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Suggest Treatment For Heart Palpitations And Tiredness Along With Low Potassium Levels
Question: Have been on Tikosyn for 15 days. I still have palpations, have readout from EKG's showing PAC's,PVC's, bigimny, some A Fib. See no relief from taking medication. Very tired, pushing myself to be active. Have potassium level of 3.7, can this contribute to slow heart beat, which they claim have been down to 40's, upper 30's while being administered 6 does of Tikosyn in hospital. Seems that may be a factor, especially since only relief comes from walking treadmill. MD says to give drug a chance to work in your system. Very anxious and stressed.
Brief Answer:
You can discuss with your doctor to change therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
1. Your potassium level is at borderline low level but still within acceptable range. Although at borderline potassium levels may contribute to fatigue, depression and bradycardia.
My advice is to drink plenty of water and to increase consumption of potassium reach fruits (bananas, orange etc.)
2. With regards to being fatigued and other complaints. These are side effects of the drug you are taking.
In case you cannot tolerate such side effects, then you can discuss with your doctor to change therapy.
If you were my patient I would recommend to start amiodarone that has less side effects.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
You can discuss with your doctor to change therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.
1. Your potassium level is at borderline low level but still within acceptable range. Although at borderline potassium levels may contribute to fatigue, depression and bradycardia.
My advice is to drink plenty of water and to increase consumption of potassium reach fruits (bananas, orange etc.)
2. With regards to being fatigued and other complaints. These are side effects of the drug you are taking.
In case you cannot tolerate such side effects, then you can discuss with your doctor to change therapy.
If you were my patient I would recommend to start amiodarone that has less side effects.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I mentioned amiodarone to electro physiologist who prescribed Tikkosyn after cardiologist mentioned amiodarone when sotolol didn't work. He thought amiodarone had more bad side effects. Am at sixes and sevens as to how to proceed. Don't know what to do or believe. Is there value to cardioverson to bring heart into regular rhythm more quickly. That was never brought up.
Brief Answer:
Another option is Multaq...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Yes it's true that even amiodarone may have a lot of side effects, however the side effects may differ from patient to patient.
As long as you didn't 't tolerate well Tikkosyn you should stop taking it. You have already discuss amiodarone with your doctor and if he though that it may be harmful to you than you shouldn'ttake it to.
Another treatment option may be Multaq (dronedarone ) that is a new preparation with the same efficacity of amiodarone and minimal side effects. Since it is a medication you should discuss it with your doctor.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Another option is Multaq...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Yes it's true that even amiodarone may have a lot of side effects, however the side effects may differ from patient to patient.
As long as you didn't 't tolerate well Tikkosyn you should stop taking it. You have already discuss amiodarone with your doctor and if he though that it may be harmful to you than you shouldn'ttake it to.
Another treatment option may be Multaq (dronedarone ) that is a new preparation with the same efficacity of amiodarone and minimal side effects. Since it is a medication you should discuss it with your doctor.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You didn't respond to view on cardioversion to stop the irregular beats!
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query.
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Sorry for non answering to that question to.
Cardioversion os the fastest and most accurate option to bring your rhythm back to sinusal rhythm. However to mantain sinusal rhythm is essential that you have started an anti arrhythmic treatment before.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following answer to your query.
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Sorry for non answering to that question to.
Cardioversion os the fastest and most accurate option to bring your rhythm back to sinusal rhythm. However to mantain sinusal rhythm is essential that you have started an anti arrhythmic treatment before.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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