What can be done for PAC's?

I have PAC's, PVC's, Atrial Tacchicardia, Atrial Fib.  I am on Amiodarone.  It has worked for several years until now.  I am having benign PAC's every 3-5 beats all day.  Surely something can be done?  I am tired.

[taratownsend]

Hi I have all the same things you do. pac's,pvc's,svt. I'm not on any beta blockers or calcium channel blockers they made things worse for me and i had a very hard time breathing on them. So I just take Ativan usually 2-4 mg per day. I also suffer from migraines and dizziness.

I also have muscle spasms in my throat all the time, do you have them?

I hope you feel better soon.

Blessings,

Tara :)

[seebright]

Thanks for the response.  I do not have throat spasms. What is Ativan?  Does it work?

[Momto3]

Some people have found relief with SSRI (medications).  

I doubt your doctor wants to prescribe anything more potent, but what about a different BB or CCB?  Maybe it would help....

connie

[julesluvsdrew]

Hey,I was curious about the meds your taking..Amiodarone?I have a feeling there could be a good chance my new cardio will put me on that for my v tach..What are its side affects?I heard something about being in the sun and your skin turns kinda blue??

[seebright]

Unfortunately, Amiodarone has many side effect, some of which are serious.  Blue skin, my doctor said, is usually found in people who spend hours in the sun such as a farmer.  I do have a few blue streaks on my legs but they kind of look like bruises.  I have to take thyroid medication because of the Amiodarone.  It can also cause lung problems.  Now, after all the negatives, I have to say that Amiodarone is a great medication for controlling heart arrhythmias, however, according to my doctor it should be used as a last resort.

[julesluvsdrew]

Thanks for all the info...I was just curious because I want to try to opt for medicine first to see if that can control my V tach....I wonder if there are others besides Amiodarone that can help just as good??

[seebright]

Ok it has been a long time since last I posted.  Did they put you on Amiodarone?  Here is a warning note about the medication:  The reason I have not responded since July 7 is because I almost died from Amiodarone Lung toxicity.  I have been in and out of the hospital and was put on high doses of prednisone.  I ballooned up 40 pounds.  It has taken me over a year to recuperate and now I have some permanent scarring in my lungs.  I finally went to another electrophysiologist and had a procedure called a Pulmonary Vein Ablation.  Was it worth it?  I think so but it has only been one month since the surgery.  Please keep checking your lung functions if you opt to use Amiodarone.  A good choice for v-tach is Atenelol.  Have you tried that?

[allaflutter1213]

I have found success through supplements, mainly magnesium.

[seebright]

Here is a new update.  In December I wore a monitor which showed my PAF had returned.  The doctor suggested another ablation procedure.  So 3 days ago I had the pulmonary vein ablation again.  I am home recuperating.  Symptoms are:  Palpitations, Visual disturbances (auras), fever, low pulse oxygen and just over all ill feeling, not to mention sore groins.  It does not go without risks.  My blood pressure plummeted in the hospital to 72/42 and my pulse ox dropped to 84-88. Was it worth it?  The jury is still out, but I am wary. Concerning Amiodarone:  use with high caution.  I almost died of Amiodarone lung toxicity.