alternative drugs

I have pacemaker due to bradycardia/tachycardia and AF. O'm doing well but am gaining weight - I read that sotalol, prescribed by the cardiologist, causes weight gain.  If so, what can I take in its place? The cardiologist tells me to "just compensate for it".  I've cut my calories intake drastically, but no luck!


This discussion is related to Atrial Fibrillation or Tachycardia.

[Flycaster305]

I've not taken Sotalol, but I'm taking a similiar drug that is a beta blocker, and weight gain is often a problem with beta blockers.  Like you, I was quite upset to see my weight going up when I started taking it, and it was dramatic.  

Keep in mind your entire body has slowed down maybe 20% or more as the heartbeat is slowed, so to keep the weight down, you need not only to control the calories but you need to burn some of those calories and exercise is very important.  Once your body adjusts to the drug, the weight will come off if you control the calories and exercise.  However, ask your doctor if you need a drug to control fluid buildup.    That can be a problem when taking a beta blocker.  

It's not wise to simply stop taking a beta blocker, you need to be weaned off of it. I'd be very cautious about going the natural medicine route.   Has your doc talked to you about a Pacemaker?  I fought the notion that I needed one and I had your problems, and I must tell you, a pacemaker helped me tremendously.  I'd certainly ask your doctor about it, and if one is recommended and affordable, I'd procede with great confidence having one inserted.   Do keep us informed.

[saralei]

I do have a pacemaker, I've had one for two years.  It takes care of the bradycardia, while the betablocker takes care of the tachycardia since I had both.
I'm taking furosemide for fluid buildup, but my ankles still swell severely.  I've cut down calories, eat mostly fruit and vegetables, but no luck with losing weight.  Do not exercise much because I spend most of the day working on the computer.  I wish I could find a cardiologist willing to actually discuss the problem with me and look for solutions - maybe reducing the dose would help.  The weight gain makes it harder to exercise and raised further my blood pressure - not exactly a recipe for god health!

[saralei]

Thanks for your response - it's encouraging that you were able to shed the weight, but as you know women have a harder time especially after a certain age.  I'll try harder while I search for a substitute medication, if any.