loaded with Amiodarone in the 6 weeks up to cardioversion, which is this Saturday. Do I stop taking it at that point regardless of success.
Out of interest I understand some people go into normal sinus rhythm on Amiodarone. I do a daily ECG with my Kardia device and have been in persistent AF during the period (and the previous2 years…)
Do what the doctors tell you to do. It may well be that they will want you to remain on amiodarone for a short while post DCCV to aid the heart whilst it finds it's new normal.
My husband’s cardioversion lasted 3 seconds - because he hadn’t had the loading dose for long enough prior to the cardioversion so he stayed on Amiodarone and voila - 3 months later he started to have periods of NSR which gradually became longer and longer and now he is in NSR 95% of the time some 7 years later. Still taking a low dose and suffering few low grade side effects which don’t bother him.
My impression was that if the cardioversion had worked he would have gradually tapered off the Amiodarone after a few months, once NSR had been established but as it’s the only thing that has worked for him he’s happy to continue.
As Bob commented, it’s a question for your EP who knows your circumstances and medical history.
I would only stop taking amiodarone on advice by your gp i was taking this drug and it brought me back into normal rythm 18mths on im still in normal sinus rythm wish you luck and good health going forward 🙂
I agree with Bob D. Take the advice of the Doctors/Specialists. I have been on Amiodarone for over 2 years now and have been told by my EP that I will have to keep taking it forever to keep my heart in NSR. Take care.
Just wondering if you have/had side effects from the Amiodarone?
Just started regime with this yesterday.
Hi there. I check heart ECG daily and heart rate has slowed a ittle. Normally I was around 60 to 70bpm. Now 45 to 60. So maybe a little more tired. Consultant advised to reduce beta blocker if it went below 45bpm.
Main noticeable side effect is sleep pattern. I was told it could give you some weird dreams which could be unsettling. They were correct, most nights!
To be honest when I had the loading dose via canula I felt awful but it was the only way to get my heart rate back down below 179bpm. I spent 1 day in CCU whilst they monitored me then back to the ward for the remaining 10 days. My heart rate can be as low as 38bpm [which I don't really like as I get dizzy] - it rarely gets above 60bpm but my heart is 'happy' with this. Personally I am thankful that this drug exists and controls my heart rate. I still get missed beats but nothing compared to what I had before. Stick with it I'd say and you will feel 'normal' after your body gets used to it, but, of course consult with the relevant experts if you do have any allergies to it. Take care.
this is a question doctor. They put you on it only they should be telling you when to get off it. Perhaps they will put you on something else. I think that’s when I went multaq. I’m not sure when I was put on metoprolol first it especially in the beginning of a fib, etc. I have a feeling changing meds is a normal part of things until they get the right fit. Best of luck. Don’t just stop taking from any type of meds can be awful. It’s not necessarily about narcotics. Only your doctor should instruct you on this. I was on amiodarone. It was awful. My doctor did pull me immediately because what was going on was worse than the problem with it, but that was my that decided this.
Agree with the responses above - question for EP/GP.
I have been on Amiodarone since the start of 2025, and had an ablation at the end of January when my AF persisted and cardioversion was not working. After some vision problems a couple of weeks ago, and in consultation with my GP, I cut my dosage in half. I have had no symptomatic episodes of AF since. Frankly, with the significant potential side effects and only having one kidney, the sooner I can get off that drug the better.
That would be your EP’s call but I would not think they would stop it right away. Be certain to notify anyone at first sign of side effects. An amiodarone is generally only used short term so I would think they will discuss that after the Cardioversion.
My Cardiologist has kept me on Amiadarone following my successful cardioversion over a year ago. I’ve asked if I could come off it due to various side effects but have been discouraged from doing it rather than specifically told that I can’t.
Tell me your experience with and opinion of Amiadarone. Thanks.
Hi there. I check heart ECG daily and heart rate has slowed a ittle. Normally I was around 60 to 70bpm. Now 45 to 60. So maybe a little more tired. Consultant advised to reduce beta blocker if it went below 45bpm.
Main noticeable side effect is sleep pattern. I was told it could give you some weird dreams which could be unsettling. They were correct, most nights!
When I had my second ablation my cardiologist took me off Amiodarone. Unfortunately I went back into AF about 5 weeks later. I was put back on 200mg amiodarone and had a cardio version 6 weeks ago. I remain on 200mg Amiodarone and he is reducing this to 100mg until the end of the year. I am hoping that it’s more than this drug that is keeping me in NSR. Time will tell. Best of luck with your op.
Tell me your experience with and opinon of Amiodarone. Thanks.
My cardioversion kept me in NSR for 1 night/12 hours. However, after I started taking Amiodarone I went into NSR on day 3 of the medication and was is NSR for 2 years until I had my ablation done. The cardioversion was a waste of time in my case.
One reason why cardioversion is used prior to ablation is to see whether or not NSR can be achieved. I was never offered cardioversion and went straight to ablation after drugs failed to maintain NSR.
If Amiodarone worked why did you choose an ablation? Thanks.
Consultant advised that they would only do the ablation if I was in normal sinus rythym. Hence Amiodarone after 2 failed cardioversion.
Last chance saloon as in permanent AF 2 years is the max they will consider
cardiologist prescribed flecainide.. electrophysiologist prescribed amiodarone.. idk what to do 
Should I give up taking Amiodarone
I don't like amiodarone
Still in AF 25 days post ablation.. do I take Amiodarone?
Has anyone heard of the study: Berberine vs Amiodarone for AFIB?
