Guest guest Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 Garret I am one of the lucky ones that, so far, has had good results with amiodarone. I take 150mg/day and have my lungs, liver and thyroid checked at least every year. My eye Dr. can see the effects of amiodarone in my eyes but apparently there are no vision concerns with this side effect. My biggest problem is sun sensitivity. Amiodarone makes your skin sensitive to the full spectrum of light so you will need to use a full spectrum sun block. I find that a sun block with zinc oxide is the most effective for me. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 I had my 7th cardioversion 2 days ago and went back into AF (fib or flutter) about 24 hours later. I talked to my EP's nurse yesterday and besides being seemingly frustrated at the recalcitrance of my heart, she wants me to drive 40 miles to have yet another EKG. She also said that they would probably prescribe Amiodarone. So besides turning me into a 6'4 300lb Smurf, an apparent potential side effect, what is Amiodarone like? At this point in my treatment I tend to be taking 's Law very, very seriously so I'm not excited by the prospect of yet another drug. Any personal experiences with this stuff would be most welcome. Thanx - Garrett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 Thanks for the info, Guy. I just got back from the doctor's office and they confirmed that I'm back in A-Flutter. They have proscribed 600mg Amiodarone daily with 100mg 2x daily Lopressor and tell me they will cardiovert me in 2 weeks if I'm still in A-Flutter. The nurse said the doctor will also lower my Amiodarone doseage at that time. She also tells me the doctor is " as frustrated as I am " with this situation but I find that difficult to believe. It is my heart, after all. I keep praying this will resolve itself and at this point there isn't a lot else to do. Garrett > > Garret > I am one of the lucky ones that, so far, has had good results with > amiodarone. I take 150mg/day and have my lungs, liver and thyroid checked at least > every year. My eye Dr. can see the effects of amiodarone in my eyes but > apparently there are no vision concerns with this side effect. My biggest problem is > sun sensitivity. Amiodarone makes your skin sensitive to the full spectrum of > light so you will need to use a full spectrum sun block. I find that a sun > block with zinc oxide is the most effective for me. > Guy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 Garrett, Have never been on amiodarone so I can't give you any personal experience here, but I have GoogleD it and found lots of info. garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: I had my 7th cardioversion 2 days ago and went back into AF (fib or flutter) about 24 hours later. I talked to my EP's nurse yesterday and besides being seemingly frustrated at the recalcitrance of my heart, she wants me to drive 40 miles to have yet another EKG. She also said that they would probably prescribe Amiodarone. So besides turning me into a 6'4 300lb Smurf, an apparent potential side effect, what is Amiodarone like? At this point in my treatment I tend to be taking 's Law very, very seriously so I'm not excited by the prospect of yet another drug. Any personal experiences with this stuff would be most welcome. Thanx - Garrett Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Garrett Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and insist on periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the amiodarone and attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of afib. I still get afib about once a month. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, garrett63376@... writes: Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have on my mind. Garrett, Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your Doctor not inform you? A few things: 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most abused drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side effects are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and lethal problems. It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. Rich O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Thanks for the suggestion, Guy. Right now they have me on a pretty high dose, 600mg, presumably to get it into my system. I will probably have another cardioversion in a couple weeks if I don't convert myself by then and they told me they'd lower my dose then. The nurse told me they would probably only keep me on Amiodarone for a few months. Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have on my mind. Garrett > > Garrett > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and insist on > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the amiodarone and > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of afib. I > still get afib about once a month. > Guy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 high dose, 600mg I will probably have another cardioversion in a couple weeks if I don't convert myself by then and they told me they'd lower my dose then. Regarding the above pls. note: AMIO. Has a very long half life, but to be on 600mg Through a couple of weeks, seem to me a bit too long. 400mg sounds me better. Or: 600mg 3-4 days and 400mg for 3-4 days, then 200mg for 2-3 weeks and if possible (if it works) to go down to 150mg and advisable maintains dosage is 100mg, if it works. Avoid sunshine and your Doc. will test your condition (Thyroid 3,4, etc.). Don't forget and don't take more med., than prescribed. Good luck Ervin My Dearest was on Amio. Approx. 18 years. _____ From: AFIBsupport [mailto:AFIBsupport ] On Behalf Of garrett63376 Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 12:59 PM To: AFIBsupport Subject: Re: Amiodarone? Thanks for the suggestion, Guy. Right now they have me on a pretty high dose, 600mg, presumably to get it into my system. I will probably have another cardioversion in a couple weeks if I don't convert myself by then and they told me they'd lower my dose then. The nurse told me they would probably only keep me on Amiodarone for a few months. Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have on my mind. Garrett > > Garrett > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and insist on > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the amiodarone and > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of afib. I > still get afib about once a month. > Guy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Comforting words... I think the drug of last resort is probably an apt description of my situation. I've been cardioverted time after time and typically end up back in A-Fib/Flutter within 48 hours. I do not typically convert without cardioversion. I've been on several anti-arrhythmia meds without effect so Amiodarone was by no means my doctor's first choice. I am concerned about the side effects and received very little guidance from my doctor in this regard. I am due to see him in 9 days, though, and will make a point of questioning him about this drug and its potential for disaster. Thanks for the info; I think I'll go take a Xanax now Garrett I think the drug of last resort is probably > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > garrett63376@... writes: > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > on my mind. > > > > Garrett, > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > Doctor not inform you? > A few things: > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most abused > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side effects > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and lethal > problems. > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Thanks for the info, Ervin. In light of the warnings I seem to be getting about this dose, I will probably call my doctor Monday and see if he is REALLY comfortable with what he has prescribed. I have enough problems as it is, I don't need to get sick from the medications I'm on… On the other hand, I am a REALLY big guy and that may be part of the reason the dose is so high. Garrett > > > > Garrett > > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and > insist on > > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the > amiodarone and > > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of > afib. I > > still get afib about once a month. > > Guy > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Hi Garrett I know when I was on amiodrone the doctor said that body weight was an important factor when on the loading dose. ine Re: Amiodarone? Thanks for the info, Ervin. In light of the warnings I seem to be getting about this dose, I will probably call my doctor Monday and see if he is REALLY comfortable with what he has prescribed. I have enough problems as it is, I don't need to get sick from the medications I'm on. On the other hand, I am a REALLY big guy and that may be part of the reason the dose is so high. Garrett > > > > Garrett > > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and > insist on > > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the > amiodarone and > > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of > afib. I > > still get afib about once a month. > > Guy > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Thanks, ine, I just looked at the database and see people who's loading dose was 800mg and even 1000mg so I'm not quite as freaked by the 600mg dose as I was. I appriciate the info, Garrett > > > > > > Garrett > > > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and > > insist on > > > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the > > amiodarone and > > > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of > > afib. I > > > still get afib about once a month. > > > Guy > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 Garrett, the literature indicates that the lower the dose and the shorter the duration, the less chance for adverse effects. Now it seems that they are doing a loading dose, once that is done a daily dose of 200 mg or less is ideal, but there is no guarantee iof no side effects even with short duration and low dose. Frequent monitoring and reporting of any problems is very important. If you haven't done so yet, you will want to research the drug online before you talk with your EP. In some cases Amiodarone may appropriate and helpful, but these are complex, individual. Please keep us posted, best wishes, garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: Thanks for the suggestion, Guy. Right now they have me on a pretty high dose, 600mg, presumably to get it into my system. I will probably have another cardioversion in a couple weeks if I don't convert myself by then and they told me they'd lower my dose then. The nurse told me they would probably only keep me on Amiodarone for a few months. Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have on my mind. Garrett > > Garrett > Push for as low a dose of amiodarone that helps your situation and insist on > periodic tests for side effects. I have found that between the amiodarone and > attenolol( beta blocker) I often feel no to very little symptoms of afib. I > still get afib about once a month. > Guy > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2006 Report Share Posted May 13, 2006 I really, really appriciate all the advice, information and concern my post generated. This is why I came to AFIBSupport and all your responses only validate my decision to participate. Thanks so much; it feels good to talk to people who understand what I'm feeling. Garrett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 Hi Garrett I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I had side effects from it. ine Re: Re: Amiodarone? In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, garrett63376@... writes: Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have on my mind. Garrett, Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your Doctor not inform you? A few things: 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most abused drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side effects are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and lethal problems. It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. Rich O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 What I was told by my EPs nurse is that I would be cardioverted in a couple weeks and the dose reduced. She said I wouldn't be on Amiodarone more than " a few months " Of course, I assume this all depends