Amiodarine

I have a defibrillator but also take some meds to control my arrhythmias. I had syncopy episides and was put on amiodarine and mexiletine. I've had nothing but side effects, most likely from the amiodarone which is very toxic. I'm scheduled for a epicardial ablation where my doc will attempt to ablate some of the scar tissue on my heart. My question is about the drugs I'm taking. Has anyone else been on these drugs? If so, how long did you stay on them and how did you feel? Also has anyone ever had an epicardial ablation? It scares me a little:(

2 Comments

Amiodarone & Epicardial Ablation

by catthree - 2016-03-26 11:03:37

I believe I was on amiodarone for 8 weeks. I had virtually no exercise tolerance during that period, but there were some other things going on, so I cannot say how much was the side effect of the amiodarone.

My serious problem was V-tach, and the EP doctor determined it was a single site on the outside of the heart, which I believe is the definition of epicardial. This is a particularly tricky ablation, and the recommendations is to find a doctor/site which does a lot of them. I went to UPenn Health in Philadelphia which was recommended by my own local EP group, which said that they didn't have as much experience themselves.

Amio

by trudy - 2016-03-27 06:03:30

Thanks for your comment. I've been on it for a year as other meds I was on quit preventing my v-tach. Also mexiletine 3 times a day. I trust my doctor. He's done many of these type of ablations. The exercise tolerance is terrible. I was a runner for 30 years and now I can hardly walk. The ablation is really my only chance to possibly get off the ami. My doctor does do a lot of ablations at Oregon Health and Science Centers but still, always scary when they are burning scar tissue off of the outside of your heart:(

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.