Amiodarone

[sinbad21]

HiMy cardiologist has advised that I should start taking Amiodarone to help my AF.

Done a bit of reading/research and looks like some high risk side effects.

Grateful for any views from people that have been using Amiodarone and their experiences- good and bad.

Thank you.

[56dick19]

Hi I was on amiodarone for 2.5 years the side effects I had was I could not go out in the sun I felt like I was burning. And the other was it has caused me to have an over active thyroid the reading should be between 10-22 and my was a hundred. I had to go on carbimazole for my thyroid after 6 weeks it’s now down to 75 and feeling a bit better.

[DaveTR]

Hi,I was on Amiodarone for 3 years without any side effects. When I came off Amiodarone I started with an over active Thyroid. I lost 10kg kilos and brain constantly 'on'. This was controlled with Carbimazole and within a year I was able to stop the Carbimazole.

May '23 my ICD delivered 2 shocks and I was put back on Amiodarone. I'm currently taking Levothyroxine for an under active Thyroid.

I had an Ablation last week. If all goes to plan I'll be able to come off Amiodarone in 3 months time and then sort the Thyroid issue out.

Hope that helps.

[Christabelle27]

Hi, I agree with all the comments made. I have had AF for 5 years and I was on Amiodarone for 3 years the first 6 months put me in normal sinus rhythm then I went into Paroxysmal AF. I already had underactive thyroid for over 30 years so that side effect only meant I had my Thyroxine medication increased. As for the other side effects, Kidney and liver damage, I had to have blood tests every 3 months to monitor these and they were always ok. I came off Amiodarone this year because it was not putting me into sinus rhythm and after an Echocardiogram, to check what was going on with my heart, I was offered a pacemaker. All I can say in favour is that this drug is good if it is working and your kidneys and liver plus Thyroid are monitored for any changes. Hope this info helps and good luck with your future progress.

[Yellow26]

Hi

I was on Amiodarone for AF, I only had to keep out of the sun because I burnt, but nothing else with side effects and I was only on it for one year.

I would give it a try and good luck .

[wischo]

My brother was on Amiodarone and presented with scarring on his lungs. My cardiologist calls it a dirty drug and to be honest I would prefer a pacemaker than to take it. Only my view but make your own mind up on this.

[Survivor1952]

Amiodarone, whilst I was taking it, gave me the shakes. If I exerted myself at all I couldn't control the shaking in my hands to the extent that I was unable to drink from a normal cup or use a knife and fork - horrid.

I had no issues with sensitivity to sunlight thankfully.

I was only on it for about 10 weeks immediately post procedures.

[BeeBee79]

Hi,

I was out o. Amiodarone for 4 months short term due to side effects. Arrhythmia wise - it was amazing. I had such a good spring and summer. Side effects were burning in the sun - not massively. My skin usually loves the sun so I expect I was experiencing what more said skinned people experience. I’ve had some blood work done last week and I’m wondering if it has affected my thyroid as I’ve been on a n incredibly strict diet but can’t seem to shift any weight. I’ll find out in a few days…