Amiodarone?

Amiodarone

by Loonylil - 2017-12-14 08:39:19

Hi there!

i was put on amiodarone for a fib and tried to persevere with it, but gradually felt worse and worse, no energy, could hardly walk a few yards, episodes of body shaking, violently sick

on check up and blood tests with dr it was found that amiodarone had affected thyroid gland.

everyone will react to drugs differently but my experience with amiodarone was bad! I couldn't really recommend it to anyone and I still have a fib... waiting for an ablation

i do hope that your experience may be more positive and I really wish you well❤️

thanks

by DampDog - 2017-12-14 08:56:27

Thanks for the quick reply.  It was recommended that I start taking Amiodarone in September but I put it off as I was more than a little apprehensive about the potential side effects.  I am due to see an electrophysiologist mid Feb-2018 so thought I’ll put off the decision until then.  Unfortunately I’ve begun to have ever more severe runs of VT so it was suggested in the pacing clinic that it would be a good idea to commence Amiodarone immediately.  I’ve literally only taken it for one day and my chest feels horrible.  I just wondered whether people had any experience with commencing the drug and any transient side effects when you begin taking it?  I realise in the long term it is pretty toxic but didn’t expect anything after just 3 doses…  

Amiodarone

by Loonylil - 2017-12-14 12:27:54

Hi DD

Yes, I was prescribed amiodarone in the hospital and didn't know anything about it when started taking it. 

I really tried hard but never felt ok right from the start. It felt as if    I had a tight band round my neck and a heavy pressure on the top of my head. Dr said to give it a while till I got used to it, and those feelings did go away after about 2 weeks and I felt better.

However I soon began to feel bad again, episodes of body tremors and sickness, loss of energy, pulse beating strongly in neck, which I didn't link to amiodarone straightaway until blood tests.

i don't know if my experience helps you at all, I have certainly read recently that amiodarone is not recommended for long term use so maybe that is worth keeping in mind

i do hope that you will be able to find an answer! With very good wishes to you❤️

Just venting.

by DampDog - 2017-12-14 15:11:03

To be honest I’ve had heart problems for nigh on 20 years but never felt defeated before. I’ve had 3 heart attacks a bypass and every test and procedure that goes with it, but have always worked as hard as I could to get back to fitness and as near normal as the damage to my heart would allow.  For close to 17 years I felt like I had the better of it. I could run, walk do 99% of he things I wanted to do.

Coming up to 2 years back I had the pacemaker implanted and initially thought it would buy me more time and better quality of life, but since it’s implant I’ve just not been able to get back on top of it. I had an infection to begin with then a gradual worsening of VT’s which have culminated in me being prescribed the Amiodarone. I’ve gone from being in the gym 2-3 times a week to not once in over 6 months. I just feel broken

It just feels like it’s the final straw that’s broken the camel’s back, I don’t think I’ve felt this low in years, if ever.  I was apprehensive about taking the amiodarone and I’m only one day in and I feel dreadful.  I’ve had a conversation with pacing clinic this afternoon about my chest feeling husky and they say it’s highly unlikely to be due to the Amiodarone and I should persevere with loading dose as it’s probably just coincidence that I have a “winter chest” niggle. Also if I don’t take the medication I would probably be disqualified from driving due to the severity of the VT’s. The little voice inside my head is screaming “no it’s not!!” I could almost feel my chest worsening with each tablet.

They have said they will chase up my appointment with the electrophysiologist with a view to accessing me as a suitable candidate for cardiac ablation. My current appointment is mid Feb.

No really sure I know what to do, so apologies for venting here. Feel like I've had a really bad day.

DD

Amiodarone

by Loonylil - 2017-12-14 17:51:17

So so sorry you are having such a bad time and wish I could give you a more positive response.

please try and look after yourself 

best wishes❤️

Another day

by DampDog - 2017-12-15 05:15:41

Thank you for your thoughts.  I've re-commenced he amiodarone and we'll see what that brings with it 

Woke up to snow here this morning so at least it feels like xmas is on the way. :-)

Take care

DD

Amiodarone

by Loonylil - 2017-12-15 06:11:59

hi 

perhaps the medics are right and the chest problems are a winter virus and not related to the amiodarone?

its not easy when no.one can give definite answer! Perhaps if you can cope with amiodarone until your appt in Feb it will give you the best chance with future treatment...

keep going d d, you are not alone

enjoy snow! ❤️

Amiodarone

by Parson - 2017-12-15 12:45:56

Been on it since December 2016. Had shakes and weakness. Same experience as you  Taking 200 mg twice a day. After three months he cut it to 200 once a day stil no improvement with tremors but VT stopped. Three months ago he cut it to 200 mg every other day. Tremors have stopped and no Vt. He says I will be on it the rest of my life. Taking blood test every three months to watch thyroid and liver. Feeling much better..Here’s hoping.

keep the faith

Amiodarone

by Selwyn - 2017-12-18 18:02:05

Wonderful! Has almost eliminated my atrial extra systoles. I was not able to exercise on beta-blockers. I can now swim again without fear of arrhythmia.

Although a loading dose is recommended, I have just taken 200mg daily for the last month. I think I have now reached a steady state. My heart is predominantly steady. 

Amiodarone is toxic. You need to have very good reasons to take this- it can cause liver failure, respiratory fibrosis, thyroid problems, corneal deposits, photosensitivity,  to name a few, off hand. I plan to take it until my further ablation in March ( I will stop the amiodarone at the end of January). 

Selwyn