A bad mix?

[Slidingdoors99]

Dear Afibbers,

This is week six of taking Amiodarone with Diltiazem and the side effects are gathering in number.

The Amiodarone is to get me ready for cardioversion number two, but I don’t have a date yet....

Have any of you found this a bad mix?

[Hidden]

I have no experience of Amiodarone but I take Diltiazem which, for me, is fairly symptom free. I know that Amiodarone can be a difficult drug, but the benefit it offers for someone in your position is considerable and normally short term either side of the cardioversion. Obviously you should discuss with your Doctor but I doubt they will want to make changes if your CV is imminent.......

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I think you’re right. Thank you.PS More blood tests tomorrow and really hoping my thyroid and blood sugar levels haven’t got worse. 🤞

[Geraldmilton in reply to Slidingdoors99]

I had cv last week was advised to take amiodarone three a day for a wk two a day second wk one a day till cv still on one a day fingers crossed am still stable normal as I call it I do get side effects but if it works I will suffer side affects the first cv was not successful without amiodarone gd luck with your treatment

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Geraldmilton]

Thank you and the best of luck to too!I have been in sinus rhythm since March 5th, and it’s fantastic!

Blood tests fortnightly though because it appears the amiodarone has effected my thyroid and now my kidneys.

I pray that these things will improve as time goes by! 🙏🙏

[Mickey16]

Hi Slidingdoors99I took Amiodarone in preparation for a Cardioversion and became very ill very quickly - noticed detrimental side affects after two weeks which very quickly accelerated. I have no experience of Diltiazem.

I would recommend you speak to your medical professionals and raise your concerns.

In my case, if I had not, I would be severely ill or worse.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Mickey16]

Thank you Mickey and yes I have. My GP has emailed the cardiologist to ask if the cardioversion can be quite soon.It’s the slightly blurred vision that started yesterday that’s really startled me.....

[CDreamer]

Amiodarone is a very toxic drug but also the most affective for cardio version. My OH had been on both drugs for over 2 years now with no ill affects & it was effective when all else failed, even the CV.

It’s very individual how we tolerate different drugs.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to CDreamer]

Yes, thank you and you’re so right!

[Buffafly]

I take diltiazem with no problems but couldn’t comment on the mix.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Buffafly]

OK Thank you for replying Buffafly.

[opal11uk]

I have taken Amioderone and in my opinion it is by far the worst drug with its contraindications, my suggestion is to ring the cardios secretary and leave a message, relaying your experience and ask to have the drugs changed or at least a date for your inversion or both. I have not taken the other drug.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to opal11uk]

Thank you. I will chase up my cardioversion date.

[opal11uk in reply to Slidingdoors99]

I learnt long ago that you have to 'pester' to get things done, good luck x

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to opal11uk]

Thank you Opal. I’m going to pester this afternoon!

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to opal11uk]

Sorry! I’ve replied to myself again! 🙄

[Ianc2]

Ask to see an EP if possible and enquire about the possibility of an ablation . In the past I had a cardioversion, which worked for a while, then another which also worked for a while. I also took Amiodarone for a while and it is not an experience I would want to repeat.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you. I hate taking the amiodarone and worry each day about the side effects... It has stopped the horrible racing heart and flapping feeling though.

I asked at the time if there was another tablet I could take instead but was told that there wasn’t!

[Prince123456]

Amiodarone is a terrible drug regardless if it’s taken with or without other meds.

[Redders]

Oh no, I’m about to be put on Amiodarone,

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Redders]

For some people it seems to be not so bad! 🤞for you.

[Ianc2]

It's a bit of a catch 22 situation. It will probably fix your heart problem while you are waiting for another procedure, but if you carry on taking it for a length of time it may cause problems itself. You should be scheduled for regular bolod tests, Make sure you get your blood tests done on time. Keep your skin covered and try and avoid bright sunshine.

Having said that I took it for a good while before they manged to sort out a valve repair for me. After my heart repair I was gradually taken off all the pills. All I take now are Warfarin and Ramipril for border line high blood pressure/Afib.

Try and get all your other ducks in a row, stop smoking, get your weight where it should be for your size, eat a very healthy diet , drop the caffeine and alcohol and exercise every day . Just do it.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you. The amiodarone (perhaps with it without the Diltiazem ) is already having negative effects. I wonder how long the hospital meant when they said to be on it for a short time?

When you said ‘Just do it!’ I am trying my best to do all the right things!

Thanks again.

[Ianc2]

It is hard but the aim is to keep you safe. As soon as they get a treatment plan organised you will be able to see a way forward and things will look better. In the words of the old song 'pack up your troubles in your old kit bag smile boys, that's the style'.