I am a 63 year old female who was diagnosed with lone (paroxsymal) afib three years ago. My cardiologist tried, lanoxin, toprol, cardizem CD, and cardizem. None worked. I was having bouts of afib (some lasting up to six days) every month. Twice I was scheduled for electro-cardioversion, but converted prior to receiving the 'jolt.' On July 6, I was put on 75 mg. of tambocor twice a day, and have had only one bout of afib that lasted about an hour. Tambocor has made a significant improvement in my quality of life. I have noticed no side effects except perhaps an increased sensitivity to sunlight. I am in excellent physical condition. I run, walk, and bike every day. No one would ever guess I have a heart condition. I, too, was nervous about taking Tambocor when I read about the side effects, but I feel much better on that drug than I did on lanoxin, tambocor, or cardizem.
Oops! In that last sentence I meant to say I feel much better taking Tambocor than I did when I was taking, lanoxin, toprol,(not tambocor--that's what's made me feel better!) or cardizem. Sorry!
For afib in healthy patients with normal hearts, the medication is reasonably safe. The medication should not be used in patients with coronary artery disease of heart failure, as it can be dangerous in these settings.