TREATMENT DATABASE
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle.
Calcium is especially important for the functioning of smooth muscle cells as well as specialized cells in the heart. When calcium levels are lowered, the result is a relaxation of blood vessels, allowing an increased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while decreasing its work load. As a consequence of their effect on blood vessels, calcium channel blockers are useful in treating cardiovascular disorders, such as angina (chest pain) and coronary artery disease, and to lower blood pressure. These drugs also may improve exercise capacity and subsequently reduce the need for surgery in patients with cardiac problems.
USES IN ME/CFS: At the 1990 CFIDS conference in Los Angeles, Dr. Ismael Mena presented evidence of cerebral dysfunction in patients with CFS/ME. Using neurological spectroscopic scanning techniques, Dr. Mena reported that 71% of ME/CFS patients have low blood flow (hypoperfusion) in the temporal lobe of the brain. He further reported that after treatment with calcium channel blockers, some of these patients exhibited clinically improved cerebral blood flow (CFIDS Chronicle, Spring/Summer 1990).
A number of ME/CFS clinicians have noted improvement in cognitive function in patients given calcium channel blockers. Dr. Jay Goldstein observed improvements in cognitive function and energy level in patients given calcium channel blockers. He also noted increased exercise tolerance, decreased tender point sensitivity, and alleviation of panic disorder with nimodipine.
In October 1994, Dr. Robert Keller, Medical Director of the Center for Special Immunology in Miami, reported improvement of symptoms in 25 patients with CFS/ME after treatment with the calcium channel blocker verapamil. Within one month of finding the optimal dose of verapamil, patients reported improvement in fatigue, memory, and myalgia. Dr. Keller also reported a decrease in the number of activated T cells, demonstrating that calcium channel blockers may have some immunomodulatory properties.
There are no reviews yet