Anyone have experience with amiodorone as an arrhythmia treatment?

As for amiodarone I think it’s great. I was hesitant at first because of
all the bad experiences listed on various sites. But after I started I
immediately noted a big improvement. As for Eliquis causing problems the
medical community doesn’t want to believe complaints. None of them have
been in my shoes.

Have had similar experiences with cariologists-they do not listen well.

What was your improvement? How long have you been on amiodarone?

Im female 74 and been taking Amiodarone for around 3 years. I only take it when I go into AFIB. I handled 200 mg fine until my AFIB started and 200mg didn't stop it. Cardiologist increased to 400 but after 2 weeks the AFIB stopped but I could not walk more than 5 steps at a time. the pressure on my chest was intense. I went to cardiologist he ordered stress test and I failed results showed blockage. he did heart cath. and all clear only 30% blockage so he stopped the amariodarone and after 2 weeks I was back working and walking like normal. walk a mile, drive tpost feed cattle. All was good for 6 weeks and Afib started again so I started 200 mg amiodarone and within one week I could only walk the five steps and had no energy I had to think twice about making a trip to the bathroom. Cardiologist started me on amariodarone again and refered me to a cardiologist who specializes in electrical signals in the heart but as soon as afib stopped I had to quit the amariodarone . I see new cardiologist in 10 days. So far Im back to normal andno Afib but I am very aware it could start any second. And Im on Elequis. I hate it because of the bleeding from mesquite trees as I cut brush or fix fence.

MY hair is also falling out and was taking Amio-100mg for 6 month.

I’ve been on Amiodarone since middle of October 2024. Loaded in, then dropped to 200 mg, then in February to 100 mg. Having a PFA Ablasion at Mayo Clinic in August. I have only had two afib attacks. The second was very bad. Honestly except for tying me up (but colace helps that) the amiodarone has been wonderful. So far so good. Yes, there is the fatigue and shortness of breath, but it has kept me in sinus rhythm. Doctor says I will need to stay on it three months after the procedure.

Which doctor said this? Was it a GP, a cardiologist, or an electrophysiologist?
Some patients, for reasons unknown to me, have been advised by their electrophysiologists to keep taking a minimal dose of propafenone, maybe Flecainide, possibly Sotalol or diltiazem, for a few weeks post ablation. I think it depends on the patient's history, maybe their other comorbidities that can exacerbate AF, or how cranky/irritable their heart has been lately. However, at some point an assessment of the heart's rhythm must be made to determine if the ablation has been successful, or if there are substituted arrhythmias like flutter (happens fairly often) or just a few too many PACs. Taking amiodarone for three full months may not be out of keeping with the situation, but one should be off it for about three to four weeks prior to that assesment, usually via a Holter monitor. A heart still infused with working anti-arrhythmics and beta/calcium channel blockers will be responding as much to those chemicals as they will to the albation...meaning the drugs are a 'confound'. I hope both you and your physician/expert are in agreement there, that you should be free of any confounding pharmacy for a couple or three weeks prior to the Holter.
I may be 'out to lunch' on this, as in...wrong. I would love to learn more.

It was my Electrophysiologist at Mayos in Rochester. We didn’t discuss anything in detail relative to the stopping of the drug post ablasion other than I would need to be on it three months after the procedure. I’m sure he will advise at that point. Thanks for your response.

I was able to stop amioderone the day of my ablation per dr ok - had no problem and no afib. Ask about it. Amioderone stays in your system for weeks after you stop.

Thank you. I will ask.