What is the drug verapamil used for?

Descriptions. Verapamil is used alone or together with other medicines to treat heart rhythm problems, severe chest pain (angina), or high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries.

What does verapamil do to blood pressure?

Verapamil is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. If you have high blood pressure, these medicines work by blocking calcium going into muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Muscles need calcium to contract, so when you block the calcium, it makes the muscles relax.

What class of medication is verapamil?

Verapamil is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and slows electrical activity in the heart to control the heart rate.

How long does verapamil last?

The mean elimination half-life in single-dose studies ranged from 2.8 to 7.4 hours. In these same studies, after repetitive dosing, the half-life increased to a range from 4.5 to 12.0 hours (after less than 10 consecutive doses given 6 hours apart). Half-life of verapamil may increase during titration.

Is verapamil a good drug?

Verapamil belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Verapamil is also used to prevent chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you may get angina attacks.

Can verapamil cause anxiety?

Call your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, a change in your heartbeat, light-headedness, anxiety-like feelings, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu symptoms while taking verapamil.

Can you take Xanax with verapamil?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between verapamil and Xanax. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Does verapamil make you tired?

Verapamil oral capsule may make you dizzy or drowsy. Don’t drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how it affects you. It may also cause other side effects.