A FIB and Antiarrhythmic Drugs

timberman · 08-19-2006, 08:06 PM

Hello:

Anyone with A FIB, and currently taking antiarrhythmic drugs?
I'm interested in what drugs worked better/worse for you.
My wife (mid-50's), heart healty (until now), with A FIB.
She is currently on 5mg Warfarin, 360mg Cardizem LA, 250mcg Digitek, 100mg Flecainide Acetate (X2), and 25mg Atenolol.
We understand that Warfarin is the "insurance policy."
The Flecainide and Atenolol have provided MUCH improvement.

Lenin · 08-20-2006, 08:26 AM

timberman,

I don't suffer from A-fib but I think the commonest drug to treat it is the beta-blocker, sotalol. It is the only agent a dear friend takes and it works very well for him.

With any rhythm irregularity, I think daily magnesium is very wise.

auntinvt · 08-21-2006, 10:10 AM

I had atrial fib. I used to take norpace and atenolol. I had the maze procedure done in 1999. I am currently a-fib free and have been for 7 years. I took magnesium to.These seemed to help. I couldnt handle the side effects thats why I opted for surgery.

timberman · 08-29-2006, 05:00 PM

Thank you both for the information.
She had a Cardioversion this morning, and so far, normal rhythm.

Lenin - I've heard others comment favorably on Sotalol, and yes, I put her on Magnesium straight off.

Auntinvt - Her doctor explained the Maze Procedure, as well as RF Ablation. I'm happy it worked for you! It is comforting to know we have other options.

Thank you both again for your input.

redbaron · 09-02-2006, 03:07 AM

Hi Timberman,
It is important to know if your wife is a 'vagal afibber' or not, because beta-blockers can make the vagal afib worse.
I am vagal (do a google search to find out about the 2 different types of Lone Afib - LAF), and I have found that Flecainide is the most effective drug in my case, perhaps your wife could discuss with the Doctor cutting back on her drug intake to just Flec alone plus the warfarin.
Because the Flec keps me in sinus rhythm 24/7 I don't bother with the rat poison, and my Cardio can actually see the logic in what I am doing, amazing

It is also important to find out the 'triggers' for the afib, in my case it is fishoil and caffeine, and then avoid them. I have also found a low GI diet to be beneficial.
RB