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Can Verapamil Cause Heart Palpitation?

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Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2015
Question: Just started low dose verapmil 40mg x 2 for migraine prevention last week.

I have noticed that in the last couple days about twice a day I get a quick palpitation ( can feel it in my throat) it only last 1 second then gone. kind of like a skipped heartbeat.

This only happens like twice a day so far and only for a second, otherwise fine.


I am 31 year old male. Had a echo and 48 hour Holter in the spring for unrelated issue and all was great.

So my question is, is an occasional palpitation or 2 since being on verampil a concern? I am thinking it's just my body getting used to the medication and nothing to worry about.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I recommend performing liver function tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that the dose of verapamil that you are taking, is not expected to cause any side effects in a healthy person of your age with a normal body weight.

You should know that verapamil is metabolized in the liver.

So I would recommend performing liver function tests , to be sure that verapamil intake is safe.

From the other hand I would advise you to closely monitor your heart rate during the day to exclude a possible bradycardia associated with escaped beats which could explain your symptomatology.

Anyway, the frequency of your symptoms is too low.

So there is nothing to worry about for the moment!

These symptoms are probably temporary or just a coincidence.

If your troubles persist or become more frequent during the day, or a persistent bradycardia is confirmed, you should discuss with your attending physician the possibility of lowering verapamil dose.

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!

Best regards,

Dr.Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 hours later)
I think I had the liver function tests as part of my yearly physical just on 7/31/15, so 1 month old tests so I should be good to go as far as that. I have attached what I think are the liver function tests. Do they look correct/good?

thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your liver function tests are at a normal range.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the information provided. I reviewed all your uploaded tests.

Your liver function tests are at a normal range.

So there is nothing to worry about.

I would advise you to follow my recommendation of monitoring your heart rate, if these problems persist.

But it seems to be nothing serious.

Hope to have been helpful!

Greetings!

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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Can Verapamil Cause Heart Palpitation?

Brief Answer: I recommend performing liver function tests. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that the dose of verapamil that you are taking, is not expected to cause any side effects in a healthy person of your age with a normal body weight. You should know that verapamil is metabolized in the liver. So I would recommend performing liver function tests , to be sure that verapamil intake is safe. From the other hand I would advise you to closely monitor your heart rate during the day to exclude a possible bradycardia associated with escaped beats which could explain your symptomatology. Anyway, the frequency of your symptoms is too low. So there is nothing to worry about for the moment! These symptoms are probably temporary or just a coincidence. If your troubles persist or become more frequent during the day, or a persistent bradycardia is confirmed, you should discuss with your attending physician the possibility of lowering verapamil dose. Hope to have been helpful! Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need! Best regards, Dr.Iliri