Dofetilide (Tikosyn): adjusting dosage

Paroxysmal A-Fib, 69, female, slim, in good shape: I was just in hospital for 4 days for dofetilide adjustment, heart cath and trans-esophageal ultra sound. My valves are okay for a while yet. Docs doubled the dofetilide. Outside of being in A-fib almost constantly now, I am yawning and sleepy all the time right now. Has anyone else experienced this?

@lizzy102, I moved your message to a similar discussion called "Dofetilide (Tikosyn): adjusting dosage." I did this so that you can meet other members who are taking and talking about dofetilide (Tikosyn), like @elizabeth1941 @2880 @vermontrob @lifewisemap @maryrohrer1 @texas14 @predictable, and hope they will join in with some more information and their experiences. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through past posts.

Lizzy, How are you feeling on double the dosage? Do you feel it is the medication that is contributing to the yawning and feeling sleepy?

Dofetilide is a dangerous drug. Must be supervised by an Electrophysiologist Cardiologist. You need to let your EP Card know your physiological reactions.
If in AFib all the time even part of the time must be on a blood thinner. AFib sucks if you re symptomatic. I am! Hate it.
Was intermittent then went from being in AFib about 10% of the time to 50% . Miserable symptoms. Short of breath, heart feeling like fish flopping around, tired, weak.
Had an ablation which helped immensely.
Still on dofetilide. But it eventually will stop working effectively.
Right now so far so good.
Working w your EP Card is very key.

Also, know your triggers. Caffeine, alcohol, stress are notables.

I was on Tikosyn 500 mg 2xd for about 2 years with good success prior to ablation .
Have you explored having an ablation?
I would suggest contacting Dr Andrea Natale in Austin - the best in the field .
Best of luck ,

I feel the doubled dose is responsible for feeling sleepy as that is no my MO at all. I usually have lots of energy (barring time I’m 120+ BPM when I get dizzy0.

I know the list of triggers. I thought that stress was one until I popped into A-fib during my daily meditation! I don’t do caffeine - but hadn’t for years as it made me hyper. I think eating too much at a sitting was a trigger. In the last month, I’ve had more A-fib than experienced in the previous 5 years. I’ve been on all of the meds - lost Thyroid to Sotalol - and Tikosyn is the end of the road for me. I’ve had two ablation, one heat and one cryo that failed within months. My EP suggests Maze procedure. Has anyone had experience with this?

Thank you each and all for answering my query. It is deeply appreciated.

I’d consult with Dr Natale first before contemplating Maze .
He is the best and worth the trip if at all possible !

That happens. You need to consult your elctrophysiologist cardiologist
to determine next steps either a different drug or an ablation.