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Is Amiodarone Safe To Use After Atrial Fibrillation?

Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2014

Question: Hi did go to emergency Sunday for Atrial fibrillation after 3 days of taking Multaq. My was in a serious afib mode. My heart rate jumped from to 60 to 150-160..I endured this more than 20 hours before calling an ambulance. I had another cardio version that did not work. The first one a few months ago worked for maybe a week. I was in the hospital for 3 days this time. I was prescribed I tablet-5mg & Amiodarone to be taken 800mg for 8 days & then 400mg once a dy. I do feel tired & have trouble with my sleep. I am person that do exercise but have not for a week because of the Af & the drugs prescribed. I do not like the side effects. What do you recommend! I have heard that magnesium was good for the heart. I want to continue to be active.I am now anxious to do my treadmill & my long walks because of what can happen. I am on the list for the ablation. I do not even know if this a good idea anymore. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: you must continue Amiodarone Detailed Answer: Hello, I have read your query diligently; I am sorry about what you had to face and what you are currently going through. I assume Multaq has been withheld in you. If not, it must be done as it did not work for you. Secondly, I would recommend that you continue to take Amiodarone as prescribed. This is safer drug for you. One of the side effects of this drug is sleep disturbance. However, the benefit from the drug is more than the risk or the adverse effects in you. Hence, if I were your treating doctor, I would recommend continuation of Amiodarone as prescribed. Yes, magnesium is good for the heart. But, right now, you do not need it. I understand your concern to be active and appreciate it. You must however give it some time. You can always do your treadmill and go for long walks, but let the arrhythmia settle down first. Give it some time, perhaps 12 weeks. Go ahead with the ablation if that is possible. It is a good option. I would suggest you to remain calm for some time now until you recover. You can start on your exercises slowly after 3 months from now. Do not forget to take Amiodarone. Try sleep hygiene measures to have a better sleep. Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanthi E (2 days later)

Hi! My pulse rate since yesterday goes from 45 to 55...went to 65 when I went for a small walk. I have taken the 800mg Amiodrone for 6 days. It was supposed to be 8 days. I feel I cannot take other 800mg doses. I often feel very tired, have a lot stomach ache etc..I am afraid if I continue like this my heart rate is going to go down again. I was suppose to take it for 8 days, this & the 5mg Bisuprolol. After 8 days I was prescribed to take the Bisoprolol & 200mg each day. Can I stop taking the 800mg amiodrone after 6 days. Will it make a big difference? I was not able to talk my AF specialist. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: please take it until 8 days Detailed Answer: Hello, No, your heart rate would not go down in that way. 45 to 55 is still fine when you are on amiodarone. It is just for another 2 days. Please complete the 8 days course. Stopping the drug two days early may not make a big difference but why take chance? Please complete taking it. Try getting to your AF specialist again and discuss about further management. Take adequate rest and consume bland diet to get away from feeling tired and the stomach ache. Take care!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar