I had the same question recently in regards to my mother's afib. Increase in her rate control drug, Metoprolol from 50 mg. 2x a day to 100 mg. 2 x a day did not work. The anti arrythmic drug Tikosyn that she's been on for 5 yrs. does not work anymore. So her cardiologist wants to start her on Amiodarone. We see him in a week or so to discuss it. My mother is 89 yrs. old. I am very hesitant for her to start this drug. She has afib episodes every day now. I don't know what else is available for her. She is not a candidate for an ablation.

Check out Stop Amiodarone on Facebook . There are several people on there with the same concerns that you have.

I was given it when I was in the hospital on an IV and almost died from it. I spent over 2 weeks in the ICU because of the Amiodarone. The crash cart came into my room at 3am and I was flat lining with a heart rate at 266. I went into Torsades de Pointes which is lethal as my doctor put it. I now need to wear a Medical ID with Allergic to Amiodarone on it, because it is one of the first drugs they will give you in an emergency situation when you have A-Fib.

A lot of people take the drug, but several develop side effects from it as well. It also takes a long time to get it out of your system.

I would get a second opinion before you start this drug.

I also had problems with amiodarone, my hands started to twitch, eyes became blurry could not stand the sun, my skin became photo sensitive and I would sunburn within a few minutes if not protected with a heavy layer of sun lotion , it takes approx. 4 months or more to leave your system, if you go off it. it is proberley the most effective medication to control A F, but once I told my ep my symptoms, he took me off it, a lot of people take it with out any problems, but for your peace of mind I would research it further, if I were you. What ever you decide all the best

Have you tried other rhythm drugs like flecainide? Amiodarone should be a drug of last resort.

Try to stay positive. My first ablation (cryo) was unsuccessful as well. Second one 3 months later (RF that time) seems to have stuck. 5 months out and still no afib.

Tried Flec, it was bad for me and later when they found out I had a blocked right artery they took me off. RF is pretty risky for me as my esophagas is up against my atrium.I called my EP and told him I am not going to do it yet. I may try another cryo.

Hi again, I forgot to mention when I went off amiodrone he put me on digoxin, had no side effects from that worked for a while, had cardio version, went back into sinus rythmm for 7 days then back into afib, he decided to do a av ablation and put in a duel biventricular pacemaker
that was 7 months ago, like turning on a light switch I have felt great since, a last resort treatment, have to stay on eliquis blood thinner because a fib is still there in the upper chambers , but as I said feeling so much better , hope everything works out for you

Amnio is fat soluble and stays in your tissues for months and would mask any triggers during any ablation unless your body is off this poison for at least 2 months.
So if this is what your EP said to stay on amnio until your ablation then
RUN Forrest Run!