So, seven days ago, I had my dose of verapamil raised again. I had just finished part 2 of the waiting game, and had seen some good results. Fewer migraines, and less intense migraines. This was compared to the first dose of verapamil- which when compared to the Norvasc was a godsend. I think I'm onto something.
I guess this break from work isn't too awful- it's allowing for me to adjust to the new dose, and my stomach to adjust to the new level of "impact" on my life.
I'm not sure why I'm tired though- is it from the verapamil? Is it mild depression? Could it be my dysthymia crawling back? Am I just restless? I'm needing more sleep than ever before- craving it, needing it to function on any level. I guess I'll find out as things plod along. (on edit) According to the lit on verapamil, it appears that feeling tired can be a side effect. I don't remember if I was this draggy at any of the other increases, but, I'm willing to hang in there if I know that this may be a potential side effect, and it may be transient. Am I willing to deal with this long-term? That's a tough one. I think it depends on how much relief I get. So... waiting game, balancing act, all that jazz...
But here we go- the 8-12 week waiting game- round three. Maybe this round will be the one that wins the boxing match with my head?


My Dr. put me on 240MG of Verapamil along with 25GM of Amitriptyline(cut down from 50 mg's when he added the Verapamil) and I have been on it for 3 days and have only been able to stay awake about 10 hours total over the course of those 3 days. I have missed 3 days of work and can't afford to miss anymore.
I am waiting on the Dr. to call me back. To see if there is anything else I can do..
Obviously I can't give you medical advice, but I can offer some common things that have worked for me with the sleepies...
Are you taking the Verapamil all in one dose? I take mine in 2 doses, AM and PM, and am on a long-release form of verapamil. You may be able to juggle time of dosing, or take a larger amount of the Rx at night, if it makes you sleepy. Did you start at 120mg, or did you just begin at 240mg? It could be that the 240 is too high a dose.
As for the amitriptyline- it makes a lot of people sleepy. Are you taking it at night? For me, it made me hyper- so I had to take it in the morning...
Here's some info on both of the meds you wrote about:
Verapamil- http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/drugs-84-150.html
[a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/find-drug-25197-25.html"]Amitriptyline[/a]
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<!--EndFragment-->Let me try that again: Here's the link for the amitriptyline!
Sorry the other one didn't work!
Jamie :-)
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