Amiodarone

[Roni7]

Hi, I had an abalation for Wolf Parkinson Whyte, which was succesful, but they found I have AF. The only drug that re set my heart rate to normal, was Amiodarone. I am now on one talet 200mg per day and would welcome other peopl's feedback on this medication. Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

It has been said that amiodarone does not have side effects, it has effects , so regular thyroid., lung function tests etc are needed to check for anything nasty going on. Obviously you will have been told to stay out of sunlight or wear factor 50 sun block. It is generally the last chance saloon and not great long term.

[amyrosie in reply to BobD]

I was really apprehensive about taking Amiodarone. After 6 weeks I returned to NSR and felt loads better. Having enlarged left atria my Cardiologist suggested this drug instead of other treatments - Cardioversion/ablation. Unfortunately after 6 months I developed overactive thyroid. My GP referred me to Endocrinologist but I was referred back to my GP as an inappropriate referral because the condition had been caused by the Amiodarone. I am now waiting to see the Cardiologist again. In the meantime I have reduced my Amiodarone to one 100mg tablet every 4 days. It takes months/years to get out of your system so AF has not returned yet. Sadly, I don't know what can be done now because of the enlarged atria. Pity about the Amiodarone as it has worked so. All the best to you. I have read of people who have taken it for years without side effects. I heeded the warnings about sunlight and did burn easily initially so was careful, but this side effect did seem to wear off.

[terryw]

Hi Roni7. Amiodarone gave me breathing problems, although it was effective. I would not use it again and I am happier on Flecainide. Judging by comments on this Forum many people do 'get on with it'.

[ILowe]

I encourage you to look at the many threads here, and armed with this, perhaps printed out, see your doctors. Ask them questions. Ðoctors are human and sometimes benefit from reminders. From my understanding of the medical literature and experience, for most people it is safe for 3-4 months. Side effects kick in after around 30 grammes. But, some medical literature such as the BNF state that lung function and thyroid tests need doing every six months. I would say every three months -- I insisted on doing the tests and was right and therefore was able to stop before thyroid problems needed treatment. The medical literature generally recommends long periods between checks, and often misses out important tests. No wonder then that health professionals act accordingly.

In the end you have to balance the benefits of Amiodarone against risk and severity of side effects. That is your call and will vary because we are all different. For many people AF is not that bad and it is not dangerous. But lung problems, rarely, can kill, and you do not want to mess up your thyroid. Doctors are often reluctant to back on treatment, which puts the pressure on the patient.

[Kiplingharry]

I have been on amiodarone for three years with no side effects and no af. It is important to take the lowest dosage possible. In my case 100mg four days per week is perfect.

[1Jerbear]

My Heart Doctor had me on Amiodarone for a short time say a few months . It did not work for me at all so he took me off of it .I did not seem to have any effects while taking it. I am glad I was taken off because I had researched the side effects and didn't like what I was reading . Having said that ,I don't like what I read about any of my meds but we sometimes haven't a choice . My G.P has blood done work every 6 months because he is checking to see if my meds are damaging my vitals . Medication is strange, it will help one thing and can mess up another .

[Becksagogo]

Oh Ron. Unfortunately Amiodarone does what it says on the tin but for some people the effects of it are highly toxic. Please discuss the possible side effects at some length before you commit to taking it. My thyroid, liver and kidneys were affected badly by it despite regular check ups. No sitting in the sun either!