carvedilol and amiodarone: following... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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carvedilol and amiodarone

Taichid profile image
11 Replies

following some kind of pacemaker, I was given these drugs and have now what I believe to be side effects, dizziness and off balance. Also having sleep problems, either sleeping for 10 hours or not at all.Also regular screaming nightmares.Has anyone experienced this.

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Taichid profile image
Taichid
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11 Replies
30912 profile image
30912

I've been on Amiodorone in the past and whilst not feeling dizzy or off balance, I have had the nightmares which were quite horrific. Slight trembling in the hands was the only other symptom and no sleep issues apart from the dreams. Horrible stuff.

KenRC profile image
KenRC in reply to30912

I found amiodarone worked great to get me back in sinus rhythm but made me feel dizzy & tired and generally lethargic. Don’t know about the nightmares, I’ve an idea it’s apixaban that gives me them, as I’m still on that & still get them.

Gowers profile image
Gowers in reply to30912

I have developed tremor in legs/feet & hands. Waiting to get advice on my next consultation. Are you still taking it?

30912 profile image
30912 in reply toGowers

No, stopped it years ago on the advice of my cardiologist at the time.

Jishuang44 profile image
Jishuang44

I am on both of these drugs too. Initially I was extremely tired with the Carvedilol but that has fortunately settled now. I have had endless side effects with Amiadarone including high cholesterol, photosensitivity, corneal deposits, and the latest thing is hypothyroidism. For the past week or so I have been feeling very light headed and my blood pressure has dropped to a dangerous level. I am off to the GP for a check up later but she thinks I will have to stop my ace inhibitor, and there are ongoing discussions with my cardiologist about whether I can come off the Amiadarone. I would definitely get your thyroid and blood pressure checked. I sleep very badly since starting on the Amiadarone. I have been told I will have to rely on my ICD if I stop Amiadarone as there are no suitable alternatives for me.

Good luck getting things sorted out.

Taichid profile image
Taichid in reply toJishuang44

I understand that if you stop Amiodarone the drug remains inyour system for many months. Have had blood tests for thyroid and liver function all ok and going to have them every 6 months. My sleep pattern is all,over the place, either sleep for 10 hours or not al all but do have screaming nightmares that Eve wake the cat up.

Gowers profile image
Gowers in reply toJishuang44

I've been told that if I come off Amiodarone I will probably get AF again. Difficult to know what to do - I'm also considering a pacemaker- didn't realise you have to take another drug as backup

Commenting on Amiodarone only, I had a positive experience with it. Had awful AF (post valve repair), weakness, poor delirious sleep, low BP in the 80s, went back to the hospital 2 weeks after initial discharge and was put on it for 6 months. Took a few days to build up but no discernible side-effects and was reluctant to come off it. When I did the AF didn't come back and have felt fine for a year ever since - so worth a try in my book.

Gowers profile image
Gowers in reply to

Did they just stop the drug or were you on reduced dose? Looks like I may have to come off it. Your information is v helpful thanks

in reply toGowers

I was told to stop at my next clinic appointment. When I asked why the registrar said they didn't like long term use because of possible thyroid problems. He said no need to come of it gradually because it stays in your system a while anyway.

Gowers profile image
Gowers

I haven't had pacemaker & I'm on Amiodarone - didn't know Amiodarone is given after having one fitted. I've also got balance issues

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