Verapamil is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, verapamil controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Verapamil comes as a regular tablet and as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken three times a day. The extended-release tablet and capsule are usually taken one or two times a day and should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the extended-release tablet or capsule. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take verapamil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Verapamil controls arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take verapamil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking verapamil without talking to your doctor.
Verapamil is also used sometimes to treat migraine headaches and cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
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