Coming off Amiodarone

[Paul_M]

Hi to all,

I have a date for my first ablation in Cardiff under Feong Long on the 1st December. I've had two cardioversions previously but am in constant arrhythmia. In the paperwork for the op it says to stop taking Amiodarone 3 weeks before the ablation. Has anyone had experience of stopping Amiodarone? Should it be done slowly?

Thanks

Paul

[jennydog]

Should you come off a beta blocker slowly? In my experience, YES. It is only fair to your body to allow it to adjust. Try to work out a schedule of gradual reduction so that you finally end up taking half a tablet on alternate days.

If I remember correctly most of these drugs remain in your system for quite a long time.

Good luck with the ablation.

[ILowe in reply to jennydog]

Amiodarone is not a beta blocker. You can stop it suddenly at any time. It has a half life with various quotes ranging from 50 to 180 days. My personal experience is 14 weeks based on INR trends. I have no idea why they say to stop it only 3 weeks before an ablation. amiodaronetoxicity.com/amio... Has a good list of quality information.

[tom38 in reply to ILowe]

Thanks ILove I will show this to my doctor as He is having me to take for Afib plus it is making me weaker not stronger. Good Information.THanks "The sites I’ve listed at the bottom indicate conflicting views of Amiodarone use in the U.S.

The FDA clearly states indications of use for the drug and it is NOT for atrial fibrillation. It’s meant to be a last ditch effort for patients with ventricular fribrillation.

Nevertheless, the American Heart Association endorses the “off label” (i.e. not as directed on the label) atrial fibrillation which goes against FDA approval.

As I search the internet, I haven’t come across anything that states patients are required to be informed of risks in regards to this drug or any drug. Quite to the contrary, read the Consumer Reports article at the bottom and learn that doctors are not required to tell patients that the drug they are prescribing to them is not approved for that particular use by the FDA. "

[Hidden]

I stopped taking it straight away on preparation for my last ablation.

Similarly I stopped abruptly in the dim & distant past when I changed over to another drug.

You may want to query this with your medics as they may want it out of your system completely before the procedure therefore a reason to stop immediately ......think it has a long half life.

Sandra

[Trevor3839 in reply to Hidden]

I had my 2nd cardio version 3 weeks ago and am waiting an ablation.. I was not happy taking amiodarone and i stopped it... i know everyone is different but I've been off it for 3 weeks now with no problems... my heart rate is probably a little higher than if i were still taking it... but it had started to affect my eyes..... an eye test where they take a detailed photo showed calcium deposits but this is reversible I'm told...

[tom38 in reply to Trevor3839]

I want to get off also as I just have Afib maybe once every few months goes out then back in. Beta Blocker keeps not heart max 123 and low to 40 bpm. I am with May have to get another Dr if mine does take me off like I have asked. This is scary stuff for Afib use Don't know that he reads FDA "The sites I’ve listed at the bottom indicate conflicting views of Amiodarone use in the U.S.

The FDA clearly states indications of use for the drug and it is NOT for atrial fibrillation. It’s meant to be a last ditch effort for patients with ventricular fribrillation.

Nevertheless, the American Heart Association endorses the “off label” (i.e. not as directed on the label) atrial fibrillation which goes against FDA approval.

As I search the internet, I haven’t come across anything that states patients are required to be informed of risks in regards to this drug or any drug. Quite to the contrary, read the Consumer Reports article at the bottom and learn that doctors are not required to tell patients that the drug they are prescribing to them is not approved for that particular use by the FDA. "

[seasider18]

Amiodarone gets so entrenched in all parts of the body that it takes months to be free of it.

[tom38]

I took to for about six months after heart bypass then stopped when echo was good. But since I had Afib and got back in normal rhythm Dr is want to keep me on it for Afib I have asked to get off it because I have been normal for three months I just don't think it is helping and worry about interactions with other Rx I have to take. Will change Dr if he does not help me get off per his order. "amiodarone furosemide

Applies to: amiodarone, Lasix (furosemide)

Talk to your doctor before using amiodarone together with furosemide. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need regular monitoring of your electrolyte (magnesium, potassium) levels as well as other tests to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with amiodarone. In addition, you should let your doctor know if you experience signs of electrolyte disturbance such as weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, confusion, muscle pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor."

[MRockwell in reply to tom38]

Get off amiodarone it is a poison nearly killed my husband... see "Stop Amiodarone" my husband had so many side effect from this drug he stopped after being put back into hospital with respiratory failure they the Doctors would not admit it was amiodarone. Has not looked back since he stopped taking it.