Verapamil is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and heart rhythm disorders, according to Drugs.com. It belongs to the category of drugs called calcium channel blockers and it works to relax the blood vessels in your body to promote adequate and less forceful blood flow. Notify your doctor whether you have a history of heart, kidney or muscle disease as verapamil may be contraindicated and your doctor may have to choose another medication for you. Read about verapamil's side effects and become an active player in your health.
Heart
Verapamil can effect your heart, causing chest pain, heart conduction disorders called atrioventricular dissociation, and myocardial infarction (heart attack). According to RxList.com, it can also provoke pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in your lungs), palpitations (pounding heartbeats), fainting spells called syncope, and vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation). Congestive heart failure (heart is unable to effectively pump blood to your body) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are also two of verapamil's side effects.
Overdose
Overdosing on verapamil can be dangerous, leading to symptoms such as bradycardia (slow heartbeat) and fainting, says Drugs.com. Seek medical assistance immediately if overdose occurs.
Central Nervous System
According to RxList.com, verapamil can wreak havoc on your brain and spinal cord. You may experience a cerebrovascular accident commonly called a stroke. If this is left untreated, permanent paralysis can result. Unsteadiness on your feet, muscle cramps, shakiness, trouble sleeping and extrapyramidal symptoms such as uncontrollable movements and lack of coordination are other possible effects on your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Alertness
Drugs.com says that verapamil can slow your reactions and impair your thinking. Use caution when you drive or operate heavy machinery as you are not as alert while taking verapamil.
Additional Side Effects
Verapamil can also affect your digestive tract and cause overgrowth of your gums called gingival hyperplasia, dry mouth, diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress, according to Rx.List.com. Verapamil can also increase your liver enzymes.You might also notice that you are prone to bruising and bleeding. At times, you might experience blurry vision and unusual sound in your ears called tinnitus. Verapamil can affect your skin and lead to rashes, hives, swelling, sweating and even serious skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or erythema multiforme. In some instances, verapamil can lead to impotence and menstrual spotting. Gynecomastia (development of male breasts), frequent urination and galactorrhea (sudden lactation even though you aren't breastfeeding) are also some of verapamil's physical side effects.
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