Anyone have experience with amiodorone as an arrhythmia treatment?

I was put on Cordarone(amiodorone) for Afib and Flutter. It did absolutely nothing to help and I was told it may have made things worse. I think the risks of amiodorone are too high.
"The Cordarone brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available."

Warning
"This medicine is only used to treat abnormal heartbeats that may be deadly. It may cause severe and sometimes deadly side effects like lung, thyroid, or liver problems. This medicine can also cause the abnormal heartbeats to get worse. If you have questions, talk with the doctor."

I have since had severe Afib and gone into Vtac. I am now on my 2nd pacemaker and taking metoprolol succinate 150mg once a day. I was scheduled to have an ablation but the the doctor found that it was on the left side and they couldn't do it that day. So they did a Cardio-conversion three years ago. I had been on Matoprolol tartrate but my insurance took it off their formulary. I had severe fluid retention 2 years ago and that caused lots of heart problems with my CHF. I was hospitalized and went into Vtac. They immediately sent me to the Heart Hospital of our Med Center and with treatment I lost almost 50 lbs of fluid in one week. I have been Afib and Flutter free since then. Although I do get breathless during any activity but that is due to Stage 4 severe CKD.

My past electrophysiologist used Cordarone (amiodarone) as a gauge for an ablation. If someone in AFIB cannot revert to sinus rhythm, then the ablation is generally not successful.

I wonder why so many see a Cardiologist for AFIB when electrophysiologists are the ones who specialize in treating AFIB.

A good event to learn more about AFIB is the 'Get in Rhythm' event. Stay in Rhythm.® Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conference August 8–10 in Dallas, Texas, https://getinrhythm.com. They offer a live stream.

I believe people see a cardiologist second to their family physician or an ER internist who detects an arrhythmia. I think you and I would agree that it's almost a waste of time waiting to see a cardiologist, especially if the arrhythmia is intractable and won't back off with meds, and then having to wait again to see an EP. My cardiologist did buy me three years free of AF with meds, but then things began to slide quickly and it was only then that he asked if I'd like to see an EP. In our Canadian monopoly/socialist medicine, you have to wait in line, sometimes months, to see a specialist, who then refers you up the chain. Happened to me.

I know, in my case, when my cardiologist diagnosed my AFIB, I had never heard of an electrophysiologist. After several months when someone suggested to me that I see an EP, I called, but they would not see me without a doctor's referral. My cardiologist was hesitant to send a referral (it took several months for him to agree to do so); I can only assume that he thought he could manage my AFIB with meds (which didn't happen). Now I always see my EP for my AFIB.

Sadly, many with AFIB endure what you described. For many, this results in a lower quality of life and an increased risk of complications.

The chart I've attached provides additional considerations when you consult only a cardiologist.

I have had five ablations over the past 20 years. As Dr. Doug Packer says, an RF ablation is a process, not a procedure."

Joining a weight management program that includes GLP-1 drugs and intense exercise has improved my quality of life, especially AFIB and other health complications.

My lifespan and health span are better at 81 than they were at 51.
Ferris Watson

No experience with that drug, but have read it is a strong one with serious side effects for some users.
Stronglr recommend anyone new or old to AFiB issues to read "The AFiB Cure" by Dr 's Day and Bunch; 2021. I have been dealing with it since 2014 and doing all I can to keep it from worsening which it is--a little more each year. This easy to read book is the best of many resources I have reviewed. The authors are two MD Cardiologist EP's with strong credentials and a lot of experience. Their message is a positive one for all afibbers; solid research/experience; common sense; an approach that requires working on all of the body to deal with AFiB. They provide action steps that can put AFIB in remission for those who will do the work; provide others with sound medical options to better manage it and/or prepare the patient for an ablation, if needed.
I am preparing to take on the job of curing AFiB and hoping for the best.
Blessings to all,
OUMike@att.net

I have had an ablation and still carry a lot of fluid. No one will listen to me. I keep saying that I could probably loose 25-30 pounds of fluid if they would listen.

How did they remove the fluid?

In case this person never sees your question, I know of only two ways (I'm not in the medical field, just enjoy reading about health matters, especially my own):
a. diuretic, or
b. improving heart function so that the kidneys work better at their job of concentrating impurities in the urine. This may be surgery such as replacing or augmenting a valve, even the diuretic might help with improving heart beat if there is fluid in the pericardial sac, and then the heart beats better, or maybe there's bradycardia/arrhythmia that makes the heart function sub-optimally, and if that is the case, drugs can help, perhaps catheter ablation, or a pacemaker as a last resort.

Hospitalization with a change in meds, and IV diuretics. I was in hospital for a week and went into Vtac so they rushed me to ICU in the Heart Hospital at our Med Center. I was put on Entresto and Eliquis, but I changed back to Warfarin as Eliquis is very expensive. Entresto has a Patient Aid program. I came home 52 lbs lighter after a couple of years of no doctor listening to me, including my cardiologist. I had been told previously that I had pneumonia as to why I couldn't breathe. When I arrived at the ER with Afib, one Dr also told me I had pneumonia. Then a young and caring Dr came in and said that I don't have pneumonia. I let him know that I have Interstitial scarring and that is what he said they are basing it on. He had me admitted then. Upon discharge, I was told if I gain more than 2-3 lbs daily, I should go to the ER. I have done both the ER and yesterday, my PCP(actually his Nurse Prac). I have gained 32 lbs back in just a few days. Nothing done whatsoever. She never even checked my meds. nor called in my pain meds and it is the weekend. I can't take Ibuprophen due to Stage 4 severe kidney disease.
I miss the days when the dr. came in and actually looked at you before going on to a computer. All I can say is make a nuisance of yourself. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. If your health provider or insurance has a Critical Care Team, get them in on the action.

Diuretic, when I had heart failure it was standard treatment to be on one to help remove fluid. A weak heart is why you may be retaining fluid. Our hearts pressing against our lungs is how fluid is removed from the body. When our hearts get weaker it doesn't do the job as well. So maybe discuss that with your Cardiologist.