Verapamil SR 120 mg side effects, one a day

[carer999]

I took my first of dose Half Securon SR 120 mg mid morning and this afternoon I am dizzy and lacking energy. I am struggling to stand up. I realise I have a adjust, but I wasn't expecting a total wipeout.

Can I take this pill and at night and reduce the initial effect of the tablets in my waking hours or would this have no effect as being modified release it lasts much longer.

Does anyone know how quickly in 24 hour period the effect reduces. I am not looking forward to taking another pill tomorrow.

I wans't expecting to feel this bad.

[etheral]

Hi, the half life of extended release varapamil Is approximately 12 hrs. So I would assume that it would take 12-24 hrs for the effects to wear off, although they should diminish after 12 hrs. Hope you're feeling better and your doctor can find an alternative drug, not a calcium channel blocker. Best, etheral

[Brenda-j]

I have taken verapamil for years with no problem but I do take it in the evening. You do seem to have had quite a reaction so it may just not suit you. I hope you find an alternative that works for you. Good luck

[carer999]

Thanks @etheral and @brenda-j

Everything is still spinning this morning, 24 hours after first tablet. I'm undecided whether to risk taking another pill this morning. Trying to decide whether to leave it till this evening or not take another pill. I have to drive to the dentist on Tuesday and if the dizzyness is caused by the pills I don't want to prolong this so I can't drive on Tuesday and no one to ask for a lift. A bit of a dilemma.

[etheral]

Please be safe and don't drive. I would hold off on taking any more Verapamil until speaking with your doc. Check your heart rate. If it lower than 50 or higher than 120 and you are symptomatic you may want to consider a trip to a&e.

[KMRobbo]

Only rate control drug I took that dud not havevanybsude effects for me. I took 120mg mod release ( same brand half securon) but also took 30mg normal release ( ie faster) if I had an afib attack.

But we are a different with meds

[Snowgirl65]

I too had a big problem with Verapamil years ago as it made me very tired and lethargic. My doctor at the time told me to take it in the evenings. It's true that it made me sleep well, but I found it extremely difficult to keep awake at the office in the morning, but was fine by lunchtime. I wonder if your doctor can put you on something else. Some people have no problem with the drug, but personally, it's not one I would care to take again.

[Islandee]

My doctor told me to take it around dinner time. It is the only prescription that I had very few side effects with. I took it for atrial tachycardia and palpitations. It didn't help at all with the palpitations, so the doctor is going to try something else next.

[carer999]

Thank you all for your comments. I decided not to take a second pill knowing I needed to drive. It's now 72 hours since I took the pill, dizzyness has reduced. Still feeling wiped out with no energy just like I've had a virus. I had hoped after this length of time I would be ok. Now need to find a time when I can set aside a few days with no commitments to see if I want to try it again.