My doctor put me on Calan a few months ago because I have been diagnosed with Right Ventricular Ectopy and Mitral Valve Prolapse. The pharmacy gave me the generic form called Verapamil. Since I began taking this medication I have gained weight and I have had problems with constipation and upper abdominal discomfort. I tried discussing the side effects with my doctor. He dismissed them and said I needed to add more fiber to my diet. I have tried that, but it is not working. I continue to exercise to lose the unwanted pounds, but I am tired and feel out of breath after running only one mile. I teach third grade and I have a five year old child of my own. I am exhausted and fast asleep by 8:00 each night. I would like to stop the medication, but worry the symptoms I had prior to taking it may return. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Doctor Joshua’s Answer:

Constipation and abdominal discomfort are common side effects of verapamil. Up to 35% of patients may experience constipation as a verapamil side effect.

Constipation and abdominal discomfort also have other possible causes and may be unrelated to verapamil use, but if you haven’t suffered from these before starting verapamil, then verapamil side effect is obviously a possibility here.

Discuss with your doctor possible alternatives to verapamil. Remember that even when a drug has side effects, its benefits may outweigh the side effects, and often such side effects may become less bothersome with time.