From Metoprolol to Multaq...

[Jaimeortegajr]

I am healthy 68 year old who was diagnosed with afib 4 years ago. I have had 3 cardioversions and have been taking metoprolol 50mg. The last cardioversion was done one month ago and I am back in afib. The cardiologist took me off Metoprolol and put me on Multaq 400mg twice a day. I have been taking Multaq for 4 days, still in afib. Should I wait awhile? Should I revert to taking Metoprolol but 100-150mg daily? No side effects from Multaq.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Jamie

None of us are medically qualified to be able to answer such a question, the two drugs are different, metoprolol is a beta blocker, so a rate control drug, and Multaq (Dronedarone) is a rhythm control drug and has presumbaly been prescribed to try and control your AF.

If you are worried ring your consultant or the AF nurse at the hospital and ask them, but do not change any medications without their advice please.

Be well

Ian

[Jaimeortegajr in reply to Beancounter]

Thanks. Much appreciate the quick response !

[jeanjeannie50]

A sensible response from Beancounter as always . Be aware also that that you may not be able to just change from one tablet to another without a few days in between for the first drug to leave your system. Give your Consultant or AF nurse a call as advised and your problem will soon be sorted. Please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[Jaimeortegajr in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you. I am somewhat ambivalent, since I just sartted taking Multaq 400mg only 4 days ago counting today and perhaps I should wait awhile before the medication takes full effect. Has anybody taken Multaq before?

[Deeferdi in reply to Jaimeortegajr]

I've been on it for just over 2 years together with Diltiazem. No side effects and it seemed to keep my AFib at bay for a couple of months. Had an ablation on 8th May but still on meds.

[Jaimeortegajr]

So, if I understand you correctly, it kept your afib at bay together with Diltiazem but you still had an ablation ? Thanks for your reply.

[resmqme1065]

multaq was the first rhythm control drug I was prescribed. It did not bring me out of afib. It was touted as the great white hope when it first appeared. Didn't tun out to be so. It is like amiodarone minus the iodine. Amiodarone will get you into NSR but not a long term drug. I was on Amiodarone for a little over 2 m post ablation. IT did put me in NSR but now that I am off, back to flipping in and out of afib.

Perhaps Multaq will work for you. It's quite expensive!

Judy

[Jaimeortegajr]

Thanks. Expensive indeed!!

[jaammestaylor]

So I had my second cardioversion today and wondering if I should continue with my metoprolol 50mg or move to Maltaq. I went 2 months without afib after my first cardioversion and inadvertently forgot to take my metoprolol for 4 days and my afib came back unfortunately so after 4 weeks I decided to get my second cardioversion in hopes that I will stay afib free for a much longer time. But not sure if I should stay on my metoprolol or switch to Maltaq as my EP hinted at!Any suggestions?