should advise your doctor. Good luck.

[Elsa1509]

Thank you wheezybronch and I know you’re right but as a compromise I’m back on my beta-blockers. I know that I don’t have too bad side effects from them and they are bringing down the heart rate well. I realised I needed something after endless days of palpitations and tachycardia. I now have a 2 month wait until I see the EP so I had to take something in the meantime ! Thank you for your advice!

[doodle68]

Hi Elsa do you like Kiwi fruit, they are great for constipation I think it is something to do with the little seeds. Dried apricots are good too.

My grandaughter had a problem and they helped her .

[Elsa1509]

Hi Doodle68. Yes! I have kiwis every day as well as laxatives, psyllum husks, prunes and stool softeners and even then it can be a struggle to go! It’s a daily battle, hence my reluctance to take Verapamil. I am also prone to low blood pressure alongside tachycardia so I don’t want my BP to go too low. Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will try the apricot seeds!