5Possible Side Effects of Verapamil?
Verapamil may cause several side effects. These include drowsiness, low blood pressure, headache, cough, or constipation. In most cases, these effects tend to be mild and disappear quickly when you take it regularly. However, some individuals may have serious effects, such as fainting, light headedness, dizziness, trouble breathing, swollen ankles or legs, skin rash, chest pain, palpitations, or changes in heart rhythm. If you experience these problems, make sure to visit your doctor to get proper treatments. [8]
Possible Drug Interactions
If your doctor prescribes verapamil for preventing migraines, it is necessary to inform him about any medications or drugs that you are currently taking on a regular basis. Verapamil may cause drug interactions and reduce the effectiveness of these medications. In some cases, you may have to be carefully monitored or should avoid taking verapamil. Similarly, let your doctor know when you are currently taking herbal supplements, particularly St. John’s wort, which could make verapamil less effective. On the other hand, grapefruit juice would increase the verapamil level in the blood, thus resulting in several side effects. Last but not least, try limiting or avoiding alcoholic drinks when taking verapamil. The medication would affect the elimination of the drink. This may increase levels of alcohol in the blood and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil. [9]
