Hi - I have been on Multaq (along with Diltiazem and Xarelto) for 2+ years. I have a fast-acting (60mg) Diltiazem to take for an afib event, but lately I have self converted or a brisk walk and/or low sodium V8 has put me in NSR. The PIP Diltiazem gives me a med hangover, so I am happy not to take it - but I will, if other measures are not effective. Have not had a cardioversion. Regards, Cheryl

I've had AFIB while on Tikosyn and the other one. Some times I self convert, but that seems to be less frequent now.

I can't exactly remember, but believe I was electo-cardio-verted more than once while on the AA meds.

Robert

I take Diltiazem 360 extended realease and flecainide 100 mg 2x/day and have been having Afib/flutter events recently. Both of the last two I self converted, but didn't do anything but just rest. Would be interested in any recent experiences with self conversions using specif techniques that are sworn successful. Trips to ER are a bummer. I have never had cardioversion procedure.

Wife also has Afib...she takes metropolol and flecainide 100/2x. She had a breakthru two weeks ago that was her first in 18 months. She had to have cardio version to break out of it.

Both of us have the sameDr. and he put us both on Xarelto a week ago (you know, 1-800- BAD DRUG on the lawyer TV ad.

MikeinSC- Regarding your mention of the bad drug ad on TV. The other day, I had a robot call on my home phone. The recorded voice sounded like that of a little 5 year old little girl and the call was regarding a class action suit against Xarelto. The weird thing is, I have never taken Xarelto. I have only been on Warfarin. I thought it was kind of creepy how they seemed to know that I was on a blood thinning medication for Afib.

Hi, I've had 3 persistent AF episodes, Dec 2013, May 2014, July 2014.

#1 was the first ever - out of the blue, hit overnight whilst sleeping. After ER/hospital stay, diltiazem, amiodarone didn't work, cardioversion returned me to NSR. Dr. put me on 50mg/day metoprolol for 3 months before taking me off of it (but told me if I had another AF episode - take 1 50mg metoprolol.

#2 - came at night whilst sleeping. On no drug at the time. Took 50mg metoprolol - returned me to NSR in about 2 or 2.5 hours. Dr. and I agreed to try 1/2 dose metoprolol (25mg) every other day.

#3 - came at night whilst sleeping. Had taken a 25mg metoprolol earlier that same evening. Took another 25mg. 3 hours later, no NSR so took another 25mg (total 75mg within 9 hours). No NSR. Back to ER. 300mg Flecainide + 2 hours = NSR.

Since then 2 x 50mg Flecainide per day, still on NSR.

Asked Dr. what should I do if I fall back into AF. He said, just take more Flecainide - max is 300mg in one 24 hour period. Hope this doesn't happen.

As for the anticoagulant - I'm only taking 81mg aspirin. He had me on Xarelto/rivaroxaban for 1 month Dec-Jan following my hospital stay then took me off of it and haven't used it since. Very interesting about the lawsuit. Was not aware.

@thorncrown4 - if I were you, I'd just contact my dr / cardiologist and ask him/her that question - what can I do immediately to try to terminate AF should I fall into it. Ask what are the safe limits to what you can take of whatever he/she recommends you take.

The thing about being in afib is that your HR needs to be lowered. There are folks that have persistent or permanent afib that are in it always...they have controlled heart rate.

I can take Metoprolol when I go into afib, and it will lower my rate to 100 and less. I have stayed in afib with manageable symptoms....I don't feel great, but I function....for a week.

I have another option, I can take Rhythol. It will take me out of afib in couple of hours. But, I feel just as bad with this med. as I do when I am in afib after taking Metoprolol.

I found out last year, when I elevate my heart rate gradually, when in afib....I convert. I learned this by cutting my grass in the summer in afib...and when I finished, I was in NSR. I now take a slow jog around the block. I go into afib at 3 AM usually. I take a Metoprolol....and wait til the sun comes up...and out I go.

Let's clarify the language:

Types and classification of atrial fibrillation4:

Afib Episode: An atrial fibrillation episode is defined as Afib that is documented by ECG monitoring and has duration of at least 30 seconds, or if less than 30 seconds, is present continuously throughout the ECG monitoring tracing. The presence of subsequent episodes of Afib requires that sinus rhythm be documented by ECG monitoring between Afib episodes.

Paroxysmal Afib

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is defined as recurrent Afib (2 episodes) that terminates spontaneously within 7 days. Episodes of Afib of 48 hours duration that are terminated with electrical or pharmacologic cardio version should also be classified as paroxysmal Afib episodes.

Persistent Afib

Persistent atrial fibrillation is defined as continuous Afib that is sustained beyond seven days. Episodes of Afib in which a decision is made to electrically or pharmacologically cardiovert the patient after 48 hours of Afib, but prior to 7 days, should also be classified as persistent Afib episodes.

Longstanding Persistent Afib

Longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation is defined as continuous Afib of greater than 12 months duration.

Thanks to everyone who replied! I will have to ask my doctor to see what he says. I pray I stay in NSR!