Disopyramide (Norpace)

[LindaSo]

I have an upcoming f/u appt. and the use of disopyramide will be discussed as an option for management of my HCM symptoms. I do not have issues with arrythmia's and my obstruction is gone, just ongoing SOB and chest discomfort. I have been told that this is a drug that is not well tolerated. I've done a lit search and have looked back thru the old threads and it sound to me like the side effects are not that horrible, unless you have a really parched throat, bad urinary retention or tingling. I've been dealing with the constipation issue (d/t max dose Verapamil) for over a year. I'd like to be prepared for my visit on Monday. How long is the hopitalization and is it an overnighter ?

Linda

[Cynaburst]

I was in the hospital two nights when I started Norpace. I found the side effects tolerable at a lower dose, but not tolerable as my dose increased.

A new drug that you might also want to ask about is Ranexa. It is supposed to be a great drug for relief of angina. It works by increasing the oxygen to the heart muscle.

[BAK0226]

I stayed in the hospital for three nights when I started on it. I am on 500mg. of norpace along w/ my 200mg toprol xl. I have been on it a year now. In the beginning I had alot of dry mouth (problem solved by carrying a bottle of water w/ me at all times) That is the only side effect for me so far. I have had no issues w/ voiding thankfully. I have not had to have my dosage increased at all so far and hoping I won't have to! Barb

[VickiR]

I was supposed to be in the hospital for three days, but the drug caused worse arrythmias and I had to stay an extra day.

Needless to say, that was the end of that.

[Dave Johnson]

I've been on Norpace for almost 10 years and it's been great. It causes me light headaches sometimes, but the side effects are minimal other than that (at least to me). I used to take 900mg extended release every day, now I'm down to 600. My understanding of the drug is that it's helpful when the patient has low blood pressure problems as opposed to hyper-tension. My blood pressure is extremely low and all the other blockers made me really sick because they dropped it even further. The Norpace did it's job without screwing with the bp too much. Unfortunately, they're discontinuing the extended release version, so I may be going back to the drawing board. :(

[Dave Johnson]

Yep - looks like they've recalled Norpace - I can't find it anywhere. My supply runs out Thursday. Looks like I'll be back to the full-on misery of HCM with all its glorious s.o.b. and fatigue. I can't believe the FDA can just recall a maintenance med like that without notifying anyone. Not sure what to do now - my cardiologist is baffled and I can't get a response from anyone at Tufts.

[Julia]

Dave,

I replied before. You can get 100 mg CR Norpace (brand, not generic) if your pharmacist uses a wholesaler called McKesson. You have to get a prescription override from you doctor saying you have to have the CR or your insurance company will deny it. It's very expensive so you will probably have to fight them for it -- but it is available. Did you try the non-CR? I'm going to have to use it for awhile and am terrified. I take it for afib as well as the HCM and will be having a CR-anxiety attack while on it... but disopryamide has been a great drug for me and, so far, there's nothing else on the drawing board...

Please look into it,
Julia