DIGOXIN

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if you are taking, have taken or familiar with the drug Digoxin. I was put on it almost two years ago. (.25 mg) It has helped greatly with swelling, blacking out and dizziness. My new doctor doesn't like the drug and tried to get me off of it. I went to a lower dosage and within about two weeks my arms and legs were falling asleep and I black out. She put me back to the original dosage but doesn't like the drug. I have no idea why. I am 24 have had a PM for over two years, bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, as an infant: heart defect.
Thanks for ANY info.

Nat

7 Comments

Digoxin ???

by pete - 2009-06-07 05:06:12

This is the only drug that I have ever benefitted from. It used to give me nausea but since I had the pacemaker I no longer get nausea. I once met a man who had been taking it for 50 years and he was still working hard doing physical work. In my opinion it is the safest heart drug. Its actually a natural drug based on a plant extract originally but its now synthesized. If I miss one tablet I know about it !!! Keep taking it , and you were right to keep taking it and overide your doctor. I dont know of any doctor that "Does not like it". It is usually the first drug of choice with many doctors for heart patients. I personally know quite a few people who take it and none of them are having any problems. I take 250mcg, which I think is the same as .25mg. This is quite a high dose but the maximum recommended dose is 750mcg. You obviously need it. Good Luck Peter

Digoxin...thoughts

by harley63 - 2009-06-07 05:06:16

Hi Nat~
It's been my experience that persons using Digoxin must be monitored very strictly due to potential side effects. Regular blood test should be done to monitor the drug level in the body, etc. It's really hard to just out right guess why your doctor does not like the medication. Each MD has an opinion on medical practice standards. As do most patient's, I will add.

As the patient, I'd probably push the issue with the MD to know the exact reason why they did not like a certain medication over another one. Especially if the current medication regimen seems to be working. Not to mention that Digoxin is probably one of the least expensive cardiac medications. Try to keep in mind that you are the consumer in this relationship and have the "right to know." It is your body after all and the treatment plan can't be complete without your input and commitment to carry it out.

OK.. I'm coming down off the soap box now.. I am serious however about the right to know why and what.. as we are the consumer and it's our daily life that the plan impacts! Hopefully for the better.

Nat I wish you the best and hope that you get the answers you seek. I feel certain there are many members who have perhaps a better insight on this medication usage and can offer up some potential questions for your next MD visit.

I must be due my weekly chocolate to calm me down!!!

Zoom....zoom... cheers to all...
Harley63

Why Dr. Disagree On Meds.

by SMITTY - 2009-06-07 06:06:08

Hi Nat,

Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a popular drug that has been around for many years to treat irregular heart rhythm. While the medicine has been a great benefit to many it also has side effects that some doctors find undesirable for some patients. Of course anyone that is as cynical as I am figures a doctor does not like a particular medicine because the lagniappe is not as much as anticipated.

Since Feb. '07 I have had problems with an irregular heart rhythm. I've lost count of all the meds I have had prescribed but one I remember well was digoxin. When I stated taking it my heart rate smoothed out and I thought oh happy day, the Dr has found the answer. That joy lasted for about 5 or 6 weeks, although I continued to take digoxin for some months until another entered the picture and stopped it. During this time I was seeing a primary care physician, electrophysiologist, and cardiologist and there was frequent disagreement among them on which meds I should be taking.

So to answer your question, I have no idea why one doctor will reject a medicine that another thinks is in my best interest. I hope someone will come up with the answer.

Smitty

Thank you!

by nat - 2009-06-08 08:06:42

This extra info helps greatly. My doctor approved me going up to the higher dosage, that in which I am grateful. Her argument is there are better drugs out there but at the time seem unconvinced that I needed to be on anything. Unfortunately doctors are very much scientific and have to see everything for themselves, that can be positive and negative.

Thanks again. This site is very helpful at times figuring out which way is up, believing there is an up!

Best

my experience

by ishianka - 2009-06-08 11:06:09

I have been taking Digoxin for 10 yrs. things were up & down, mostly up til recently. My new medical dr. took me off after my pacemaker, til my cardio/electrophysiolgist got upset and said it had to be replaced. She put me on coregan?? 2x daily. I actually felt the best while off the Digoxin (2Mo. ?). I had way more energy, it seemed. So i am curious about this situation, also.

Curious

by nat - 2009-06-08 12:06:57

Are you now on coregan? My energy is better post PM but still very low. The Digoxon seems to help with swelling and circulation although I am not strong enough to work etc.
Also do you mind, what is your diagnoses?

Thanks!

My thought on it...

by cherrypie - 2009-06-11 06:06:16

Hi. I decided years ago not to have Digoxin added to all my medications. I thought enough was enough. I researched to see if something else would help keep the blood thin and came up with garlic as the solution. Everyday I have lots of garlic and onions and have not had a problem with my blood flow. I also had a heart catheterization and all was clear. The doctor said that I could not possibly die from a heart attack because my vessels were so clean, but the bad news was my EF was horrible at 18% from idiopathic cardiomyopathy (which is now normal!)
I sure hope your health improves and you enjoy life to the full! Best wishes.

You know you're wired when...

You read consumer reports before upgrading to a new model.

Member Quotes

Hang in there; it does get better every day!