Can Verapamil Help Reduce Migraine Frequency?

Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a condition that affects the brain. Migraines cause strong, throbbing pain. People often feel sick to their stomachs and might throw up. They also become very sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. These symptoms make everyday activities hard. Many people find it tough to get relief from migraines. It can feel like a never-ending problem.

While there are many ways to treat migraines, one option you might not know about is verapamil. Doctors usually give verapamil to help with high blood pressure and heart problems. Besides that, some doctors believe verapamil can help prevent migraines from happening.

In this article, we will look at verapamil for migraines. We will talk about how well it works and how it helps. We will also see if it could be a good choice to stop your migraines before they start.

What is Verapamil?

Verapamil is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. Doctors give it to treat heart issues. These include high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and some irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Verapamil helps by relaxing the blood vessels. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and improves blood flow.

Besides helping with heart problems, doctors have also looked at using verapamil for other things. One of these is stopping migraines from happening. Studies and research show that verapamil can help make migraines less frequent and less painful. This is especially true for people who get migraines a lot.

Verapamil works by calming the blood vessels in the brain. When these blood vessels are relaxed, it can stop the migraine from starting. Some people take verapamil every day to keep migraines away. Its important to talk to your doctor to see if verapamil is right for you.

How Does Verapamil Help with Migraines?

Migraines involve strange brain activity, changes in blood flow, and the release of certain chemicals in the brain. We do not fully understand their exact cause. However, researchers believe calcium plays a key role in migraines. Calcium channel blockers, like verapamil, stop calcium from entering cells in the brain and blood vessels. This action may reduce the chance of getting a migraine.

Verapamil for Migraines: How It Works

Verapamil may help prevent migraines in a few ways:

Regulates blood flow:

Verapamil relaxes blood vessels. This action can lower the intensity of migraine attacks. Changes in blood flow often link to migraines. By controlling blood flow, we can prevent or lessen the severity of an attack.

Stabilizes electrical activity:

Verapamil may stabilize electrical activity in the brain. This stabilization helps prevent changes that can trigger migraines. It benefits people who experience migraines due to nervous system issues.

Prevents blood vessel constriction:

Some migraines occur when blood vessels in the brain narrow. Verapamil keeps blood vessels relaxed and flexible. This action prevents constriction and may reduce migraine triggers.

Why Consider Verapamil for Migraine Prevention?

Here are a few reasons to consider verapamil for migraine prevention:

Effective for chronic migraines:

Verapamil can effectively prevent chronic migraines, which occur 15 or more days a month. Studies show it can lower both the frequency and intensity of migraines in people with chronic conditions.

2. Alternative to traditional migraine treatments:

Some people cannot handle the side effects of other medications. Others do not find relief from standard treatments. In these cases, verapamil offers a viable alternative.

3. Well-studied and safe:

Verapamil is a well-established medication for heart conditions, with a long track record of safety. Doctors often prescribe it for migraines, especially for patients who also have other health issues like high blood pressure.

Verapamil for Migraines: Potential Benefits

Verapamil may reduce the number of migraines. Many patients notice fewer migraine days after starting treatment. This change can significantly improve their quality of life.

Additionally, verapamil can lessen the intensity of migraines. Patients who still have migraines often find them easier to manage.

The side effects are minimal. Doctors widely use verapamil for heart conditions, so patients and doctors know what to expect. It is considered safe for most people when they take it as prescribed.

Moreover, verapamil is often affordable. Compared to some newer migraine medications, it is accessible to many individuals.

Verapamil Side Effects

Like all medications, verapamil has potential side effects. These may include low blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels, which can sometimes drop blood pressure too low.

Some individuals might feel dizziness. They may experience lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.

Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of verapamil. You can usually manage it with diet changes or additional medications.

Fatigue: Some people feel more tired or lethargic while taking verapamil.

How Effective Is Verapamil for Migraines?

The effectiveness of verapamil for migraines varies from person to person. Many studies show that verapamil can be quite effective. It works especially well for people with chronic migraines or those who do not respond to other medications.

For instance, a study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that verapamil reduced migraine frequency in patients with chronic migraines. Some patients reported up to a 50% drop in migraine days each month after starting treatment.

However, not all patients experience dramatic results. Some see only mild improvements, while others enjoy a significant reduction in their migraine frequency.

Conclusion

Verapamil may not be the first choice for migraine prevention, but it can be valuable for those with frequent or chronic migraines. It is particularly helpful when other treatments fail. As a calcium channel blocker, verapamil regulates blood flow and stabilizes electrical activity in the brain. This helps prevent migraine attacks.

If you are considering verapamil for migraine prevention, consult your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the benefits and risks, guiding you toward the best treatment plan for your specific needs.