Verapamil ER (generic Calan SR) is a prescription medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a serious but common condition that can lead to serious problems such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems if left untreated.

This medication is also used to treat a variety of heart problems such as angina and a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It helps to lower the heart rate so that you can be more comfortable and better able to exercise. The verapamil extended-release tablets and capsules are generally used to treat high blood pressure. If you require more immediate relief for treating angina or arrhythmia, talk to your healthcare provider about the immediate-release version of this medication.

If your doctor has prescribed verapamil, it is because they have deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the potential risk of side effects. However, adverse reactions do occasionally occur. Common side effects include constipation, heartburn, dizziness, and headache. Tell your doctor if any of these are severe or don’t go away.

Rare, but serious side effects include fainting, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; shortness of breath; or unusual weight gain), very slow heartbeat, liver disease/damage (symptoms include excessive vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes), or allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing). Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of these complications.

Talk to your doctor about your medical history - particularly if you have or have ever had a narrowing or blockage of your digestive system or any other condition that causes food to move through your digestive system more slowly; heart failure; heart, liver, or kidney disease; muscular dystrophy (a genetic disease that causes a gradual weakening of the muscles); or myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes certain muscles to weaken). Inform your doctor of all known allergies and of all medications, supplements, and herbal products that you take. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects or precautions. For more information please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage for Verapamil ER.

Your blood pressure should be noticeably lower within a week of using verapamil ER consistently.

You should continue to take this medication even if you feel well. Verapamil helps to control high blood pressure but does not cure it. Consult your doctor before stopping Verapamil.

The starting dose of verapamil is individualized by titration (more simply it is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment). Verapamil extended-release is generally taken one or two times a day, compared to the immediate-release tablet, which is taken three to four times a day.

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. This releases all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Follow the instructions on the packaging label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any parts that you do not understand. Take Verapamil only as directed.

Verapamil ER is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not verapamil ER is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.