veraprimil and angina

[Ljb1234]

has anybody had bad side effects from veraprimil.

Or have you tolerated diltiazem better just need some advice

[Happyrosie]

we all react differently to different things but the experts in understanding are pharmacists. You should be able to talk to the one employed by your doctor’s group of surgeries, failing that your dispensing pharmacist,

[Lowerfield_no_more]

As above

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

What type of angina do you live with?Verapamil is often prescribed if a person has vasospastic angina.

Diltiazem or Amlodipine other calcium channel blockers tend to be more effective in helping to reduce coronary vasospasms.

I have been taking Diltiazem for many years without too many problems.

I manage the common side effect of constipation with prunes.

I couldn't tolerate Amlodipine as I got very swollen ankles.

As others have said we all respond to medication differently.

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

I have coranary spasm and coranary artery disease.i just don’t think I can tolerate veraprimil and have been on it for 8 months.i get no attacks anymore but I’m so unwell all the time and anxious and I think it’s this tablet

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

That's difficult. Maybe discuss with your Cardiologist whether an alternative calcium channel blocker may be better suited for you?

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

I do see him next week and I’m now at the point that something has to change cause mentally I don’t want to be here anymore.

I think the veraprimil has induced anxiety for me as I never had it before.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

I hope your appointment goes well.

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

can I ask what you have and if you are better.And what tablets you take

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

I was diagnosed with vasospastic angina over 10 years ago, following a functional angiogram using acetylcholine.

I am unfortunately severally effected by my coronary vasospasms. I don't respond well to my medication.

I take 360mgs of Diltiazem twice a day, along with high doses of Nicorandil, Isosorbide mononitrate, nitrate patches, clopidogrel, rosuvastatin and Ivabradine.

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

God you sound like me.im on basically everything your on different blood thinner though and lower dosage of veraprimil and don’t take nitrate patches.

How do you even function on all of that?

Do you get relief from attacks now with that combination?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

Sometimes I wonder myself 🤔I still have frequent daily episodes of chest pain. I end up in hospital from time to time.

Taking the pills are only a part of the story.

There are lots of other coping strategies that I use to help me to manage.

I find Tai Chi, yoga, breathing and relaxation techniques along with Mindfulness Meditation help.

I walk my dog everyday what ever the weather.

It's spring here and I am enjoying listening to the birds sing and waiting for the leaves to appear on the trees again.

I have the good fortune of people around me who support me.

This website created by four patients all who have either microvascular or vasospastic angina has a section on coping strategies that you may find helpful.

internationalheartspasmsall...

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

You sound content even though you still struggle.

I hardly leave my house due to feeling so unwell.i do try to go out when I can but I’m a lot different to who I use to be.

I’m glad I don’t suffer constant angina attacks but am woken every morning without fail by this heavy feeling in my chest and a bit breathless which I’m starting to wonder if it’s my angina doing that.

I have had professional help which has taught me breathing exercises and coping exercises.

I’m glad you have responded to have someone to talk to.

Are you still able to work at all?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

I had sadly had to retire early due to my vasospastic angina. I now do voluntary work, advocating for heart patients such as ourselves.

My sense of calm has been hard won. I have had some poor experiences over the years, which has left its mark.

Do you have a good Cardiologist who understands vasospastic angina?

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

I’m sorry to hear that

I cannot work anymore or at this stage which I miss but then again I don’t.

I do have a good cardiologist and seems understanding it will be good to see him next week and try figure out a plan.

I think I have given the past eight months on veraprimil a good try but something has to change.

Did you ever go on veraprimil at all?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

I have not been on Verapamil. My Cardiologist suggested that as Diltiazem is a more effective vasodilator, it is better suited to treat my coronary vasospasms as well as managing my blood pressure.

[Ljb1234 in reply to Milkfairy]

I was told to go on diltiazem few months back in a hospital stay where there specialist knows me very well and he said I don’t think your tolerating the veraprimil and said I have nothing to lose to just try it.

I never did though now I think he’s right and I think it’s not controlling blood pressure as well now cause it spikes in the arvo pretty high for me it does anyway

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Ljb1234]

Maybe give Diltiazem a go?