Amiodarone or Sotalol

[Dottilind]

Thank you all for your feedback about Amiodarone. I went to see EP and only saw his registrar. He jotted down side effects but told me I have to wait till EP comes back from hols. He mentioned Soltalol and said I might be better off on that. I am not a candidate for ablation so thats out. As I said before the last resort would be pace maker but will have to wait and see. Any feedback on this other med will be appieciated. Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

As we have often said , Sotalol is no longer on the recommended list for AF although some EPs still use it. It has both beta blocker and anti arrhythmic functions at high doses.

[EngMac in reply to BobD]

Read the pros and cons for the drug of each on Medscape, drugs.com or any site that does this. Stay away from drugs as long as you can.

I keep recommending chiropractic care but few listen. Unfortunately, not all chiropractors have the same skill set so this too can be a bit of a crap shoot. When I get time I will post on my experience to date which has been positive after several tries with different chiropractors. I know this works for some people so an alternative of no drugs or surgery seems like a sensible one to explore.

[Beehive1]

Why is pacemaker a last resort?

[Dottilind in reply to Beehive1]

Hi Beehive, the reason for pace maker as last resort is nothing else has worked to stop AF as I get terrible chest pains when I have attack and have to be hospitalised each time. If it was just the pulpatations I could ride it out but chest pains are very bad. I have been on every tab on the market I think but all have given me side affects. Some days I cannot get my body in motion where as before I went on amiodarone I walked miles every day with my dog (three times a day). Now I am lucky if I can walk to shop for milk.

[Beehive1 in reply to Dottilind]

Hi Dottilind, Sorry to hear your health has deteriorated so much. The reason I asked is because I am about to have a pacemaker fitted and was advised it would prevent the deterioration you describe. I was diagnosed with lone AF following a stroke last September and have now been advised I have sick sinus syndrome probably caused by the Bisoprolol but can't be sure. TBH he didnt seem that interested in the cause but I have since been advised that sss can be the cause of the AF so maybe it was already there...The cardio said that in his experience the symptoms would deteriorate causing syncope and breathlessness and I would need a pacemaker eventually anyway. He said getting it now will prevent the deterioration. I must admit it scares me...but not as much as having another stroke!

[Hidden]

I keep reading that soltalol is not recommended for AF but it was one of three possiblities mentioned to me by my EP at the end of last year so Interesting that comment keeps coming up. I will note with caution if it is suggested again.

[Dottilind in reply to Hidden]

Hi Kate444. From what I have read Solatrol is just as bad as Amiodarone, though not knowing much about this tab I cannot comment on side effects.

[Hidden in reply to Dottilind]

Clearly I have an EP who still considers it which is what BobD mentioned - Interesting! Just looked at letter it was only last November he refers to it as a possible option but was not optimistic it would be effective given my failure with other anti arrthythmics. The option we went for in end was ablation. I certainly have been chemically cardioverted successfully with amiodarone many times but didn't tolerate it well long term and the optician noted deposits in my eyes (which can happen) although they disappeared by the next annual check up. I litterally asked my GP to come off them the very week they were taking everyone off them in the surgery! Also I tend to me ok on drugs that get taken off the market and yet have terrible time with some on the market and even some over counter tablets. Very contrary! Makes it difficult for the questioner and I don't like to make it harder but at least its giving overall experiences and info - she said hopefully.