Has anyone took Digoxin? Side effects?

[mimi7753]

I have been A fib for 12 years. My cardiologist wants to put me on Digoxin and I'm already taking Diltiazem. I am very reluctant to taking Digoxin after reading about the side effects and how elevated serum levels increase mortality. Also read there is a wide range of morbidity. Would like to hear some of your experiences with this drug, Digoxin, if you have taken it. Thank you

[mav7]

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

No experience with digoxin, but above are other threads on the subject.

Just a cursory search, but it seems if you have an otherwise healthy heart, digoxin can be very effective. Best to discuss your concerns with your doctor and possibly consider a second opinion from an experienced medical professional.

[gstedders]

I have been on digoxin 125micrograms for over a year for heart failure and permanent AF. I have no problems. My Heartrate ranges from 60 to 80. I take other meds.

[Cozzer]

I have been a AF patient for 20 odd years and spent some time on digoxin, I found it quite good for rate control, but only if I was sedentary, I work a physical job and when in persistent af am very symptomatic so it didn't really do the job for me in my situation, where as diltiazem does, I'd imagine the digoxin is to aid with the pumping contractions or is the diltiazem struggling to keep rate for you? Had your heart weakened at all?

[mimi7753 in reply to Cozzer]

Diltiazem isn't keeping my heart rate down. I am on 180mg and he is lowering it to 120mg and adding Digoxin 125mcg. I have almost decided to go ahead and try it and see how I do. Don't know if I don't try it right. Thanks for your input.

[Madscientist16 in reply to mimi7753]

I was on the same doses as you are considering when diltiazem was not keeping my AF at bay. Was on 125mcg of digoxin for 8 months with no issues. After my ablation, I was removed from taking both.

[Silvasava]

Ive been on Digoxin for 3 years, no issues with it at all

[Cavalierrubie]

Unfortunately for me it gave me very bad diarrhoea. All medication has side effects and it’s trial and error with most. Some can make you feel worse than AF itself, but they are needed for control of AF and protection of the heart. It’s finding the right balance for you. I would do what your cardiologist advises and see how it goes,

[mimi7753 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Yes, I think you are right. I'll see what happens.

[Clarrie]

I've been on Digoxin for nearly 12 months with no problems.

[Dudtbin]

digoxin was the only thing to put me back in nsr. Had no side effects at all.

[Borderterriorist]

I've been taking it for three months and it seems to do the job for me without any side effects. I take it with Bisoprolol 5 mg twice daily.

[Sentipede]

I have been on digoxin for two months and also take 360mg diltiazem. The diltiazem seemed to control heart rate well with a resting heart rate in high fifties , but cardiologist said he wanted me to take digoxin for a few months before an echocardiogram. It seemed to cause stomach problems at first but they have settled. My only worry is, since taking digoxin my heartrate goes into the low- mid forties at night ( according to smart watch!). I have persistent AFib, with mild breathlessness as the only symptom.

[mimi7753 in reply to Sentipede]

Thank you for your input. I do appreciate it.

[Mumursa]

Hi. I’ve been taking digoxin for over 12 months. I was scared of it and got monitored for toxicity at one month and 7 months - none.

It was added to my drug cocktail when I had AF and also developed A. Flutter, and I think it has calmed my heart and helped its function. It’s still irregular and not beating correctly, but I can lead a fairly normal life now, and I attribute that to digoxin.

We’re all different so it’s as well to be wary, but mine is a positive experience. Good luck.

[mimi7753 in reply to Mumursa]

Thank you. I hope it agrees with me and my drug cocktail.

[Snowgirl65]

I was on Digoxin for about 8 months with no side effects whatsoever.

[JudyMarieC]

I have permanent afib and have been on digoxin for about 3 years. I was leery about taking it at first but it's worked well for me with no obvious side effects. My cardiologist checks my levels once a year. I also have a pacemaker so I don't need to worry about my heart rate getting too low.

[Shemac52]

Been on Digoxin for 5 years and Diltiazem for 4 no problems but everyone is different

[SamAdmin]

Thank you for your post on the Atrial Fibrillation support forum.

Please see below I have attached our information sheet 'Digoxin information sheet'

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

If you would like any further advice please contact us on

Email: [e-mail]

Kind regards

SamAdmin

Information sheet

[Junoesque in reply to SamAdmin]

I was very symptomatic with my paroxysmal A/Fib. So much so I couldn’t function when having an episode. I also have Angina and get very breathless. I have had A/F for 25 years. I do have a pacemaker inserted. I was put on Digoxin about eight months ago and it is like a miracle I cannot feel my episodes and the terrible pain I suffered has gone 🤞. I am on a low dose of 0.0625 mg a day. No side effects except tiredness but I am now 87yrs old. It is wonderful to be free of the terrific pain episodes of A/F caused me for so many years.

[Jill13]

I have been on digoxin and diliazem for about 9 years in permanent AF. No side effects but I have blood tests twice a year to test for any toxicity but none. I don’t feel my AF at all as. It keeps heart rate in control. I am 84I

[TanyaSo]

I've been taking it more than 10 years without any side effects.