Amiodarone

[Sarn52]

I had Cardioversion on 30th August. Heart went into sinus rhythm after third attempt but unfortunately slipped back into AF after just one day.

I had a call from cardiac nurse this afternoon telling me the plan is to put me onto Amiodarone and then try another Cardioversion. I understand that the Amiodarone will help prevent heart slipping back into AF again after the procedure but I am very worried about the possible side effects of this drug. Has anyone experience of similar circumstances and did you experience any side effects.

Thank you

[Jalia]

This is very commonly used prior to DCCV and normally for just a short period of time. No need to worry unduly.

[CDreamer]

You are right to be concerned and ask questions but it is the most effective drug for establishing and maintaining NSR prior to and following cardioversion.

My husband has been taking Amioodarone for 5 years now, it has successfully kept him in NSR which in turn has improved his quality of life which otherwise would have meant heart failure and possible TAVI and fast decline. It has had consequences, pretty much inevitable taken longer term but taken short term, up to six months, as drug of last resort if no other treatments are thought appropriate, it can be very helpful.

I guess it depends on how keen you are in achieving NSR? Have you explored other treatments such as ablation or if you have been in persistent AF - mini maze? Have any other drug treatments been tried?

It comes down to would the benefits outweighs the risks?

[pip_pip]

Aside from the bad news from some members on this site about amioderone, I was on this drug for 6 years without any issues at all and it was of immense help. My situation was a lot different to yours. You are right to be cautious but they'll prob remove it from you after a few weeks / months after the treatment. The probs with side effects are generally related to long term use. Phil

[Fullofheart]

Amiodarone is very effective for this purpose and often used for a repeat. And it is a problematic drug. Shorter use usually has less problems.It caused underactive thyroid for me in only a few months of use so I had to come off it. They then used dronedarone which wasn't very effective in comparison. I only managed 24 hours each time following cardiobersions too. BUT it was enough for them to try ablation and I was third time lucky on that. Had 3 I one year.i wouldn't want to repeat that tbh but.... Now 4 months in nsr after 18 years of persistent AF. So grateful that they persevered. And now not on any medication whereas previously they were looking to introduce heart failure meds on top of rate control due to low EF. Took 5 months after 3rd ablation and not being on any meds to get this result.

Thyroid issues are permanent but I think I was susceptible as my mother has same issue.

[Visigoth]

I’ve been on amiodarone for 2.5 years and apart from feeling a bit weird during the first two weeks I’ve had no side effects other than small corneal deposits which are not a problem.

[Ducky2003]

I've been on and off it for about 5 or 6 years and, touch wood, it's kept me in nsr following my last cardioversion 17 months ago. It's usually a short term thing but they've kept me on it this time as I'm incredibly symptomatic in persistent AF and I'm on the list for a mitral valve repair and Cox IV Maze. I've got corneal deposits but, apparently, they will go when I stop taking it.