Posted by Elizabeth on June 8, 2001, at 19:39:32
In reply to VERAPAMIL?? calcium channel blocker for bp?, posted by jodsteroo on June 7, 2001, at 20:05:53
> has anyone tried verapimil or any of the other calcium channel blockers for rapid cycling or bipolar?if so... what were the side effects? weight gain? fatigue?? any help would be greatly appreciated!! thanks...jodi...
Never tried them for BP, but I have taken nifedipine for blood pressure emergencies. The side effects included tachycardia (a "pounding" feeling, like my heart was going to jump out of my chest) and dry mouth. It's important to make sure you get enough fluids when you're on these drugs. Also, like many antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers can contribute to depression and sexual dysfunction. You may also experience excessively low blood pressure, which can manifest as dizziness or fainting spells.
Calcium channel blockers are mainly for bipolar disorder that hasn't responded to typical treatments (lithium, various anticonvulsants, etc.).
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:65688
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010605/msgs/65829.html