Currently taking Dronaderone and Edoxaban after two failed ablations. I am in AF for the majority of the time. Further 'internal' ablations are not on offer, only an external (?maze) procedure or pace and ablate. Another option offered to me is Amiodarone. I have reservations about this due to the many side effects.
My questions to you all are
1. How likely is it that Amiodarone will control my AF?
2. As I am in AF for the majority of the time, it is tempting to stop the anti-arrthymics altogether and look at beta-blocker rate control. Does anyone have any experience of this?
I am not looking for medical advice, just experiences.
Written by
Kernowafibber
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Amiodarone is, I gather, an exceptionally effective drug, but tends to be used in low doses and with careful monitoring for toxicity reasons. This study shows its safety when used in this way:
Amiodarone is very good at maintaining rhythm. I'm in it as my drug of last resort after three failed ablations which only lasted an average of four months each. Seems that the side effects are mainly from the old high dose regimes not the modern lower doses. Good luck 🤞
I’ve had three ablations, the last one a hybrid which included a mini maze, and I have only been afib free and felt completely normal was when I have been on amiodarone. My thyroid doesn’t work anyway, but I have only taken amiodarone for limited periods pre and post procedures because of its potential damage to the lungs.
Over the past few years I have also been on the max. or more than the max. dose of bisoprolol. My afib is generally less than 100 resting and I have a fairly active life, although not as active as I used to be.
That’s my experience, it can be a bit of a journey, good luck!!!
It can work but there are side effects. The most serious is pulmonary toxicity but it only occurs in 6 out of 100,000 people (been there, done that). If you have a dry non-productive cough that can be a sign that amiodarone (and dronedarone) it's problematic. You need it checked but less experienced clinicians may say that you have community aquired pnuemonia; however, the lung sounds are in a different location than for pnuemonia. The lung sound is like Velcro being pulled apart. Other things to watch out for are the effect on the thyroid, eyes sensitive to bright light, skin sensitivity to sun light.
I gues from your tag that you're from Cornwall. When I had pulmonary toxicity secondary to dronedarone and amiodarone in 2014, a GP whose wife and he had both worked at Truro Hospital, advised me to take my relevant letters on holiday to Cornwall, as the hospital would not have heard of my condition.
after 5 years of AF issues placed on Amiodarvone in ER. From Dec 19 to Feb 5 it: dropped by HR to 32, hence another admission, tripled by thyroid panel, and raised my sugar to pre-diabetic. To me it was a nightmare, others I know take it without issue. Please familiarize yourself with the side effects. If not for the second admission I would not have been aware of either of the side effects it was having on me.
Amiodarone is probably the most effective anti-arrhythmic available. Side effects are extremely variable from person to person. Generally the drug is safe if the dose is kept low and you don’t have to be on it for too many years. It does tend to build up in the body and certainly side effects occur more commonly the longer you stay on it, my father was on it for 25 years at a dose of 100 mg daily and never had a problem with it but individual experience is not helpful. You must become familiar with the side effects. If you are going to take it and be sure your physician is monitoring you appropriately. The problem is that the drug is stored in your body and if side effects occur, there is no effective way to get it out quickly.
I had two ablations, first lasted years, second lasted one month, Dr won't do another. Was using everything except Amiodarone with a heart rate at 90, blood pressure 140/85, constant afib like you. Was put on Amiodarone, 400mg/day and metroporol with diuretics. I backed myself off metroporol(made hands and upper body freezing cold), and backed off to 200mg/day of Amiodarone. Heart rate at 65-70 (prior afib rate) and blood pressure 135/75. Still in afib, but much less aggressive. I was apprehensive about side effects, but have had none. Also did not have to go to hospital to be put on Amiodarone, which some doctors want to make sure you tolerate it properly. Still need 40mg of toresemide diuretic to keep water retention in check but overall happy with the results of Amiodarone use. Been a year since the change over.
I take 100mg of Amiodarone daily. At 200mg I had side effects that were difficult to live with. After the reduction all seems well. My problem is with Xarelto. I became severely anemic. They can't find the source after all the scopes. Everyday is a balancing act. I feared Amiodarone at first but it seems ok. I wish you luck with it. For me it is the answer at low dosage.
medications really are a bit of a minefield for sure ! My experience on amiodarone has been somewhat “rocky “……. I started on it initially and quite soon found my balance became ridiculous , I had moments of nausea though I never actually threw up , my breath became more laboured and i found out that it can actually cause some scarring on the lungs which as a never having smoked in my life person - quite scary and shocking . I also experienced lightheadedness / feeling faint and actually had quite a serious collapse where I totally lost consciousness and ended up in A&E .
I was changed to Flecanide and began gradually to feel better ….some of the symptoms subsided to a level of acceptable , but about a year later I was having problems with my vision and general well-being allround and I kept having regular AF situations…so it was eventually decided to control the AF better , I wouLd return onto the amiodorone. My AF has been much better controlled on it but my breathlessness , balance and lightheadedness have all continued .
I think everyone has their own reactions and responses to medication and you have to weigh up all the pro’s and con’s to find some kind of tolerable balance. I have decided for my balance issues , I use a walking aid …… as for the breathlessness, whilst I do worry about the effect on my lungs , I am unable to walk very far and need to stop and sit very often so I try to avoid getting too breathless and have had to come to terms with the fact that the AF is far more likely to harm me than the other annoying symptoms .
Hi,Amiodarone is very effective with AF, I was on it from 2018 to 2020 when I started having issues with my Thyroid that's when I stopped taking Amiodarone.
My thyroid went back to normal. I am on blood thinners
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
How to cope with depression due to awaiting FOURTH ablation?
Three years from diagnosis
pace and a late 
2 Weeks post Ablation
First post from yet another fearful afibber (lone longstanding persistent) facing an ablation!
