Univer SR (verapamil SR) is a calcium channel blocker, used to treat several heart and blood pressure related conditions. The medication regulates heartbeat rate, relaxes and widens blood vessels which lowers blood pressure, improves the heart's oxygen supply, and overall reduces the heart's workload.

Off-label Univer SR is used to prevent migraine and cluster headaches from developing. While likely due to the product's vasodilation effects, the exact mechanism by which it helps reduce the frequency of these headaches is not fully understood.

In other words, Univer SR is commonly used to treat:

• Hypertension
• Heart arrhythmia
• Rapid heartbeat
• Angina
• Migraines
• Cluster headaches

Univer SR should not be used in patients who have a history of:

• Low blood pressure
• Left ventricular dysfunction in the heart
• Cardiogenic shock
• Sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker
• Second- or third-degree AV block without a pacemaker

Univer SR can significantly extend and improve a patient's life by lowering blood pressure, regulating heartbeat, and reducing the frequency of angina, migraines, or cluster headaches---all of which can have a dramatically negative impact if left untreated.

The SR in this product indicates it's the sustained-release formula, taken just once or twice per day compared to the two to four times per day that is standard with fast-acting tablets. However, some individuals find fast-acting tablets simply work better.

Dosage & Administration

Univer SR comes in tablets, which must be swallowed whole. Splitting, chewing, crushing, or otherwise damaging the tablet will destroy its SR properties, which, aside from making it less effective, increases risk of serious side effects.

Tablets should always be taken with food.

Treatment is typically similar, though personal variables will influence dosage to some extent; weight, other medical conditions, and other medications being taken are the biggest factors. The prescribing doctor should be made aware of all other medical conditions and medications to ensure the ideal dosage is chosen.

Treatment typically starts as:

• Take 180 mg per day in the morning.

The initial dose will likely need to be adjusted; effects should be checked after one week of treatment for hypertension, three to four weeks for other conditions. If adjustments are needed there are several options:

• Take 240 mg once per day in the morning; or
• Take 180 mg in the morning and 180 mg in the evening; or
• Take 240 mg in the morning and 120 mg in the evening; or
• Take 240 mg every 12 hours.

Doses greater than 240 mg per day are typically reserved for heart conditions. For migraines and cluster headaches treatment is more likely 240 mg per day or less, though there may be exceptions. Patients taking Univer SR will likely need frequent heart and blood pressure tests until the ideal dosage is established, regardless of why it's being taken.

Note that as a preventive treatment---for angina, migraines, and cluster headaches---the medication should reduce the frequency of episodes but may not eliminate them entirely. Univer SR will not provide any particular benefit for a current attack and alternative rescue treatments may be administered, provided a doctor has approved its use along with Univer SR.

Potential Complications

Used as directed, side effects from Univer SR are relatively rare. Most commonly reported are:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Constipation

Because Univer SR lowers blood pressure, many side effects are related to a drop in blood pressure, even if the drop doesn't bring a patient into normal or low ranges. These symptoms, including dizziness and drowsiness, often stop occurring after a week or two of treatment. If they persist or become severe enough to be disruptive, consult a doctor. Use caution performing dangerous tasks until effects are known.

Rarely Univer SR can produce more serious side effects, which warrant medical attention:

• Fainting
• Severe fatigue or weakness
• Rapid, pounding, or slow heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet

Regular doctor checkups should be scheduled for the duration of treatment with Univer SR so doctors can monitor for developing side effects as well as ensure that Univer SR is working as intended. Patients are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled checkups.