amiodoronne

[DEREK2210]

please help has it helped you with your irregular rhythm not your rate, just irregular issues

[Hidden]

I have no personal knowledge of Amiodorone, but it is a potent rhythm drug and I suggest you carry out a search on the top right search box for more information........

[Hidden]

Derek, I have taken this drug on several occasions, the longest spell being 18 months, and it did keep me in sinus rhythm. It was found however that another, also potent drug, Disopyramide suits me better as I've failed 3 ablations.

Sandra

[DEREK2210 in reply to Hidden]

my second ablation was succesful

[ultramarine]

I was on Amiodarone for approx 12 months, it did help to begin with, but was anxious to get off this drug as it had too many side effects although I was checked every 3 months to make sure my Thyroid was ok plus other tests. Changes in lifestyle: Diet and exercises was more of a help than anything. It is very potent, as one person mentioned and is used mostly as a last resort, but since then I have had an ablation and am back on Metoprolol on a low dose so I am happy about this. No palpitations etc since the operation. As mentioned before it would be helpful if you could research more on this drug through this site or any other means open to you, as other drugs can be tried first.

[terryw]

It worked for me, but it caused breathing problems. The use of any drug is a personal choice, but I would never use it again even though it was effective.I am now on Flecainide. Good luck!

[EricW]

EricW

Hi Derek,

Hi Derek,

Amioderone is a highly effective but dangerous drug. It controlled my AF very well indeed but it also caused problems with my thyroid and eventually lungs so I had no option but to cease taking it after 4 years. My GP and cardiologist agreed to me coming off it and I decided to follow advice regarding self help with magnesium and vagal manoeuvres. It is now over 6 months since I stopped taking it and I have had 10 attacks all of which have for me been relatively mild and generally bearable. Normallylasted for a few hours although the longest was two days.

I must say I feel better in myself and enjoy a couple of games of golf on a hilly course twice a week. I am 82.

[DEREK2210 in reply to EricW]

Thanks Eric keep swinging mate

[cbsrbpm in reply to EricW]

Hi Eric, out of interest how long was it before your AF returned once stopping Amioderone. I have been off it for 6 weeks now and only one very short bout of AF. I am getting daily bouts of premature beats lasting about 1-3 hours.

Brenda

[DEREK2210 in reply to cbsrbpm]

I didn't get any af for 5 years after ablation I had 3 months amiodorone post procedure, I went one day forgetting I hadn't taken my medication and af returned my stupid fault

[EricW in reply to cbsrbpm]

It was about 8 weeks before I had any adverse reaction. Amioderone has quite a long half life and for some people it can be 6 months before their system is completely clear of the drug. After 8 weeks I had an attack about once every two weeks. This tended to be a moderately fast heart rate (80 - 100) but, unexpectedly, fairly regular. It is now over a month since I have had an attack although my current resting heart rate is 70 compared with 60 since coming off the drug.

Hope this is helpful. Incidentally. I did have a 30 minute phone consultation with Dr Gupta in York (see his web site). Well worth the £30!.

Eric.