My blood pressure is usually low, which probably explains my problems with beta blockers.

I have one cardiologist who wanted me to take blood thinners (based on a CHADS2 score for females over 65, and the female part of the score has now been removed so I was right in the first place!) and I declined. He prescribed a beta blocker (I told him I could not tolerate) and diltiazem (I told him I didn't want to take daily and asked if I could take it only as needed, and when he agreed, asked him to change it from extended release, which he also agreed to do).

I have another cardiologist from the hospital who is at the other end of the med spectrum and tells me to go home and forget about the episode!

My feeling is that doctors have no liability if they follow protocols. If they don't prescribe and something happens, they can be blamed. They don't mind if we decline what is offered because then if something happens, the record shows we declined the med.

The first doctor has now told me he agrees with what I decided several years ago and that they are "probably overmedicating people."

I only have afib once a year or so, so my situation is different from those who have it frequently or continuously. Meds are needed for many people of course and I will take them when that time comes. For you, perhaps diltiazem will be better than a beta blocker and perhaps- ask your doc- you can do pill in a pocket.

This is a forum I have used: https://www.afibbers.org/forum/index.php

That is where I saw discussion of beta blockers. I also take magnesium at night, and drink low sodium V-8 for potassium as recommended by someone on that site.