Friday, August, 29, 2008

Question
Jennifer Scruggs
06/18/08
Jennifer Scruggs
Category:Calan

My grandmother has taken calan for years, the last 6 wks when she takes it, she becomes weak & sick.

My Grandmother has taken Calan 60 mg for several years without any trouble. Within the last 6 weeks when she takes it, the pressure drops significantly (50 points or more) and she feels sick for at least 3 hours, with extreme fatigue, weakness and nausea, considerably affecting/limiting her daily activities. Could it be possible that she has developed "sick sinus syndrome"? I am a nurse & am very frustrated. She is due to see her physician next week, but have found that it is hard to get anyone to listen. Please send any suggestions you may have. Thank- you!!

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Answers (1)
Dr. Blaivas
Monday, July 07, 2008

Calan (verapamil) is a medication that can lower both the heart rate and the blood pressure.  The adverse effects that you are describing may be caused be a problem with the heart rate or rhythm, such as sick sinus syndrome.  The other possibility is that your grandmother may not be able to tolerate the medication anymore due to a problem with maintaining her blood pressure, which can be caused by a dysautonomia or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, an infection, or different drug interaction.  Speak with her doctor to try to get to the bottom of it.

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