on how I respond to the stuff. If they cardiovert me in a couple weeks and I slip right back into A-Fib/Flutter like I have up to this point, I have no idea what comes next. If, on the other hand, I go into NSR and stay there UNTIL they take me off Amiodarone, again, I have no idea what will happen. That's the part of this that really drives me nuts. As an engineer, I tend to think in terms of options and contingencies but with this I have no idea what's coming down the pipe. I obviously can't know what will happen but I'd dearly love to know what my EPs contingency plans are for the various things that MIGHT happen. I'd love to sit down with the guy for an hour and pick his brain but from what I can see he never stays still that long. Thanks for the post, Garrett > > Hi Garrett > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > had side effects from it. > > ine > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > garrett63376@... writes: > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > on my mind. > > > > Garrett, > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > Doctor not inform you? > A few things: > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > abused > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > effects > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > lethal > problems. > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 Garrett, You've summed up my sentiments too...the second most frustrating thing about a-fib is the unpredictability of it and the unknow future. I feel as though it runs my life. Everything I do or want to plan to do is affected by it; always thinkingf what if.... garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: What I was told by my EPs nurse is that I would be cardioverted in a couple weeks and the dose reduced. She said I wouldn't be on Amiodarone more than " a few months " Of course, I assume this all depends on how I respond to the stuff. If they cardiovert me in a couple weeks and I slip right back into A-Fib/Flutter like I have up to this point, I have no idea what comes next. If, on the other hand, I go into NSR and stay there UNTIL they take me off Amiodarone, again, I have no idea what will happen. That's the part of this that really drives me nuts. As an engineer, I tend to think in terms of options and contingencies but with this I have no idea what's coming down the pipe. I obviously can't know what will happen but I'd dearly love to know what my EPs contingency plans are for the various things that MIGHT happen. I'd love to sit down with the guy for an hour and pick his brain but from what I can see he never stays still that long. Thanks for the post, Garrett > > Hi Garrett > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > had side effects from it. > > ine > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > garrett63376@... writes: > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > on my mind. > > > > Garrett, > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > Doctor not inform you? > A few things: > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > abused > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > effects > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > lethal > problems. > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 Yeah, I'm a planner and it's hard to plan anything with this in my life. I keep telling myself, " One day at a time. " then I go on to plan what I want to be doing a year from now Oh well, the rollercoaster ride goes on. You take the highs with the lows because you have no choice and because the alternative is even worse. Thanks, Garrett > > > > Hi Garrett > > > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a > > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > > had side effects from it. > > > > ine > > > > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > > garrett63376@ writes: > > > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > > on my mind. > > > > > > > > Garrett, > > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > > Doctor not inform you? > > A few things: > > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > > abused > > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > > effects > > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > > lethal > > problems. > > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > > Rich O > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 For sure....These past two years of my life seem to be on " hold " . Afraid to travel 'cause I don;t want to end up in a hospital out of town. This beast has a stranglehold on us...I hope my dragonslayer is successful in August! I have been frightened of the possible complications of the ablation procedure but as my fib occurs more frequently, I'm just ready to get it over with and get on with my life...I sure hope that's what happens! garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: Yeah, I'm a planner and it's hard to plan anything with this in my life. I keep telling myself, " One day at a time. " then I go on to plan what I want to be doing a year from now Oh well, the rollercoaster ride goes on. You take the highs with the lows because you have no choice and because the alternative is even worse. Thanks, Garrett > > > > Hi Garrett > > > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a > > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > > had side effects from it. > > > > ine > > > > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > > garrett63376@ writes: > > > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > > on my mind. > > > > > > > > Garrett, > > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > > Doctor not inform you? > > A few things: > > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > > abused > > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > > effects > > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > > lethal > > problems. > > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > > Rich O > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 Alot of people tolerate amiodarone very well. The important things to monitor are periodic ECGs (to make sure your QT isn't becoming prolonged which can set you up for a lethal arrhythmia), your eyes