Verapamil - calcium channel blocker for neuropathic pain?

[Aaron98]

I saw a new pain management specialist today, and was just prescribed Verapamil to potentially help with neuropathic pain. It is a calcium channel blocker, so I have a few concerns before I begin taking it. My blood pressure tends to be quite low, so I am not sure if this will lower it further (since it is usually taken to treat hypertension). Also, I read that Verapamil is a medium inhibitor of steroids, so could potentially be dangerous for a person with Addison's (which I have secondary to AMN).

I have never heard of this medication being used to help with neuropathic pain. What do you think? Thank you!

[Seifert_09]

Well if you take it please keep us updated. I would be very interested to hear the results. I’m in the same boat as you with the adrenals. All the best to you and I hope it helps.

[mariagno]

I took Verapamil for a year after I had a heart valve repaired. I did not notice anything neuropathic but also was not aware of any benefits. I have read that calcium blockers could improve pain.

It did lower my heart rate and blood pressure but without any issues. It did make the edima in my legs worse requiring extra attention to deal with that but not a major issue.

I would love to hear how it does for you. It is in the scheme of things relatively safe.

Whenever I try a new medication, I ask to start with the smallest dose possible and work your way up. You can go up easily but not always so easy coming down. Smaller dosages minimize initial side effects that make you quit at higher doses.

With Verapamil it is very important to take it everyday as directed and do not stop it cold turkey. It can create other issues to stop it without talking to your doctor.

Good luck!

[GoharSK]

I know the use of verapamil. But neuropathic pain management is different. I share my experience here. Use of verapamil in 0.02ml daily 3 times improve the neuropathic pain. Solution must be made in normal saline.

[Aaron98 in reply to GoharSK]

Thanks for sharing, Gohar. By "in saline", do you mean as an injection? As an oral medication, this did absolutely nothing to help with neuropathic pain.

[GoharSK in reply to Aaron98]

gentleman this is oral treatment not IV. So take 10 drops three times and see the results after 7 days of the treatment. Similarly nasal congestion which occurs with this treatment will be relieved with use of this solution which contains Adrenalin 1ml in 10 ml of normal saline and use 5 drops inside the nose bilaterally and after that applying vasline in the nose will relieve the nasal congestion. Rest keep checking BP and manage accordingly.