Amiodorine

[Hilianna]

Amiodorine?? Help the cardiology section want me to try this drug - beta blockers do not work for me. I do not like the look of the side effects. Seems like a very strong drug for someone of 79 with thyroid issues in my mother, maternal aunt and daughter and eye problems with myself. I would prefer to try an ablation. Any thoughts on this?

[Jes59]

my own experience with Amiodarone is good. I had it for a year starting on 200mg which was reduced over the year. I had regular blood tests and fortunately I had no problems with thyroid, lungs, eyes etc. My AF disappeared (after a month) and I could not have been happier! However you will get people telling you the exact opposite, so it is a difficult choice that you need to discuss with your doctor.

An ablation for me was my last resort (I was far more worried about this than Amiodarone!) but alas the AF returned after about a year of finishing taking the drug and I eventually had an ablation (remember that this too has risks, including dying, though this is a rare outcome). However mine has been successful and 5 months post op I am still clear of AF.

[CDreamer]

My husband’s experience with Amiodarone is also good with no issues but it is the most toxic drug and one of last resort. After cardioversion failed, with aortic stenosis and leaky mitral valves ablation wasn’t on offer at 85. He stayed on full dose for 2 years, regularly monitored and AF went away after 3 months. After 2 years the dose reduced to minimal maintenance dose and he’s still doing well.

Yes there are serious risks with taking this drug and there are serious benefits as it is the most effective drug to revert to NSR.

Ablations can be effective for some but less so the older you are. Having had 2 myself, I can say they also come with risks and very often require more than 1 ablation. Recovery is variable and often takes a lot longer than the doctors will tell you.

How long have you had AF for? How symptomatic? Persistent or Paroxysmal? Have you had a cardioversion? This is often offered to see if you are a suitable candidate for ablation? Was ablation offered? All the above are relevant for recommending and chosing treatment.

[Ppiman]

This should relieve many of your fears:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Steve

[Mickey16]

Hi Hilianna,

I would check with your Doctor and talk this through with him/them your concerns. For some, this medicine can be helpful to those it suits, but it is a very strong medicine and the side affects for me were very adverse very quickly. I was in my 50's.

Suggest you read the Amiodarone Wikipedia page as it may assist your view point and it lists many of the high level points you may wish to ask of your Doctor.

With best wishes Hilianna.

[Jajarunner]

was on it for 6 months prior to and post ablation, no problems. After three failed ablations in 20 months I refused a fourth especially as recovery from each ablation to normal active lifestyle was six months plus each time. I instead requested amiodarone before someone on this page suggested dronedarone. Been on it three months so far without problems. Seems the toxicity of amiodarone was on the old school large doses and it is pretty safe at new low doses. I was on 100 but I know older people sometimes have as low as 50. Good luck with whatever you choose

[RussJun55]

Some people can't tolerate it, but presumably most do, otherwise it would not be so widely prescribed to control rhythm problems. I took it for 6 months after conversion for post surgical AF and I had no issues, Hopefully your doctors are aware of your history and took that into account in balancing the risks-rewards of ablation vs drug. But if I had your concerns I would certainly express them to your care team.

[Fryguy]

i would be very careful with amiodarone, it is for very serious cases and usually just before surgery too and i was told that directly from my electrophysioligistand cardiologist. Definitely not long term as the side affects are serious and many . I would definitely consider an ablation and it is banned in some countries because of it's toxicity...All the best to you .... P.S. I was put on it because I had some wide complex tachycardia just before my ablation and then discontinued it after the ablation.

[kocoach]

Hello Hilianna, I've been on amiodarone for going on five years now put on it without my consent while in the hospital. I spoke to my EP Dr. after it was done and asked him if he authroized it which he said he talked with the Cardiologist at the Hospital I was in and they agreed it was for the best to get me off of Tikosyn. I've not had any issues as of yet and haven't been seen by a Dr. in over a year and half now. I was very afraid when put on Amiodarone as I've heard so many negative things about it. My Dr. who is, from what I understand is very sought after by local Hospitals because of his knowledge of afib reassured me that there are so many favorable reports of people on long term amiodarone and all we hear about are the bad cases. I've asked him several times if I could cut back or stop and take something else but he wishe's me to stay on it. He's the Dr., why do we go to them if we don't value their opinions. I've had afib since 1992 and am 76 years young and believe when it's your time to go nothing can help you, that's why I've a loooong time ago given it all over to GOD and now I have peace even while in afib. Have a Blessed day.