Amiodarone

I am on amiodarone for atrial fibrillation and have been "loading" for two weeks now.  For the past four days, I have had dizziness and poor balance.  Could this be from the amiodarone or is there something else going on?  If it is from the amiodarone, will these symptoms go away as I get more use to the drug or I decrease the dosage once I am loaded??

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello Guenter,

Yes, amiodarone can cause dizziness.  It is a known side effect of the medication and may subside when you decrease the dose.

When you are in atrial fibrillation, amiodarone can sometimes slow the rate or convert you to your regular rhythm, called sinus rhythm.  Check your heart rate.  If it is irregular, you are likely still in atrial fibrillation.  If it is regular, you may be back in sinus rhythm.  Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply by 4 or count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by 2.  The number after you multiply (beats per minute) should be between 60 and 100.  If you are in the 30's or 40's, that may be too slow for you and cause dizziness.  If you are greater than 100 beats per minute, especially if it is greater than 130-140, that may cause dizziness as well.

Make sure you stand up slowly and don't do anything to quickly.  Doing things slowly may decrease the dizziness and prevent you from falling.

Call your doctor if the symptoms become limiting or if you have concerns that you are too dizzy.

Hope this helps and thanks of posting.