Amiodorone aided cardioversion

[Spinbiker]

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

[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 in reply to bmandel]

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

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[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 in reply to colourblue]

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

[MRockwell in reply to colourblue]

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 in reply to MRockwell]

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

[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 in reply to raymelb]

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

[raymelb in reply to Spinbiker]

Good luck. Hope all goes well for you.

[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 in reply to Bagrat]

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

[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 in reply to resqme1065]

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

[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 in reply to Harrycat]

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

[MRockwell in reply to Harrycat]

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]

Good luck!