beta blocker vs. antirrthmic - Heart Disorders Message Board

jgetter · 10-07-2006, 07:26 AM

Has anyone had trouble with Rythmol? I went off Toprol 50mg because of breathing problems that were coming on when I took the second part of the pill in the eve. After going off the bb, I had long episodes of afib so they put me on Rythmol, I had break through episodes right away, and felt jittery and out-of -it at the same time. Now I am back on Toprol but at 25, just to see. He said he wants me to take Sotalol, but I am reluctant because of the side effects with the Rythmol. The afib is generated from the pulmonary veins on the left side of the heart. DOes anyone know anything about this? Had on ablation on the right, but this new ablation is much more invasive. Has anyone had this?

Lenin · 10-07-2006, 08:44 AM

jgetter,

Sotalol is a beta-blocker like Toprol that is specifically geared towards tachycardias. I think switching to it is a good idea.

It won't cause problems similar to the Rythmol, a different kind of drug.

Give it a shot.

mnmnmnmn · 10-07-2006, 11:21 AM

jgetter, i took rythmol for several months and had no problems other than it quit working after a few months. I am taking sotalol now and have had good results from it so far. Sotalol does have both antirhythmic effects and beta blocker affects as it is a combination drug, so it is possible that you may have some of the same effect that you did on rhymol. However sotalol possess more of a beta blocker affect than an antiarrhymic so unfortunately you will likely just have to try it. But it does sound like a drug that may work for you but with A-fib i would be kind of doubtful. But anything is worth a try. I have heard about the ablation involving the left side. It is just extremely difficult to get to and has a high risk of further arrhythmias. I would recommend you find a highly qualified EP doctor to attempt this, there are many out there that do speciallize in left sided ablations. Rythmol is a commonly used drug for Afib and i have heard that it works well with Afib originating from the pulm veins. Is it possible that you just had this afib because you were switching drugs not because the rythmol didnt work?? Might be worth another try.

jgetter · 10-07-2006, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the responses. I was experiencing strange side effects with the rythmol i.e., head rushes, headache on the left side, vision problems, anxiety and breathing problems. I do not suffer from anxiety normally, although I did in my thirties, that's one of the benefits of the 40's!
I will see how the 25mg of Toprol works before trying the Sotalol...just chicken I guess.
Thanks for the heads up on the left-side ablation, and getting someone who is well thought of and experienced.
Thanks Lenin, you seem so well versed in all of this, it helps to have an expert around, and mnmnmn, thanks for your interest. Question...how do you feel about waiting 12 hours while in afib before you call or go to the doctor? I know it usually converts itself, but that seems like a bit of a stretch...just checking.

mnmnmnmn · 10-07-2006, 09:49 PM

wow 12 hours of afib huh... well honestly i see ppl that are in it for days even weeks. So 12 hours doesnt seem that long but it all depends on how well your body tolerates it and if you are on a blood thinner since even if your body tolerates it well the risk is the blood clot formation.