Amiodarone

[queseyo]

I have been, for more than 2 yeas, on Flecainide (150 mg), Sotalol (80 mg) and Digoxin (187.5 mg) and had 3 cardioversions, the last one didn't work. My AF was on and off since then, and my energy deteriorated by the day. I didn't opt for and Ablation, as suggested by my Car since I'm 83 and as I heard/read, it doesn't always work the first/second...time, plus I should have to travel interstate!!! So I switched from my "plumber" to an "electrician" who took me from F and S and put me on Amiodarone (40 mg twice a day), but now I'm on AF a 90% of the time and sometimes fell very unwell however I'm a bit more active...doing some slow walking. Anybody in similar circumstances, please let me know. Thanks for reading.

[Desanthony]

Usually amiodorone is not given long term here in the UK but only for a matter of months before and after cardioversion to help the cardioversion last longer. So long as you are having regular blood tests to monitor the effect of the amiodorone on the thyroid in particular and you watch your exposure to the sun and always wear total block sunscreen as amiodorone can cause the skin to burn easily even when there is no sun. I do know of a very few people who have been on this medication for years. I was on it for a few months either side of my second cardioversion and sis not have any problem with sun exposure and burning but did have a raised thyroid count so was taken off amiodorone a few weeks before I would have but within 3 months of coming off the thyroid count was back to near normal limits and the next blood test 3 months later it was down to what it had been at the start.

Hope you do well on the medication.

[PengieP in reply to Desanthony]

I have been on Amiodarone for over 10 years 200 mg/day. Other than the above mentioned sun sensitivity I have thankfully not had any noticeable ill effects. And I've been in NSR for the entire 10 years. I get regular chest x-rays and haven't any lung anomalies either. Though my cardiologist is very cautious about the drug as some people have very severe reactions to it.

[Desanthony in reply to PengieP]

Yes some people do manage on it long term but it is necessary to have constant checks. I am glad you are doing well on it.

[CDreamer]

You may find this thread I posted about a year ago useful as it discusses pros & cons. Pay particular attention to reply from Jonathon Pitt Cricks - a well respected doctor in UK.

My husband is still on a maintenance dose of Amiodarone, still AF free and QOL is much improved since I posted. He’s now 87.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[queseyo in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks so much, CDreamer, for your post and your referral to the edited one, which I have read with interest. I found a few situations in common with your descriptions of symptoms and so on. I have been only for 4/5 weeks with the switch to Amiodarone and I will see my EP tomorrow for a review and the results of a done Echocardiogram. Furthermore, I feel a bit more confident and hopefully the Dr. may have some useful suggestions to follow, perhaps increasing the A doses? I'm only on 40 mg twice a day. 😀

[Maggimunro]

Oh my goodness me. I accept that many people can take Amiodarone for a short period with no ill effects but my brother was put on this wretched drug for 15 months and he ended up in hospital for 2 weeks interstitial pneumonitis and a damaged thyroid gland. He felt really ill because his thyroxine levels dropped to the floor and his lungs simply couldn’t get enough oxygen into his system.

Fortunately he is now out of hospital and his thyroid function is improving. However, his lung function is still poor, which for him is a serious problem as he was a high mountain walker.

IMO Amiodarone should only be taken for severe arrhythmias and under close clinical supervision and for short periods of time. I’m not a medic but I strongly advise you to discuss alternative medication with your doctor.

[bassets]

Best wishes,.

[ralft]

I learned the hard way that magnesium supplements must not be taken with Sotolol. I avoid any supplements containing metal for at least 4 hours before or after taking sotolol. Since learning that lesson I have had essentially no Afib events.