Posted by Chris A on August 25, 1999, at 22:54:01
In reply to verapamil as a mood stabilizer?, posted by James Justice on August 20, 1999, at 11:14:04
James,
I took verapamil as a mood stabilizer in doses up to 640 mg/day for rapid cycling/mixed bipolar disorder for a period of two years. The only bothersome side effect was constipation. It was nice not to have any headaches for two years. Unfortunately my mood has remained unstable, so now we are working with the calcium channel blocker nimodipine, which has a high affinity for lipids and therefore, the brain. Verapamil would merit a trial if other mood stablilizers have been unsuccessful. See the article at "tips": http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Verapamil-for-mania.html
The value of CCB's is debated by those "out-standing-in-the field." Some experts see them as under-utilized and under-researched in mood disorders.
poster:Chris A
thread:10424
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990814/msgs/10668.html