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Dr. Banita Sehgal
Internal Medicine Physician
My approach to healthcare is rooted in building genuine partnerships with my patients.
Taking the time to understand their needs and goals helps us collaborate effectively and find the best path forward together. What I love most about my work is being someone they can count on — familiar, accessible, and focused on their well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Verapamil SR might be right for you if you’re dealing with high blood pressure, chest pain from angina, or certain irregular heart rhythms, and your provider believes a calcium channel blocker could help.
To know for sure, a healthcare provider will review your symptoms, heart health, other medical conditions, and current medications. They’ll also consider whether you’ve had side effects from similar medications or need a longer-acting option like the sustained-release (SR) form. If it’s a good fit, they’ll tailor the dose to your needs and monitor your response.
Verapamil SR usually starts working within a few hours of your first dose, but the full effects – especially for lowering blood pressure or managing chronic conditions like angina or arrhythmias – may take a few days to a couple of weeks to stabilize.
Because it’s a sustained-release form, it maintains a more even level of the medication in your system, which helps with long-term control. Your healthcare provider will monitor how you're responding and may adjust your dose as needed.
The main difference between verapamil SR and regular (immediate-release) verapamil is how quickly the medication is released and absorbed in your body: Verapamil (immediate-release) works quickly and typically needs to be taken multiple times a day (usually three to four times daily).
- Verapamil SR (sustained-release) is designed to release the medication more slowly and steadily, so it can be taken once or twice daily, depending on your prescription.
- Both forms contain the same active ingredient and treat the same conditions, but the SR version offers more convenient dosing and may help maintain steadier blood levels.
Hair loss isn’t a common side effect of verapamil, but it has been reported in rare cases. If you notice unusual hair thinning while taking verapamil SR or any form of the medication, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether the medication is the likely cause or if something else – like stress, nutrition, or another health issue – may be contributing.
Weight gain is not a common side effect of verapamil, but some people may experience fluid retention or mild swelling (especially in the ankles), which can lead to a slight increase in weight. If you notice unexpected weight changes, bloating, or swelling while taking verapamil, let your healthcare provider know – they can assess whether it’s medication-related and adjust your treatment if needed.
No, verapamil is not a blood thinner. It’s a calcium channel blocker, which works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate to help lower blood pressure and treat certain heart rhythm disorders. Unlike blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), verapamil does not prevent blood clots. If you need both blood pressure control and clot prevention, your provider may prescribe verapamil alongside a separate blood-thinning medication.
Yes, you can usually take pain relief medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) with verapamil safely. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) – should be used with caution. NSAIDs can potentially:
- Raise blood pressure, counteracting the effects of verapamil
- Affect kidney function, especially if you have underlying kidney or heart issues
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining medications, especially if you take verapamil for heart or blood pressure conditions.
The most common side effects of verapamil XR include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Swelling in the ankles or feet (fluid retention)
- Nausea
These side effects often improve as your body adjusts. If they persist or become bothersome, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
Yes! With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home within an hour. If appropriate, your provider may prescribe a medication and send it directly to your local pharmacy.
For even more flexibility, a LifeMD+ membership gives you 24/7 access to care, same-day prescription refills, exclusive wellness perks, and easy access to lab testing — all designed to make managing your health simple and stress-free.
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