iPsychology

Verapamil ( Calan, Isoptin ) is used to treat patients that do not responded to lithium or carbamazepine. It is used to treat high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat but is effective in treating mania.

Interactions: antihypertensive drugs, disopyramide, quinidine, nitrates, cimetidine, rifampin, any water pills, inhalation anesthetics, and neuromuscular blocking.

See your physician before take verapamil with any of these drugs.The habit-forming potential is none. For long term use, renal and liver function as well as cardiovascular status must be monitored.Do not take this drug if you are pregnant ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered. )Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of eighteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it's side effects.Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any other calcium channel blocker in the past.

Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any other calcium channel in the past. If you have epilepsy. If you have a liver or kidney dysfunction / disease. If you have any blood disorder ( e.g. anemia.) If you have a heart condition or low blood pressure. If you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug. If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests. If you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other.)

Common: Constipation.

Rare: Dizziness, headache, stomach upset, anxiety / mood changes, weakness, tiredness, rash, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, unusual bruising / bleeding, swell of limbs, nausea, confusion, problems with equilibrium, insomnia, sexual problems, chest pain, sweating, yellow skin or yellow eyes.

See physician always: Dizziness, headache, anxiety / mood changes, weakness, tiredness, rash, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, unusual bruising / bleeding, swell of limbs, nausea, confusion, problems with equilibrium, insomnia, sexual problems, chest pain, sweating, yellow skin or yellow eyes.

See physician if severe: Stomach upset, constipation.

See physician NOW: Irregular heartbeat, unusual bruising / bleeding, swell of limbs or nausea.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Rash, chest pain, difficulty breathing, yellow skin or yellow eyes.