Sotolol

[Chryseliz]

Hi everyone ,Next Tuesday I have an appointment with the Cardiac Nurse to change my medication from Bisoprolol to Sotolol. Having read the about the side effects of Solotol I'm feeling really scared to start taking it. My episodes of A fib have become more frequent these past few weeks (every second day sometimes) and can last for as much as 24 hours. When I am not in a fib I feel ok, a little breathless sometimes and a bit tired but heart beat a steady 60 bpm. I'm afraid that when I start the Solotol it might upset my system and I will feel ill, even when not in A fib. Hope this makes sense. By the way I'm 81 and was diagnosed 3 years ago, I think I probably had it for many years before that. I would be grateful if anyone taking Solotol could give me reassurance. Or not. Thank you. Christine

[Hidden]

Well I took large doses of Sotalol without any trouble, but I am surprised your nurse is considering this. Sometimes the cardiologist will start it in hospital to monitor you for a few days. You are right to be cautious. I think you ought to talk to your GP before seeing the nurse if you can.

[Chryseliz in reply to Hidden]

Thanks oyster, I saw my Cardiologist two months ago. It was then he suggested that the nurse contact me with a view to changing to Sotolol. No mention of monitoring though. I will take your advice and try to book an appointment. Thanks again Christine

[Edm174]

Hello Christine i took sotalol and was fine on it better than on bisoprosol but after my failed cv on Monday they have taken me off it and back of bisoprosol!!

[Chryseliz in reply to Edm174]

Thank you for your reply Edm 174. Sorry to hear your cv failed. What happens now? Do they try again? Hope things get better for you soon. Christine

[Edm174 in reply to Chryseliz]

Hi I’m not sure what is next I know they tried twice but it wouldn’t hold !! Maybe just stay on meds -bisoprosol and apixaban!! Good luck with your sotalol I seemed to have more energy on them back to my baking and jam making 😄

[Chryseliz in reply to Edm174]

Happy baking Edm 174.

[Janith]

I take sotalol ... lowest dosage ... zero issues. Never in afib. Only once when diagnosed two yrs ago and one other time prior to starting sotalol. I highly recommend it. Start with lowest dose.

[Chryseliz in reply to Janith]

Thank you for your reply Janith. Christine.

[Kaz747]

I’ve been on Sotalol for over a year, initially on 40mg twice a day then 80mg x 2 and now 120mg x 2. I’m hoping I’ll soon be able to cut it down or out after my recent ablation. I haven’t had any major side effects. Even on the higher dose I had breakthroughs but I’ve had 3 different arrhythmias so nothing is simple with me. I had previously been on Verapamil and then Flecainide.

[Chryseliz in reply to Kaz747]

Hi Kas747 Thank you for your reply. It sounds like Solotol suites you. Did you notice any hair loss while taking it? Good luck, hope you have a speedy recovery from your recent ablation. Christine

[Kaz747 in reply to Chryseliz]

No hair loss - I have quite thick hair

[Chryseliz in reply to Kaz747]

Thanks Kaz.

[Cocotex]

Go on the Sotalol. I have had two ablations, the last one was 15 weeks ago (so technically out of the blanking period). I have had two short episodes of aflutter (3 minutes and 20 minutes). I took the PIP Flecainide for the 20 minute episode. I became so obsessed with every beat of my heart that it is bringing me much anxiety. I have now gone back on 40 mg Sotalol twice a day. It has quieted my heart, taken away many of the ectopic that were giving me problems in the evening and helped my anxiety - all after taking it for TWO days. I am hoping to not take it in the future, but right now, until I know what I have with this ablation, it has helped me. You may want to get an EKG in a few days after starting it. My cardiologist wants to make sure that my QT interval is not too long. Good luck and don’t be afraid of it.

[Chryseliz]

Thanks for your reply Cocotex. Long QT is in my family but as far as I know I don't have it. Still a bit worrying tho'. Christine

[Cat04]

I was changed from bisoprolol to Sotalol last November, the only side effect that I have occasionally suffer is stomach cramps, loose stools and bowel urgency. I take 80mg twice daily and following my ablation (on waiting list) I have been told that I shall have Sotalol as pill in pocket.

It has controlled my AF, only 3 episodes of less than 2 hours since starting on it.

[Chryseliz in reply to Cat04]

Thank you for your reply cat04