Changing from Amiodarone to Digoxin

[Christabelle27]

I have recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in my lower legs and feet. I have AF and have diabetes II. I have been told that the treatment for my peripheral neuropathy is not suitable when taking Amiodarone so the pharmacist has suggested that I change to Digoxin. Has anyone done this or can give me an idea about taking digoxin?

[Gumbie_Cat]

I would have thought that you would need advice from your cardiologist or arrhythmia nurse. Amiodarone is an anti- arrhythmic drug, but my understanding is that Digoxin controls the rate. Atrial fibrillation is so different for everyone, and I’m fairly sure that you would need good advice before changing.

ETA - having checked online, I see that digoxin is an antiarrhythmic - though I think you would still need to check with cardiology in case it isn’t suitable for you. Some drugs lower the heart rate more than others for instance.

[Christabelle27 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

hi, thank you for your reply. I believe the pharmacist is going to speak to my GP then get in touch with my Cardiologist.

[Mountwood]

I agree with Gumbie_ Cat that you need to consult your cardiologist. Peripheral neuropathy can result from Type 2 but can also be a side effect of Amiodarone.

[Christabelle27 in reply to Mountwood]

hi, thanks for your reply. I have an appointment with my Cardiologist on 22nd so I will discus my Peripheral Neuropathy with him and will not change to digoxin until I have more evidence that this will be best for me.

The Pharmasist told me that he knew more about medication than the doctors but my cardiologist knows more about my AF and heart failure so will wait.

[Susangibbons]

I have been on Digoxin for years now with no problems, every now and then they need to do a toxicity test but so far so good, but its definitely right that you should speak with your cardioligist, hope you get it sorted 😀

[Christabelle27]

Hi. it has been a while since I followed up on my problem with Amiodarone and Peripheral Neuropathy because of the necessity to see my Cardiologist to discuss coming off Amiodarone in order to take medication called Amitriptyline for the Neuropathy. My Cardiologist said if I wanted to stop taking Amiodarone that was ok because he didn't believe it was working for me anyway. So, I came off this steadily over the next month. I then spoke with a different Pharmacist at my Drs surgery, and he refused to give me Amitriptyline saying that it would put me in an irregular heart rhythm. I explained I was already in that due to AF, but he still refused to give it to me, but he did prescribe me with Pregabalin which is a nerve pain medication and a month since that my neuropathy appears under control.