Drugs

[Mimchelle]

Hi I’m on amiodarone, re. The results are good, has anyone experienced side effects from this medication.

Michelle

[Maura5]

Hi, I have been taking amiodarone 200mg x1 daily for around two months now to keep my AF under control after an ablation which made my symptoms worse. So far so good, it’s mostly doing what it’s supposed to but probably like you I am well aware of the possible side effects but I haven’t had any problems so far. How long have you been taking it?

[Mimchelle in reply to Maura5]

Since September and all is well so far. Thanks for your input.

[BobD Volunteer]

A doctor once told us that Amiodarone does not have side effects. It has effects! Please make sure that you are being monitored regularly for thyroid function as well as any other functions and stay out of sunlight. If you have any breathing difficulties or develop a cough please seek medical attention.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

This drug is often discussed on here. If you type amiodarone into the search HealthUnlocked box at the top right of this screen and press enter on your keyboard, it will show you lots of posts regarding the effects.

Jean

[bennie06]

Also on 200mg daily since Feb. Not sure what side effects I've had but also on Bisoporol so bound to have had some.

Sometimes feel tired after a 5 mile walk across the moors with the dogs but nothing significant. 200mg daily is supposedly a low maintenance dose but still push for 4 monthly checkups (bloods) and don't miss your annual Opticians checkup, calcium deposits at back of eyes is common. This reverses after cessation of Amio. For all its bad publicity still number one for maintaing rhythm. Sunshine and dogs calls. Good Luck.

[Norm]

As jeanjeannie50 said above do have a look at the forum. Amiodarone is supposed to be a drug of last resort but appears to used quite frequently. BobD is right it does not have side effects it has effects.

Two things come to mind from your post. Is amiodarone. I assume you are no longer in Afib at present time and amiodarone is controlling it. Second you don't say what dose you are on or how long you have been on it.

As you appear concerned may be have a word with either your cardiologist or doctor but please do used the HealthUnlocked box at the top right of this screen. It has lots of information.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I was on it short term Amiodrone after 23 hours on IV "loading dose" whilst an inpatient.

It was only a few months of it and I got on with it fine, there are plenty of scare stories out there (as with most drugs) where people are adamant it shouldn't be taken under any circumstances.

but I was regularly monitored for Thyroid liver and kidney functions when on it, every couple of weeks.

[Thomas45]

I was on amiodarone for 10 months. It did not reduce significantly my episodes of AF. The side effects I had were chest pains, arm pains and feelings of panic. When driving on a motorway, which I did frequently at that time I had feelings of panic if I tried to overtake another vehicle. I stopped overtaking any vehicles. I stopped using motorways after feeling that I was going to pass out while driving in the centre lane of the M62 between Leeds and Wakefield. I managed to get to the hard shoulder and off the motorway before dialling 999 for an ambulance.

My GPs said they couldn't change the medication. After 10 months I saw a specialist who said he didn't like Amiodarone and put me on Flecainide which worked for me.

In the 10 months I was on it I had 3 emergency ambulance trips to hospital, one of the ambulances called by my GP. That all happened about twelve years ago. For the last two years I have been in permanent AF so don't take any medication for AF apart from Warfarin.

[radagast58]

Amiodarone has a terrible reputation amongst AF sufferers. I was prescribed it for intractable PAF and it significantly reduced my symptoms and improved my quality of life. I had no obvious side effects but the major effects of Amiodarone are insidious and can only be detected by very regular blood tests and hopefully you have a good GP practice who will ensure these happen! I would also advise regular eye screening.

Stay well

David

[Mimchelle in reply to radagast58]

Thank you for all the information I have a great gp so far so good:-)Michelle