I was on Amiodaron when I developed AFIB in early 2020. Due to Covid and not having non-essential hospital visits, they were not considering cardioversion. After about a year on Amiodaron (still in AFIB), I developed severe bradycardia and breathing issues. I was immediately taken off the Amiodaron, and a pulmonologist determined that I had severe lung toxicity from it. I researched and learned that lung toxicity is not uncommon with Amiodaron. My heart rate was in the 30's, and I eventually received a pacemaker. Since then I have had two more episodes of AFIB and have been on Sotalol and on Flecainide (neither of which caused me any problems). The Flecainide has not resolved my AFIB, so I am scheduled for a cardioversion. While I have often been told that Amiodaron is the "gold standard" for rhythm disorders, I would suggest that you also get your lungs periodically checked, as well as your liver. I was on a very high dosage; perhaps the high dosage was my issue. Good luck!
When I was taking Amiodarone, I dropped into severe bradycardia with lung toxicity. My pulse dropped to 32, and I passed out. At that time I was no longer in AFIB. After I had a pacemaker implanted, I was out of AFIB for 1 year and 7 months. With that new episode of AFIB, I was put on Sotalol. After a month on Sotalol, I spontaneously converted back to normal rhythm. That lasted about 1 year and 4 months when I went back into AFIB. I then was put on Flecainide. After 3 months without converting, I had a cardioversion 2 days ago (so far, I am in normal rhythm). The electrophysiologist wants me to continue to take Flecainide for maintenance. In addition, I am taking Metoprolol, which I have been on since the beginning. Hope this is not too confusing. As you see, I have been on several different meds. Please let me know if you need any clarification.
I was on Amiodarone for about 5 years and had no serious side effects except noticeable sun sensitivity; I sunburned easily and learned to protect my skin. My resting heart rate dropped to the low 50's which was not ideal but was manageable. Tested regularly for lung and liver toxicity.
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Can you tell me what medication they put you on instead of Amiodarone?
When I was taking Amiodarone, I dropped into severe bradycardia with lung toxicity. My pulse dropped to 32, and I passed out. At that time I was no longer in AFIB. After I had a pacemaker implanted, I was out of AFIB for 1 year and 7 months. With that new episode of AFIB, I was put on Sotalol. After a month on Sotalol, I spontaneously converted back to normal rhythm. That lasted about 1 year and 4 months when I went back into AFIB. I then was put on Flecainide. After 3 months without converting, I had a cardioversion 2 days ago (so far, I am in normal rhythm). The electrophysiologist wants me to continue to take Flecainide for maintenance. In addition, I am taking Metoprolol, which I have been on since the beginning. Hope this is not too confusing. As you see, I have been on several different meds. Please let me know if you need any clarification.
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2 ReactionsI was on Amiodarone for about 5 years and had no serious side effects except noticeable sun sensitivity; I sunburned easily and learned to protect my skin. My resting heart rate dropped to the low 50's which was not ideal but was manageable. Tested regularly for lung and liver toxicity.
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