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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Amiodarone Stay In The System?

my husband was on Amiodarone 400mg after mitral valve repare in Nov. of 2015. When he came home they decreased his dose to 200 mg./day and he stayed on that dose until a month ago. He currently is experiencing major depression and he has taken lexapro in past depressive episodes which worked well at symptom relief. When is it safe for him to begin lexapro again as amiodarone stays in the system for months?
Tue, 29 Mar 2016
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Thanks for asking at Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern.
Lexapro has additive effect with amoidarone in causing QT prolongation a form of arrhythmia.
As amoudarone has on average 58 days terminal half life.
I would like to advise you to avoid this combination and start him on Paroxetine ( Paxel CR). As studies have shown that paroxetine has lowest risk of arrhythmias.
Encourage him to do aerobic excersize up to his ability and do mental relaxation excersizes like Yoga and meditation.
Hope it helps best.
Don't forget to rate this answer and close the discussion at Healthcare Magic.
Take your best care.
Regards
Dr Ejaz
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How Long Does Amiodarone Stay In The System?

Thanks for asking at Healthcare Magic. I read your question and I understand your concern. Lexapro has additive effect with amoidarone in causing QT prolongation a form of arrhythmia. As amoudarone has on average 58 days terminal half life. I would like to advise you to avoid this combination and start him on Paroxetine ( Paxel CR). As studies have shown that paroxetine has lowest risk of arrhythmias. Encourage him to do aerobic excersize up to his ability and do mental relaxation excersizes like Yoga and meditation. Hope it helps best. Don t forget to rate this answer and close the discussion at Healthcare Magic. Take your best care. Regards Dr Ejaz