Hi Tom, My preference for me is Metoprolol. I take 25mg. to bring my HR down to 100 from 140+. It works for me in about 20 minutes. I stay in AF but my rate is down, and I can function...definitely not up to par....but since I am retired, I manage fine. Beta Blockers make me a bit groggy.

I was also given Rythmol. When I take both 150mg. pills, I do convert within 90 min. But, I usually feel terrible for the rest of the day.
One pill (150 mg) doesn't work for me.

Hi Tom, I take an additional Metoprolol as a pip. Like Yogacat said, though, it doesnt stop the a-fib it only slows down the heart rate so you can ride out the episode/attack. Unfortunately Ive never gotten the quick relief (20 minutes) that she gets it always takes at least 2 hours before I notice a difference.
Hope this helps.
atp

Thanks for the comments.

I wonder about this PIP thing. I've only used it on two occasions. It (fortunately) worked both times and I'm very grateful for this. I have been in the ER on two other occasions, after I was prescribed the PIP.

I did not have it with me and I advised the Doctor about it. He told me they had better ways of dealing with it.

The two times the PIP (Flecainide) worked it worked in 45 minutes to one hour. In the ER I ended up being admitted at one point for several days and it took 8-13 hours to convert to NSR.

Although I understand Metoprolol can help. I find it functions better for me as a preventative measure versus helping solve a full blown symptomatic episode.

My PIP is 60mg "fast acting" (not time-release) Diltiazem and .25 or .5mg Clonazapam. I convert anywhere between 30 minutes and 4-5 hours, but I always have a "med hangover" the next day. A couple of times (last night included) a big glass of Low Sodium V8 worked. Just wish the V8 always worked!

What were the better ways of dealing with it?

Cheryl

Hi Tom,
When I initially was diagnosed with AFib, I was prescribed Metoprolol 50mg. as a PIP. When I first used it, it did bring my heart rate down and I could function, but it took 3 days for the AFib to go away. My cardiologist then prescribed Flecainide 300 mg and Metoprolol 25 mg. For the next few episodes I tried increased potassium, epsom salt baths, immersing my face in cold water etc. to try to stop the AFib and then ended up taking the PIP. Now I take the the PIP as soon as the episode starts, and each time it take 1 1/2 hours for the AFib to subside. As Cheryl says, I too am extremely weak, and have a "med hangover" the following day.

Since being diagnosed in September 2013, I am very pleased with the PIP method of treating my AFib. The cardiologist asked me last week if I wanted to go on daily medications, and I promptly said no. So far my episodes range from 2 weeks apart to 3 months apart, and the PIP is very effective. From what I read from others on this site, some that are on daily meds seem to have breakthrough episodes anyways. I don't know if this helps you out at all!!

I take a minimal daily dose of Flecainide and then I have an algorhythm that I follow during an episode and it starts with a PIP type use of my Flecainide, 50 mg extra wait 45 minutes and repeat wait 45 minutes and add 25mg of Metoprolol I actually have never had to that far, usually the first extra dose of Felcainide is all I need and a couple of times I had to do the second dose, early on I added the Metoprolol once but it bottomed out my BP quite drastically and so I save it as a last resort prior to calling the Dr.
jan

Guys,

Would love to have the PIP work for me! Now i take diltiazem and nitro-stat everywhere! I don't like the directions on nitro-stat... take a pill and wait 15 minutes, if you have to take another one, call 911!

Had a rev today where my HR went to 169... and after 4 hours was about 100...

Have a great week guys!.

Robert

Thanks again for the replies. i know this subject may have been discussed before previously.

Most have been. I certainly hope the PIP works for all who need it.

A trip to the ER (although at times the right decision) is something I personally wish to avoid at all cost.

IMO: I've already used up my book of tickets on that subject.

The hospital always has the very best intentions regarding your health and welfare. But I've been held captive for several days on far too many occasions.

Take care NSR and all the best. ;)

My Cardio Dr. s have told me.....As long as I have taken an Anticoagulant, have a lowered rate and no symptoms such as fainting...I am OK. I have been in afib this way for days.

I understand how PIP works with anti-arrhythmic medications but not with beta blockers. I thought it took a week or longer of daily use of a beta blocker to get any results.

Nope, it gets right to work for me. Always within half hr....usually 15 min!