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What Causes Retching, Congestion With Mucus In Head And Throat While On Sotalol?

Posted on Tue, 15 Mar 2016

Question: hi For well over 2 years, I have been taking a low dose of sotalol 80mg - which I reduced to 40mg by cutting in half .. following an afib event in 2013 which converted me. I've been taking it as a maintenance dose. Tests last year showed no abnormal heart issues, and haven't been checked recently. My complaint now is I have this ongoing reflux issue, I feel like retching and feel congested with mucus in head and throat. Also feeling some anxiety off and on during the day. I read that these are likely side effects from the drug. Do I still need this drug? Should I ask to be taken off this or given an substitute? sincerely,

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

After reviewing your symptoms and history I would like to say that you should do all the needed examinations to find out what is causing your symptoms.

If you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations:
- Blood work including thyroid hormones levels
- Ecg
- Holter monitoring
- Cardiac echo
- Chest x-ray
- Upper endoscopy
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Audiogram

If all the above mentioned examinations will be normal than your symptoms most likely are due to side-effects from sotalol.

If the symptoms will still persist after 2-3 weeks your symptoms are related to stress and anxiety.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (18 minutes later)

Thanks -- What alternative meds can be substituted for the sotalol? its been suggested that I look to try some other drug.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If you were my patient I would recommend to take Amiodarone or MULTAQ in stead of sotalol.

Since this medications may have unwanted side effects you should discuss with your doctor about that.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 days later)

amiodarone and multaq are they the same type of drug as sotalol?

What do they mean that sotalol is for both rate control and antiarrythmic in one?

if the drugs you mentioned serve the same purpose, but maybe I can tolerate better, I will ask about them.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Yes Amiodarone, Multaq and Sotalol are members of the same class of antiarrhythmic drugs and you may tolerate them better.

On the second question it means that sotalol is of help in controlling Heart rate and arrhythmia.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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