Medication for AFib

[Marlene Deason]

I have been on a generic of Cardizem (Cartia 120MG) and Lanoxin (0.125MG)for about six weeks.  I go in and out of just feeling yucky -- no energy and some non-specific symptoms.  Should I have any symptoms with medication for this condition? Should I try another generic brand? I'm basically just trying to feel normal.  My episodes generally happen at night and wake me up.  I've learned that if I drink just a few sips of ice water, that my heart goes back to normal rhythm very quickly  - within seconds.  I'm wondering if I need medication at all at this point.  I don't have any problem during the day.
Thanks so much for your answer.

[allan]

You sound a lot like me, I started taking lanoxin for an afib episode and that medication gives me so many arrythmias that I could not handle them.  I hear and see that many doctors use lanoxin for afib and I also see from reading that many say this is not the choice for afib unless you are in constant afib.  I look at the news groups as well and there are many helpfull tips there as well.  I don't remember your specifics since you did not state your age, how long you have had this, what treatments or testing has been done or other facts but I wish you luck with this as well. Ice water,,,,, sounds like you are responding to a vagal stimulation, which I find I can control my arrythmias with as well.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Yes, all medications for afib can have potential side effects such as you describe. I do not think changing brands will help much, but changing to a different medication may be very helpful. Check with your doctor about stopping the medicines you are on now and starting a new medicine.