Amiodrone

[Danny44]

Good morning everyone.

Does anyone know of an alternative to Amiodrone been on for 6 years really want to stop any ideas then I could speak to a cardiac dr ?

TIA

Dan

[BobD Volunteer]

Amiodarone should be a drug of last resort Dan and only use short term. It is the best antiarrhythmic drug but has too many other affects on health. Flecainide and Propafanone are also anti arrhythmic drugs and of course there are beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to slow your heart.

You really need to speak to your cardiologist and ask WHY you have been on this toxic drug for so long.

[Danny44 in reply to BobD]

Thanks bob my cardiac dr can’t even be bothered too review me I’m thinking of speaking to a top cardiac dr private see what my options are and if the other AF drugs you listed above may be an option appreciate your great info as always 🤙

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Danny, a lot of members on this site view Flecainide as the best and most effect drug to take. It's the only one that really worked for me.

I agree with Bob, it doesn't sound good that you've been left on Amiodarone for so long. I took it on two occasions which added up to about a year and it damaged my thyroid and I'll now have to take drugs to rectify that for life.

Jean

[Danny44]

Thanks for replies yes I have been on too long wish I had never been put on in the 1st place I never knew it was so toxic until some months ago.I will see if flecanide is an option as I should never have been put on in the first place !!

[Buffafly in reply to Danny44]

There may have been a good reason why you were put on it initially but it certainly should have been reviewed!

[TroublewithAF in reply to Danny44]

It will take a long time for the Amiodarone to work out of your body, There will be a lot of iodine trapped in the thyroid. Estimates vary from 30 days to 180 days until the effects clear. I took 200mg for four weeks only and was still feeling some benefits 10 weeks after stopping however had a major AF incident at 4 month point and repeated AF after that, During 'withdrawal' my heart rate was about 10 below post cardioversion level in range 52-58. Finally found out my trigger event for AF for me was mild stress. A betablocker at a very low level (1.25) rather than calcium channel blocker was a good control for me until the ablation. So far so good 4 months after ablation but the cardio team said my heart was strong and I had no furring up of the arteries just haven't been doing aerobic exercise due to COVID restrictions

[Rubymurray25]

I was put on Amiodarone 600mg reducing to 200mg daily as it seemed to be the only drug that controlled my AF and Flutter during a 48 hour hospital stay , three months ago. I was told I would have to take it until I move up the list for my 3rd Ablation, Rather worrying it is so toxic. I had my thyroid last week and although it had gone up still within the limits, just hoping it will remain stable. Judging by the current comments I will definitely question if I am still on it after my ablation.

[Buffafly in reply to Rubymurray25]

I believe it is often used to help a cardioversion or ablation ‘hold’ but it should be rigorously monitored.

[Danny44 in reply to Buffafly]

Yes buffafly I was prescribed amiodrone before my second cardio version but I feel there were other option to keep NSR after cardio version I feel like I’ve been put on a drug that when I try and come off it I have huge AF attacks my cardiac dr should have at least tried droneadrone the less toxic of the 2.Dont like doctors gambling with my life putting me on a drug that I don’t think I can ever come off of reduculous reckless treatment I’m 49 so I’m pretty unhappy about it.! I’m sure we dislike having this condition I just wish there was a breakthrough but Covid is the most important atm !

[Danny44 in reply to Rubymurray25]

Hi Curry lol.Yes 600 mg is a big dose but from what I know you start off with high dose do it goes into your system quicker.I take 200mg in morning.It is a toxic drug as the fountain of good info bobd has commented on many times.Yes thyroid liver kidneys can all be affected again I have regular blood tests.I will speak to my doc and see if flecanide is an option thanks jeanjeanie.Yes rubymurray def get a review.i have also been offered ablation but refuse to as it isn’t a guarantee at all more like a gamble.The fact you’re On your 3rd ablation and I’ve heard on here so many time’s it didn’t work didn’t last multiple ablations and in a lot of cases I’ve heard people say they even feel worse.There needs to be a new drug in the pipeline Somebody posted on here about it a while ago but I lost the link can get a Covid vaccine but can’t cure AF !!!

[Rubymurray25 in reply to Danny44]

Hi Danny44, It's funny how the Rubymurray does miss the Curry connection but well spotted, our old dog's name, so I kept it in memory. Yes, I understand the pump the amiodarone in initially and that aspect was fine for my heart and body. I have been on Sotalol and Flecainide in the past but both apparently had run their course. I always liken an ablation to tuning a Formula One Racing Car in my case, unlikely to get it running perfectly until many tweaks, and then you can get within 1/100th of a second of your opposition. Good luck on your AF journey. Best regards Max

[Nannysue1]

I too have been on fir 6yrs and have my bloods tested every 3mths to monitor it, with all good do far. Yes it is toxic and I'd rather not be on it but the other drugs didnt control my AF. My cardiologist reviews me regularly and feels this is the best way to go for me for now, although I'm now looking at ablation.

[Danny44 in reply to Nannysue1]

Hi nannysue have you tried flecanide ?

[Nannysue1 in reply to Danny44]

Yes 1st one they tried me on but did nothing to stop the AF

[Danny44 in reply to Nannysue1]

That’s a shame !

[Nugger in reply to Nannysue1]

Do you have lung function test done too ? That’s what I had as well as the blood work, when I was taking amioderone

[Nannysue1 in reply to Nugger]

Yes I have chest biennial xrays

[Nugger in reply to Nannysue1]

I was having them every 3 months

[Nannysue1 in reply to Nugger]

Chest xrays? Wow I wouldn't want that amount of radiation, every 2 yrs is enough. Have bloods every 3 mths

[Danny44]

Thanks John

[Danny44]

Really ok my dad is on that shame my reckless cardiac dr has made this choice without a plan for me to come off makes me very angry !

[Danny44]

Not for a while but I’ve just changed gp so it’s on the list 🤙