Long term use of Rythmodan and Atenolol

[Norman]

Hi Everyone:

Sorry for being away for so long. I really like the looks of the new nessage board.

I have been on Rythmodan LA 250 (3 times daily) and Atenolol (1/4 tablet) since July 1993 when I was informed that I have HCM. My heart seem to react when given newer medications as my wife says that I throw pvc. So, my question to the group is: Are there any long term effects of these medications.

Thanks for your time and glad to be back.

Norman

[shirleymahoney]

Norman

I don't know anything about the meds but welcome back

Shirley

[Norman]

Hi Shirley:

Good to be back. I have been doing alot of soul searching since my last post in July 05. Things have been tough this year since my father-in-law passed away with CHF and when you see that you start thinking about your own condition.

So, I'm back and I will continue forward.

Norman

[Largehearted]

Norman.

Welcome back. Sorry to hear of the death in your family.

Leon

[Pam Alexson]

Hi Norman ,

Welcome back. I am sorry for you loss. I agree when you lose a loved one to heart disease or any disease it tends to make us reflect more closely about our lives.

As far as the medications go , you will hear from others who are taking rhythmodan( disopramide) and they will share with you the effects that they experience. As many of us take atenolol this is how we live with HCM . I think a pertenent question would be : "what are the long term effects likely to be if we did not take atenolol or any other prescribed beta blocker or antiarrythmic medication if we need it?"

There are long term effects to most medications good and bad and it is very important that we work with an HCM specialist who is familiar with our HCM. A heart that is not properly managed/ medicated when it is experiencing stress and strain from a disease like HCM can certainly result in more damage to the heart and therefore the individuals overall health.

I know this is a rather broad answer but, personally I would rather experience possible long term effects (positive and negative) of my Atenolol and Cardizem then to consider the results of not taking it. I remember how very poor my function was before I was at the right dose of Atenolol and that was not pretty. Recently I started back on my Cardizem and as much as I hate it , it is needed.
Have you discussed the efects with your doctor? Which effects are troubling to you? Have you seen a specialist? Have you ever spoken to Lisa Salberg? That would be a very great phone call for you as well.

I hope this has helped . We are all in this with you so hang in there and ask anything.

My best, Pam

[Cynaburst]

I also take Disopyramide extended release formula (it is called Norpace CR in the US, not Rhythmol) and Atenolol. I take 100 mg. of atenolol daily and 550 mg. of Norpace daily. I have been taking both drugs for about a year.

Other than the occasional dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and not sweating very much, I have not noticed any other problems. I also have not come across any detrimental effects of staying on these meds for a long time, but I am interested in hearing from others. I have noticed that I have had to increase my Norpace doseage over time, as I seem to get adjusted to one doseage and it does not control my symptoms as well after a few months. I have gradually been dialing upward the year I have been on it, and may be due for another increase soon to 300 mg. twice a day.

[Barney13]

How do I introduce myself?

Thanks,
Barney13

[geniekid39]

Hi Norman, There seem to be some meds which the doctors know are OK and then there are some with which they esperiment. Disopyramide (300mg) seems to be one and another is Diltiazem (120mg).
The only change I had while taking them was less passing out. Now I am off them-just taking Atenolol-and starting over with a HCM doctor. Keep notes and ask questions-it works! Barbi

[Ad]

Hi Norman,

Disopyramide so far has been of great benefit to me. I do not need a large dose for a noticable improvement: currently 250mg once a day (extended release) with just 25mg betablocker (also extended release, toprol). It makes my AF disappear and symptoms decrease by at least 50%. My cardiologist prefers me to stay on these meds an lieu of a MY or AA. Makes sense to me - I proposed these meds myself actually.

Long term effects? I know (my GP told me) that decades ago nearly everyone with something cardiac above middle age used disopyramide. In Europe, it seems to have been forgotten, even by my HCM specialist. I'm one of the few taking it. Because it has been around for decades, I do not expect or fear consequences of long term use. I'm a bit wary because of Cynthia's expercience in gradually upping the dose, but I'll wait and see how it goes.

Ad