Medication change to Sotolol

Hi! I was on Sotolol for nine years - 80 mg. The only side effect I had was morning diaharea (spell) and something to note - my cardiologist told me to never have the dosage increased because it could cause black outs or fainting. I found it worked most of the time but I still had palpitations once or twice a month which lasted up to 2 hours. I had an ablation last March and have gone off the Sotolol to see if I can maintain not having AFib. I feel much better without it. Maybe the shakiness is you getting adjusted to it - give it some time and then see what happens.

I have been on Sotalol for 5 years with no problematic side effects and no arrhythmic episodes.

06-16-2025
My husband has been on Sotolol for quite a while. His cardiologist suggested that he split his 80mg tablet in half so take half in the morning and half at nite. I really don't remember why she suggested. It cld have been because he mentioned his 'flutters' mostly happened during the nite.

I took Sotalol for 10 years…only side effect was hair loss(known side effect for beta blockers ( Sotalol is an alpha and weak beta blocker). Then after about 8 or 9 years it lost its effectiveness and had many break through Afib and SVT episodes eventually leading to ablation.
I believe in getting an ablation earlier than later just because of prolonged episodes of arrythmia can lead to myocardial damage including atrial dilation.

I have been taking mine every 12 hours and it seems to control episodes better that way,

I couldn't take Sotolol bc it made me very nauseated. And I refused Amioderone bc my Mother had side effects of vision problems, shaking and falling down. Those side effects cleared after the doctor took her off of it. I am banking on an ablation next month and watchman to be off those wretched drugs!

It’s been a little over a week since I started the Sotolol. My EP was monitoring me with a ZIO. I haven’t had any episodes, at least that I’m aware of. The lightheaded feeling subsided and I actual feel quite good. Praying that this will hold off anymore SVT episodes. Not a fun sensation. Also preventing me from having to have an ablation. My sister-in-law just had one and her recoup has not been great!

There are very mixed comments today about Sotolol. As I've said before: we are all different. I noted you added Amiodarone as well. I opted for a second, then third opinion when these Rx were recommended to me several months ago sadly after cardioversions were no longer effective. I read about the potential side effects of both RX on Mayo Connect before the recommendations which was very valuable especially per the extreme downsides. My primary care MD (major health care facility in the state I am in but not a cardio guy) words about Amiodarone were "more side effects than a telephone directory", In the process of exploring options for an ablation as my only other option since I have had a heart attack -- I contacted 3 major health care facilities across the country ... all cardio MDs said the same thing in various words: "stay away from them". To quote one: "I wouldn't put my worst enemy on those drugs --ablation is far preferred" ( He doesn't do ablations -- so not just some MD wanting more business.)

Thank you for your honest and valuable reply. I must agree with you regarding Amiodarone. They put my sister-in-law on it before she had a procedure? (prior to her ablation) and had far too many side effects. I will say that while starting the Sotolol my EP had me being monitored with a ZIO. I trust him to look at all options prior to having an ablation. He is the head of the Heart Center in my area which gives me great confidence.

Thanks for taking the time for these comments ... reads as if you have a great EP; if he's head of a heart center, I'd say the odds are that he is a good find! Great that you were able to see him for your care.!