Verapamil hydrochloride, under the brand names Calan, Verelan, Isoptin, is a type of drug called a calcium channel blocker, prescribed to decrease high blood pressure, stabilize irregular heart rhythms and treat angina. According to drugs.com, Verapamil works by blocking the flow of calcium into heart muscle and arteries, which causes these structures to relax. Additionally, a decrease in calcium inside the heart's electrical conduction system causes the heartbeat to slow. A slower and less forceful heartbeat, along with lower blood pressure, can cause side effects such as light-headedness due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
Side Effects
Even though verapamil is most commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure and slow an irregular heart rate, it has affects the entire body. Like all drugs, it is transported in the blood throughout the body, so it can affect other organs such as the brain, gastrointestinal tract--the stomach and intestines, skin and liver.
The most common, but least serious, side effects of verapamil include constipation and nausea. Side effects due to the action of verapamil on the heart and arteries are less common but more serious. These include light-headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath and generalized swelling or rapid weight gain. These side effects should be reported to your physician promptly.
Grapefruit and Verapamil
It is important to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking verapamil, according to peoplespharmacy.com. If you regularly consume grapefruit in any form and you inform your physician at the time s/he prescribes your current dose of verapamil, avoid changing the amount of grapefruit you consume as this can increase the amount of verapamil in your body and cause side effects. This happens because grapefruit inhibits an enzyme in the intestine that breaks down medications. When this happens, the amount of medication increases, causing side effects that could be dangerous.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Like many medications, verapamil can cause skin reactions and a hypersensitivity reaction in the liver. A hypersensitivity reaction is an exaggerated response of the immune system to a chemical such as a medication. If you experience a feeling of tiredness while taking verapamil, yellowish skin color, dark urine, loss of appetite or a skin rash, consult your physician.
Preventing Side Effects
As with any medication your physician prescribes, take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication, even when you are feeling better. Report side effects promptly to your physician. When your physician prescribes verapamil, take the opportunity to ask questions to make sure you understand the medication's intended use and possible side effects. Make sure your physician knows which other medications you take. Take your medications with you to your appointment if it will help you remember what all you are taking.
Treating Side Effects
Since verapamil may cause light-headedness due to a lowered blood pressure, stand up slowly, especially after sitting or reclining for a period of time. If you experience light-headedness or dizziness, notify your physician promptly. S/he may want to check your blood pressure and heart rate and perhaps adjust your medication. If you experience constipation, notify your physician for advice. Increasing dietary fiber may be enough to counteract the effect of a slowed transit time through the intestine.
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