I suffer from Atrial fibrilation (irregular heartbeat)?

Question

I have had cardioversion and it stayed in rhythm for 10 days.
I have now been prescribed Amiodarone which has worked so far but i am worried about the side effects anyone else been on them or suffered from AF?

Answer 1

Have you been seen by an EP Dr? A specialized cardiologist that studies the heart's electrical pathways. Did they do a EKG? Did they do a echocardiogram, an ultra sound of the heart? Did they use a 24- hour monitor to capture a irregular heart rhythms? I had A-fibs, placed on amiodarone, was working for 1 yr but was taken off because I had the serious side effect, toxicity to my thyroid gland, amiodarone does have iodine in it. This drug may cause liver injury or lung injury. Make sure the Dr, do a blood draw to monitor this drug. The Dr may try to do an ablation, to that area in your heart, to disrupt pathway. I now have a pacemaker since I had an ablation to the AV node.

Answer 2

Amiodarone is used to treat and prevent certain types of serious, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (a certain type of abnormal heart rhythm when other medications did not help or could not be tolerated. Amiodarone is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It works by relaxing overactive heart muscles.

Despite relatively common side-effects, it is used in arrhythmias that are otherwise difficult to treat with medication. Related newer compounds, such as dronedarone, may have similar efficacy but a reduced rate of side-effects.

Atrial fibrillation tends to become a chronic condition, however. It may come back even wtih treatment.

Answer 3

Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug. Serious side effects are rare and most people do not experience side effects. Nausea is a common side effect, if this is an issue, try eating little and often.



Try and use sunblock and avoid overexposure to the sun. Some people experience nightmares and difficulty sleeping, If this becomes an issue, see your GP.