Anti-arrhythmic half-life

Day 552.

I have been on Amiodarone as an anti-arrhythmic medication since December 2022. It has helped keep my ventricular arrhythmias at bay. That has made me very happy, as I have been able to drive again as a result. There is an incredible amount of indepence that goes with the ability to drive.

After my mum's funeral in July 2023, I had two Ventricular Tachycardia events while in South Africa. The cardiologist there prescribed an extra Amiodarone tablet to help get the unexpected arrhythmias under control.

Fitbit ECG from July 2023

Amiodarone doesn't start working immediately. It takes time to build up in your body.

In the same way, Amiodarone doesn't just leave your system as soon as you stop taking it. It has a half-life of a couple of months before the effects will no longer be active.

When I returned to New Zealand, the cardiologist here recommended that I return to my normal dosage of Amiodarone.

I was a bit nervous to be honest, as I wasn't sure if the arrhythmias would return once I reduced my dosage.

At first I noticed no difference, of course. However, in the last few weeks that has changed. It's been just about 3 months since I stopped taking the extra Amiodarone tablet. I have noticed a definite increase in palpitations.

I have to admit - I am nervous that this will continue to escalate into the arrhythmias I had in South Africa. I guess all I can do is wait and see.

My cardiologist told me at my last appointment that he would like me to drop Amiodarone completely now that the inflammation in my heart is getting more under control. I expect we will have that conversation at my next appointment. That makes me nervous too, to be honest.