Amiodarone

[Langdalerunningman]

My consultant wants me to go on amiodarone and try a second cardio version (1st one didn’t work).

I have read some horrible stuff about it. Does anyone have experience to share?

[Etzel]

I've said before it's not a fun drug but i've been on it for 6 months now with no noticeable side effects or issues in my blood tests.

As others will say it's the best drug for the job and if it keeps you ok until the cardio version you can't really object.

[Survivor1952]

I'm currently on it with no side effects at all albeit it is only 8 weeks since my op. It's flagged up as 'until clinic' in my case which is next week ...

[Jce1960]

My partner was on it, no obvious side effects. Needed a discussion before prescribed . And a blood test after 6 weeks, needed to be on it for a length of time before his second cardioversion.

[Johnwhitton]

Hi I was amiodarone after my heart op for a few weeks and taken off it once doctors Happy with blood tests , as with all meds always ask for how long on any of them .

[56dick19]

Hi I’m on Amiodarone 2 years now it was the only thing that would get my heart under control. It has made my skin sensitive to the sun the first year was the worst. I used to love sitting in the sun but can’t any more. Try it all meds have some side effect’s

[MrBz]

Unfortunately bad experience for me, rash and skin flaking off. (But it worked !)

[Ellie-Ann]

Hi.

I had a CV done last December after almost two years in persistent AF. It’s been successful so far. I was put onto Amiodarone for six months but because of how the NHS is at present, that turned out to be eight months before I was taken off it. Other than an annoying cough and some hair loss I was ok. Regular blood tests were done and ok. My Sister has been on Amiodarone for over twenty years and she’s 82 now so don’t go worrying yourself too much about it. I was told before going onto it for six months that it’s a powerful drug, but the only one that has a good chance of keeping you in NS Rhythm so I reluctantly agreed to take it. However, as said earlier…I’ve been in NS Rhythm now for eight months ( it’s two months that I’ve been off Amiodarone now) so it must have done the trick, they usually only have you on it for six months. My sister is one of the ‘exceptions.’ But she’s made 82 and is still going strong. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Visigoth]

I’ve been on amiodarone for over two years now and it’s completely restored my quality of life. You have to have six monthly blood tests and you have to be careful in the sun but those are not problems to me. You might feel a bit weird during the first couple of weeks of taking it because it has to be front loaded, and of course if you do feel any adverse effects consult your doctor straightaway. In general, the lower the dose, the less likely to have adverse effects.

[ILowe]

Watch the skin -- it can get nasty. But the real dangers are thyroid and lungs. Ideally these should be checked before you start so you have some baselines, then at least every six months. Abroad I could cheaply get my own testing. I tested after 3 months, did not like the thyroid changes, so stopped early enough to avoid serious damage.

[Etzel]

Actually I forgot the one really bad thing, not allowed to have grapefruit anymore, that hurts!

[DaveTR]

Hi,

I was put on Amiodarone after a failed Ablation.

Was on it for 3 years without any side effects.

I was weaned off the Amiodarone and developed an Over Active Thyroid (Lost 10 kilos and brain was constantly 'on').

The thyroid was managed with meds and all was well for 12 months

I'm now back on the Amiodarone as my Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) delivered 2 shocks following dangerous arrhythmia (VT). I've been listed for another Ablation and should be able to come off the Amiodarone after that.

Meantime, I now have an Under Active Thyroid which is being treated for meds and feel my 'normal' with it.

It's good to see lots of positive experiences from others. Guess I was one of the unlucky ones.

If I was you I would go with it. The professionals have recomended it for a good reason.

[Slidingdoors99]

Yes! I do!

I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago. My first cardioversion only lasted three days- very disappointing.

Like you, I had read things about that tablet but following the hospital advice, I took it.

I only managed 7 weeks on it because my QT intervals were affected and my thyroid too. Many people have a better story though. I knew it was strong because even my finger nails were turning brown!

Luckily for me though, a couple of days before I was told to stop it immediately I went back in normal sinus rhythm and stay that way for a year!

So, I have very mixed feelings about it! 😳