Posted by dove on January 8, 2002, at 15:32:27
In reply to Re: Migraine Headaches and Mood disorders » OldSchool, posted by spike4848 on January 6, 2002, at 13:47:34
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> Anyone take verapamil/calan for blood pressure here? I have heard it helps with mood and am considering taking it for depression/panic. Has it help anyone here with depression or anxiety? Thank you.
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> Spike
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>No, Verapamil has absolutely no uses for depression. In fact calcium channel blockers like Verapamil have been implicated in the development or worsening of depression.
>Do you have any abstracts to back up this claim? Truly, I'm *not* asking that question in a harsh or sarcastic manner, I'd really be interested in viewing *any* definite data regarding the use of verapamil in the psych-setting.
Also, I know first hand that it did not *just* get rid of my migraines, it did influence my entire psyche and view of the world even when I was having a blinding headache. And there are many more of us out here who will testify to verapamil's ability to lessen depression even in *non* bipolars!
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>The preferred blood pressure meds for depression are the ACE Inhibitors and the beta blocker Pindolol. Diuretics also have no depression worsening effect. One of the ACE Inhibitors, Captopril is even reputed to have prominent antidepressant properties.
>ACE Inhibitors are stereotyped as having a serious and significant depressive effects. In fact, I have seen some of the scariest and fastest dives into suicidal depression after three days on an ACE Inhibitor. And though I can't say for certain at this moment in time, I don't believe the Beta-Blockers have a great reputation for whacking depression. However, Pindolol is often used for anxiety with absolutely great results!
There is no harm in giving Verapamil the time of the day, especially for those of us who have many paradoxical reactions to meds and are often hard to treat.
dove
poster:dove
thread:88824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/89337.html