Calcium channel blockers for cluster headaches

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
verapamil hydrochloride	Isoptin, Verelan

How It Works

It is not clear exactly how verapamil hydrochloride works to prevent cluster headaches.

Why It Is Used

Verapamil hydrochloride is used to prevent cluster headaches.

How Well It Works

Verapamil hydrochloride is highly effective at preventing episodes of cluster headaches and chronic cluster headaches. About two-thirds of those taking daily doses improve by more than 50%.¹ Verapamil hydrochloride is sometimes combined with other medicines, such as ergotamine or lithium, to effectively treat chronic cluster headaches.

Side Effects

Usually, verapamil causes very few side effects. Verapamil may cause:

• Constipation.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing).
• Water retention, such as swollen legs.
• Fatigue.
• Changes in or problems with the way your heart beats (heart rhythm abnormalities).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

People taking verapamil need to be watched closely and have regular tests when taking this medicine. Because verapamil can affect how the heart beats (its rhythm), this medicine should be used with caution in people who have problems with the electrical system that regulates the heart rate (a condition called heart block). Some research shows that all people taking this medicine should regularly have a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to make sure the heart's rhythm is still normal.²

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Author:	Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: May 28, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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