Afib medications making me sick.

[davisph]

I was just diagnosed with non valvular atrial fibrillation two weeks ago and sent home on amiodarone 200mg/day  after I had a chemical conversion with amiodarone.  This stuff makes me unable to do anything.  I am also taking xarelto 20mg a day.  Before this event I was having issues with palpitations and was diagnosed with hypertension in Feb 2012 and have been having trouble with getting the right medication.  I am on Norvasc  5mg and 12.5mg hctz both one a day for the hypertension.  My issue is that when I do normal activity like picking up around the house I am winded and cannot work very long.  I also still have an issue with feeling like I am going to pass out (had these episodes for 6 months before they diagnosed the htn).  I am on short term disability but am concerned because I have to drive to work an hour each way.  I feel like my doctors are not addressing my issues and I am wondering if there are any suggestions.  I am only 48 years young, my only other issue is my obesity and I am working on losing it.  This whole thing has made me anxious and I am contemplating seeing a therapist.

[davisph]

Thanks for your support!  I have an appt with my GP on next Tuesday.  I had a blood pressure spike last Sunday that made me sick to my stomach and my diastolic was jumping from 100 to 143 just sitting there.  I spoke with my GP last week and she said that the plan is to take me off of the Amiodarone at the end of the month and put me on something else and to take me off the blood thinner and put me on aspirin.  I have an appointment with an Electrophysiologist on Thursday(new guy) getting second opinion at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA they are known for their heart hospital in this area.  I will keep you posted.  I just want to be able to live and not be sick all the time like this medicine

[DeltaDawn23]

Any luck in getting another med instead of the amiodarone?  Good luck in getting this straightened out.  I was very fortunate to have a family doctor who was willing to work with me and help figure out a dosing schedule that worked for me.  Atenolol taken in 1/4's worked better than Toprol for me, and kept me out of Afib for several years, even tho I eventually had to go on the Norpace.  Try to hang in there -- this is manageable.

[davisph]

That is good advice to know.

davisph

[davisph]

My heart rate when I rise on the amiodarone is around 55-57 prior to that I was around 70-80 so it is lower for me on the meds.

davisph

[davisph]

Thanks Jerry, I have been trying to adjust to this med.  I was diagnosed with High BP in Feb and having issues with controlling my BP with the meds then on Memorial Day weekend I had an AFIB attack.  Prior to this attack I had been to the ER about 5 times for feelling like I was going to pass out and my BP elevated.  I switched GP's in February because my first GP kept telling me that I didn't have High BP but my Echo from June of 2011 per the cardiologist was showing that I did and my GP that I was going to told me that I was fine.(NOT!)  I have been on Toprol for a week now and last night had a bad night.  My diastolic number just jumped up around 11pm and I felt like the back of my head was burning till I took my pill in the morning.  I think I might need a stronger dose or to take a second pill at night. I would like to just feel better for a while.

[DeltaDawn23]

My heart resting rate is frequently in the low 50's and bp top number 100 - 115.  When I complained about the low bp, my doctor said, "yes, and my little old lady patients who are in their 90's are doing well because they haven't worn their hearts out."  My cardiologist says how you feel is more important than the numbers.  Good luck with this.  I think your decision to check out a different medication is a good idea.  

[Jerry_NJ]

The question is what is your base-line heart rate, i.e., what history do you have?

The numbers 58 before rising and 67 while sitting are very good for most people.  If you're pre-medication HR was much higher, say 80 when at rest I'd guess the drugs have slowed your HR down, but still sufficient speed if you are not dizzy or short of breath or other indicators of oxygen shortage in the delivery by your blood.

[davisph]

Thanks DeltaDawn!  I agree with you.  I am going to my GP tomorrow as I can't live like this!  I can't get anything done taking this amiodarone. I know I have to be on a med to control my rate.  I find my HR to be around 58 in the morning when I get up and it is staying around 67 when I am sitting still.  Is that kind of low for resting or is it normal?  It goes up when I do activity, but sometimes the lowness of it when I don't do anything concerns me.

[davisph]

Thanks Jerry,

I do think it is the amiodarone as when I get up before I take it I feel better than when I do take it.  

[DeltaDawn23]

I agree with Jerry -- maybe your doctor could try one of the "lower tier" anti-arrthymics.  I take Norpace.  Rhythmol or Multaq have been suggested as drugs in the same class. I think Multaq is Amiordarone without the serious side effects.  My mother was on Amiodarone and it was not agreeing with her.  She was 92 with heart failure.  I think you definitely should ask to try another drug.  Good luck.  Let us know how you're doing.

[Jerry_NJ]

The medication amiodarone is the strongest and most problematic (possible side-effects).  I think you should discuss the problems you are having relative to using a "softer" medication than amiodarone. All have the potential for troubling side-effects, but again, I understand, amiodarone is the most troublesome when it causes trouble.  I understand some people have success with that medication.  I have never used it myself, by my AFib is symptoms are mostly tolerable.