Amiodorone aided cardioversion - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,733 posts

Amiodorone aided cardioversion

Spinbiker profile image
19 Replies

Hello anyone out there had this - I am really bothered about the side effects of amiodorone - many thanks for any thoughts

Written by
Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
19 Replies
bmandel profile image
bmandel

Amiodorone is a terrible drug, It almost kill me. I did end up with a thyroid problem which I have to take pills for the rest on my live. A friend took and has ended up with a twitch in his right arm. I take sotalol it works for me.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply tobmandel

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

Hello Spinbiker, I have had no direct experience of taking Amiodarone but it does have a reputation for having potentially serious side effects if taken long term. It is commonly used for a limited period before and after a cardioversion because it is very successful at helping to maintain sinus rhythm thereby giving the heart a better chance to maintain rhythm for a longer period. You would be advised to find out how long you will be expected to take it for and as has been suggested, ask if any alternatives could be prescribed instead. That said, some members have reported taking Amiodarone without any problems so you may well be OK with it.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply to

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

colourblue profile image
colourblue

I have been on Amiodarone since March 2019. I worry about what it may do to my body, at the moment I am having blood tests every 2 weeks as my Kidney function is borderline. I am seeing my Cardiologist middle January, I am going to tell him that I am not happy & wish to come off this drug, perhaps there is an alternative. My Optician said she thought it was no longer prescribed as long term it may cause eye problems. I still have Atrial Fibrillation in spite of the medication, I.e Apixaban, Bisaprolol & Amiodarone. However, bear in mind the risk is with long term use & some people are not affected. Best Wishes for 2020.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply tocolourblue

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

MRockwell profile image
MRockwell in reply tocolourblue

Amiodarone should only be given for life threatening arrhythmia, this medication has the risk of serious side effects lung problem liver, loss of vision, thyroid, it has a high iodine compound and is stored in most parts of your body. See Amiodarone Lung toxicity. Good luck.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply toMRockwell

Thanks for writing- I have decided to have the ablation- best wishes

raymelb profile image
raymelb

I've been on amiodarone on and off for 3 years (more on than off) and have managed to wean myself down to 200mg once a week, from what was originally a twice-daily dose. Yesterday I had blood tests for liver, kidney and thyroid and all were fine.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply toraymelb

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

raymelb profile image
raymelb in reply toSpinbiker

Good luck. Hope all goes well for you.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

On my first episode of AF I had amiodarone IV in Aand E when in AF. It didn't work and a central line would have had to be inserted for a second dose. I did have an electrical cardioversion later that day which worked ( whether amiodarone had any bearing on that I know not) but it was a one off.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply toBagrat

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

resqme1065 profile image
resqme1065

Took amidarone after an ablation. I did not want to but nothing else was helping. I could not tolerate the loading process and began a small dose for 3 months. It is the only drug that has not gone through US drug screening process. I had quite a few side effects and was glad to get off of it.

within the same year the AF was attributed to a bad mitral valve. It was repaired and another ablation performed after the surgery. I still have bouts of af and tachcardia. Was hospitilized to trial tikosyn. I was unable to take that drug. I only take eliquis.

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply toresqme1065

Thanks for writing I’ve decided to go the ablation route

Harrycat profile image
Harrycat

hello, I was given this

Drug without taking bloods, I ended in hospital, my kidneys were on the critical , my liver was comprised, then had open heart surgery, needed valve replaced I now have Sjogrens which is incurable After three months , weight down to 6stones. So that’s what that terrible drug did to me. I have never smoked or drank, the doctor’s never acknowledged, but the computer has a big red star flashes, do not to prescribe this drug.That tells all.....! Hope you get the correct medication......

Spinbiker profile image
Spinbiker in reply toHarrycat

Thanks for info I’ve decided to go the ablation route

MRockwell profile image
MRockwell in reply toHarrycat

Amiodarone is a terrible drug, side effect, adverse reactions should be reported to the MHRA if you are in UK or US Food & Drug FDA. Worth looking up Stop Amiodarone.

resqme1065 profile image
resqme1065

Good luck!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Amiodorone cardioversion

Saw EP today to discuss ablation v 2nd cardioversion aided by amiodorone - EP says to be on...
Spinbiker profile image

AMIODORONE

Any one else on this medication, I hate taking it, can't go out in the sun which is torture in this...
supergranny profile image

Amiodorone

I recently had a failed cardioversion and have seen my EP to speak about future treatment- my AF is...
Spinbiker profile image

Amiodorone

I was diagnosed with PAF nearly three years ago now and started on Amiodorone six months ago I feel...
Von19 profile image

Amiodorone

Hi. I had my 2nd Cardioversion October 2021 and then I was put on Amiodorone for just 6 months. I...
dindy profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.