HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Univer A Better Alternative To Securon For Atrial Fibrillation?

Why are Half Securon tablets no longer available? My atrial fibrillation has been very successfully treated by them for several years. I suspect that the alternative, Univer, is causing unwanted side effects such as fatigue and dizziness. Many thanks for any advice you can provide. Jim
Tue, 26 May 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to Health Care Magic.
Thanks for writing.

I am Dr.Saddiq-ul-Abidin. I have read your question completely, I understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.
I am sorry to know the symptoms you are having at the moment. Atrial fibrillation as you must be knowing causes increased beating rate of atria and this can eventually make ventricles to get increased rate so if we can't make atrial fibrillation to convert into normal rhythm we give some drug which at-least slows down the atrial contractions reducing the risk of embolus formation and ventricular rapid response.

These drugs can be calcium channel blockers , beta blockers or other heart rate reduction drugs. What you have been taking is Verapamil which is a calcium channel blocker.
It is not really a common side effect of calcium channel blocker to cause fatigue and dizziness , and specially when you have been tolerating verapamil from one brand , the other brand shouldn't be causing these symptoms, here You can deal with this matter in two ways.

Consider other possibilities which can be causing these symptoms like lack of sleep , any other medicines, any use of sedatives, anti allergic, anxiety medicines, mental stress etc.
If that is not there then check your intake of food salt and energy , if that is normal too, then meet your doctor he might want to check your hormonal levels like thyroid.

Then You always have to chose another brand , there are many other brands in Verapamil, if this fails and you still have doubts that it is drug side effect you can chose other medicines used for atrial fibrillation like beta blockers, after discussing with your doctor.

You just have to work with a strategy and every thing should be fine soon.

I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer.Otherwise

rate and close the discussion


Regrads.

Dr.Saddiq ul Abidin
M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician)
Resident Medicine.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Elton Halili's  Response
Thank you for asking on HCM.

Univer and Securon are brand names of same drug Verapamil (this is generic name). So, side effects and indications are same for both.

These side effect may be as a result from taking this drug for a long time.

Also fatigue and dizziness may be from low blood pressure, because Verapamil (Univer/Securon) is used also as an antihypertensive drug, so please check your blood pressure, because it may be too low and an adjustement of dose may be required.

Take care.


Kindly rate my answer as helpful.


Dr. Elton
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer


Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is Univer A Better Alternative To Securon For Atrial Fibrillation?

Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic. Thanks for writing. I am Dr.Saddiq-ul-Abidin. I have read your question completely, I understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible. I am sorry to know the symptoms you are having at the moment. Atrial fibrillation as you must be knowing causes increased beating rate of atria and this can eventually make ventricles to get increased rate so if we can t make atrial fibrillation to convert into normal rhythm we give some drug which at-least slows down the atrial contractions reducing the risk of embolus formation and ventricular rapid response. These drugs can be calcium channel blockers , beta blockers or other heart rate reduction drugs. What you have been taking is Verapamil which is a calcium channel blocker. It is not really a common side effect of calcium channel blocker to cause fatigue and dizziness , and specially when you have been tolerating verapamil from one brand , the other brand shouldn t be causing these symptoms, here You can deal with this matter in two ways. Consider other possibilities which can be causing these symptoms like lack of sleep , any other medicines, any use of sedatives, anti allergic, anxiety medicines, mental stress etc. If that is not there then check your intake of food salt and energy , if that is normal too, then meet your doctor he might want to check your hormonal levels like thyroid. Then You always have to chose another brand , there are many other brands in Verapamil, if this fails and you still have doubts that it is drug side effect you can chose other medicines used for atrial fibrillation like beta blockers, after discussing with your doctor. You just have to work with a strategy and every thing should be fine soon. I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer.Otherwise rate and close the discussion Regrads. Dr.Saddiq ul Abidin M.B.B.S(Licensed Family Physician) Resident Medicine.