Replacement for Digoxin

[Raffles14]

I have been advised that I should be taking something to reduce the strain on my heart from permanent af. Digoxin did not work for me as it made me incredibly tired all the time. Can anyone recommend something that does not produce that side effect. (My heartbeat is usually a bit fast)

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Besides beta blockers (which sometimes cause tiredness) there is also Flecainide, Sotalol (also a beta blocker) and Amiodarone. The latter drugs may cause unpleasant side effects in some individuals. Prescribing may be affected by the cause of identifiable. You really need to speak to a medical professional. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and spicy foods from your diet, if you have not done so already, may also help. Good luck!

[beardy_chris]

I think Bisoprolol (a beta blocker) made me depressed. Diltiazem (a calcium channel blocker) suits me much better.

My cardiologist said they have a veritable raft of drugs to slow the heart down; it is just a case of finding the right drug or combination of drugs.

Flecanaide and Amiodarone are not drugs to slow the heart but to change its rhythm - which is very different - but I'm not a medic.

[Siame]

Hi, I take bisoprolol 2.5mg daily. I did have side effects to start but not anymore. Has your cardiologist recommended trying to reverse your AF and get you back into Sinus Rhythm?

[Raffles14 in reply to Siame]

Yes. I've had three cardioversions and three ablations. Nothing worked. I'm now at the stage of trying to reduce the workload on my heart of beating inefficiently.

[Siame]

Also Fleicanide is used to reverse AF