Coming off Sotalol

[Stucoo]

Hi,

I haven't posted here for a while but drop in from time to time to read posts. I had an ablation in July of last year followed by a cardioversion and was put on Sotalol. Everything has been fine generally and I have remained in NSR. I saw my EP last month and we discussed coming of Sotalol ( good thing right?) and I weaned my self off it over 2 weeks. The issue I am finding is that I am now experiencing palpitations and today had a dizzy spell (lasted seconds) and I'm wondering if coming off the drugs was not such a good idea. I continue to take Apixaban. I was seeing my EP as a private patient but my insurer will no longer cover me as they say my AF is a chronic condition, though the EP has agreed to see me on the NHS in 4 months time.

Is this to be expected after coming off beta blockers? I was on Bisoprolol for over a year previously to starting Sotalol so it's been over 2 years of taking a beta blocker in total. I'm slight concerned my AF may be trying to make a return🙁

Thanks,

Stuart

[irene75359]

Considering you had the ablation and associated tests done privately (I assume) it would be worth another call to your EP (as follow-on care) to check that you have done the right thing. He may have some suggestions about the medication to help you until he sees you in four months. Sorry I can't help in any other way - outside my experience.

[jeanjeannie50]

I often picture heart medication like a lead holding a young dog back to stop it racing off. Take the lead off and the dog will bolt, but once it's done that it soon learns how to behave and calms down. Sotalol has restrained your heart for quite a while and perhaps it now needs a little while to calm down and find a good rhythm.

I also wonder if two weeks was long enough to wean yourself off of Sotalol? If you are really concerned you could always introduce just a very low dose back to see if that helps. My personal view re stopping medication is that it should be done extremely slowly over a long as possible period. Towards the end, one small dose every other day and over many months gradually reduce.

I'd been AF free for 6 months last year and made the mistake of reducing my meds too quickly (over a month) and I bitterly regret that now as AF returned and stayed permanently, now hoping for yet another cardioversion. Have had three ablations and been told I'm not suitable for any more.

I'm not medically trained and this is just my opinion.

Jean

[Sue-R-S]

Hi Stuart

I had PVI ablation on 2nd May. Prior to ablation I was on a dose of 160mg twice daily. Post-op my blood pressure and pulse were very low so they immediately changed my dose to 80mg twice daily.

Following discussion with my EP Nurse I have since reduced the dose gradually over the course of a week and I’m now on 40mg twice daily.

I’ve not experienced any symptoms (the occasional flutter but I believe this is still to be expected in the first few weeks post ablation) and love the fact that I have a bit more energy and don’t feel so tired all the time.

I’d suggest that maybe you should discuss with a pharmacist.

Sue

[Sam72-]

Hi Stuart , I have just stopped my blocker over 48hours ago and am feeling very nervous and spaced out . I had my ablation procedure 31st of August last year , but my heart rate was dropping into the 40s and stated feeling worse again so have jumped off them . I do remember being on 10mg before my ablation procedure and told to stop them 5 days before and felt this way for 2 days then my heart was the best it has ever been right up until the procedure day on the lab table . I may sound like I am contradicting myself here but I would go slowly we are all different, my heart rate is to slow so I am stopping it although but we are all different people so what suits one might not be good for another , and I am having a hard day today with skipping beats and anxiety but will try battling through it , good luck with this 🤞🏼

[Stucoo]

Thanks for the replies. I saw my GP today and we have agreed that I stay off Sotalol and see if it settles down. I'm also to have a ECG, echo and 24 hour tape.

[hock217]

Same question here. Will post you if I learn anything new. All the best..