are examined yearly and your ophthamologist is aware you are on amiodarone, report if you have any visual problems (usually color perception changes), report if your skin turns a bluish color (this is irreversible), Chest x-ray and/or pulmonary function evaluation periodically (every 1-2 years unless symptomatic, then sooner. Those are the biggies. garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: Comforting words... I think the drug of last resort is probably an apt description of my situation. I've been cardioverted time after time and typically end up back in A-Fib/Flutter within 48 hours. I do not typically convert without cardioversion. I've been on several anti-arrhythmia meds without effect so Amiodarone was by no means my doctor's first choice. I am concerned about the side effects and received very little guidance from my doctor in this regard. I am due to see him in 9 days, though, and will make a point of questioning him about this drug and its potential for disaster. Thanks for the info; I think I'll go take a Xanax now Garrett I think the drug of last resort is probably > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > garrett63376@... writes: > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > on my mind. > > > > Garrett, > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > Doctor not inform you? > A few things: > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most abused > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side effects > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and lethal > problems. > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 I went probably 10 years thinking my problem was anxiety and went through about every SSRI in the book. The only reason I every was diagnosed with A-Fib is because I went into A-Flutter and started blacking out occasionally. That was a year ago. Thank God it didn't start happening while I was in South America for 3 months half a year earlier! I hope, I'll pray, that your ablation is successful. I can't say I was ever terribly concerned about the complications of the ablation itself, my EP uses a very tight blood thinning protocol developed at U-Mich, but I can't say I'm thrilled with the results either. I think I'm the exception, though. Kind of sad, I've never been particularly exceptional in any other way; I'd just a soon not be in THIS way either Garrett > > > > > > Hi Garrett > > > > > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > > > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > > > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined > with a > > > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > > > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > > > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > > > had side effects from it. > > > > > > ine > > > > > > > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > > > > > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > > > garrett63376@ writes: > > > > > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat > with the > > > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > > > on my mind. > > > > > > > > > > > > Garrett, > > > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did > your > > > Doctor not inform you? > > > A few things: > > > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > > > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > > > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > > > abused > > > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > > > > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > > > effects > > > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > > > lethal > > > problems. > > > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > > > Rich O > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 Garrett, You have articulated a fundamental truth. We all need to know where we are and what contingencies lie before us. Often there are only a handful of what if contingencies we need to know, What if AF breakthrough occurs - what needs to be reported and when, what do I do. What if this med combo fails, what are the options - meds and procedures. When we have no contingency plans worked out with our cardios, then the burden and anxieties of AF are much greater. Docs should be required to develop a plan for contingencies with each patient! Thanks for your post, garrett63376 garrett63376@...> wrote: .....That's the part of this that really drives me nuts. As an engineer, I tend to think in terms of options and contingencies but with this I have no idea what's coming down the pipe. I obviously can't know what will happen but I'd dearly love to know what my EPs contingency plans are for the various things that MIGHT happen..... Garrett > > Hi Garrett > > I think from my experience with amiodarone it is important to discuss > the treatment with your doctor. Has your doctor got a plan or time > scale as to how long you are going to be on it, or is it combined with a > cardioversion to get you back in sinus rhythm. I was just put on it, > not explained the risks or given a time scale. When I found out the > side effect I told the doctor I was not just going to take it until I > had side effects from it. > > ine > > > Re: Re: Amiodarone? > > > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:59:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, > garrett63376@... writes: > > Hopfully one of these days I'll actually get a chance to chat with the > EP so I can ask about side effects and a hundred other things I have > on my mind. > > > > Garrett, > Did you go into Amiodarone without knowing it's side effects? Did your > Doctor not inform you? > A few things: > 1. Amiodarone is not FDA approved for AF. > 2. It is the drug of last resort approved or not, for AF. > 3. At the Boston Symposium for AF in 2004, it was said to be the most > abused > drug for AF, by cardiologists and others (emergency room doctors). > > Some people have taken this drug and it ha helped. Though the side > effects > are watched closley. Others have taken it and have had severe and > lethal > problems. > It sounds like a game of Russian roulette to me. > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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