Anyone have IV medication for SVTs?

[tricializ]

I have been suffering from Atrial Tachycardia with runs of SVTs (along with PVCs I guess).  Anyway, I went in a few weeks ago for EP study and ablation and they weren't able to get my heart to cooperate (I believe I was WAY to sedated...sigh).  Anyway, I was put on 50mg Flecainide 2 x/day and that did nothing.  So, they upped it to 100mg 2 x/day and it seemed to work for a couple of days and then WHAM!  Right back to where we were along with some nice stomach pain and heartburn.  So, now today they are upping it again to 150mg 2 x/day.  Hoping that does the trick but not real optimistic.  Anyway, the nurse said that if that doesnt' work, they want to bring me into the hospital for IV medication that would mean about a 3 day hospital stay.  Has anyone had this and what is it?  Sounds a little scary to me.  I am going to Disney in 10 days and the nurse wants me to try the higher dose for a week and then call her.  There is no way I have time to go into the hospital before my trip if this doesn't work.  I  know I am putting the cart before the horse here but just wondering what medication this is and what that's all about.  I seriously don't have time for medical issues.  LOL
Tricia

[sac101]

My 82 year old mother has been having dizzy spelss and rapid heart rate. They just put her in the hospital to try a dose of amiodorone. She had moments where her heart rate went down so the doctor in one day took her off. It was in the 40's. Her blood pressure in now up. The Doctor said he was taking her off this drug BUT suggests she have a Pacemaker so she can tolerate the drug. We do not know what to do- he said the down side of a pacemaker IS if she has side effects from the amiodorone after a pacemaker is put in- the options are severely limited to decrease side effects- something about disconnecting the upper and lower heart. My question is how imp is this drug to put in a pacemaker for her to take it? Anyother info on side effects is welcomed. Sue

[tricializ]

Hi Steph.  I did bring it up to 2 nurses but haven't discussed with the doctor directly.  Turns the nose blue?  Seriously?  Good grief.  Frankly I think it's stupid to do the increase in the flecainide but it doesn't seem to be killing me so whatever.  Maybe it is helping.  I don't know anymore.  I didn't take a dose until tonight (so I missed a day) and for the past 2 days my palps have been almost unbearable.  So perhaps it is helping a bit more than I realize.  I do think you are correct though.  I have an appointment in June with the doctor again though so I will be discussing all of these things.  

Thanks for the info.

Tricia

[StephPT]

More than likely, it is betapace, although it could be amiodorone or another drug who's name is currently escaping me.  The reason they need to bring you into the hospital is to monitor you for  potential side effects, like an increased Q-T interval (I think that's what it's called...it is part of the wave form on the EKG).  In most young people without heart pathology, the medications are safe.  Amiodorone, however, can be toxic to the thyroid, and it can make your nose turn blue (I kid you not).  I refused all those meds, knowing in my case, they likely wouldn't work, just like all the others (i did toprol, digoxin, verapamil, rhythmol and flec).

If you REALLY have the swallowing-induced stuff we talked about, i think you are barking up the wrong tree with these meds.  did you talk to your doc about the swallowing part?  did you show him the reference?

steph