Dofetilide and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Rus...
• July 18, 2012

For Arrhythmia "Diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2007. Three electrocardioversions, two ablations, a Medtronic ICD, and 1000 mcg a day of Tikosyn, and I am in sinus rhythm 99.998% of the time. Before treatment, I was in A-Fib for 10 months. My Electrophysiologist prescribed 25mg twice daily of atenolol to help with the pounding heartbeat side effect of Tikosyn. I turn 37 in August, so my major concern is the long-term use of Tikosyn. It's a fairly new medicine, and there isn't any research on long-term (20 yrs) dosage. So far, so good. It does make me tired, but that is a small price to pay to live without A-Fib."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2009

For Arrhythmia "I have been on Tikosyn 250mcg, 2 times a day since July 2009. I have had very few side effects and I'm feeling better, probably never be as active as I was before all this. I have a defibrillator and pacemaker with 3 leads also. I feel bionic but I am better than I was a year ago. Just wish I could have more energy and not get tired so fast."

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2016

For Arrhythmia "I had an unsuccessful ablation in 2011. I was put on Tikosyn in the hospital. A-Fib was not constant. I went in and out of A-Fib for about four years. After that time, it became constant. I gained weight, was tired all the time, and experienced lower back pain. Also, the cost of this drug created a financial hardship. My income did not allow me to get a discount!"

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2024

For Arrhythmia "After 6 months of persistent AFIB, I was hospitalized and started on dofetilide, the generic of Tikosyn. I converted to sinus rhythm and did not need cardioversion. Fifteen months later, I am still in sinus rhythm. Too much coffee can give me a feeling of 'pre-AFIB,' so one cup is all I drink. I am off balance every time I stand up for a short time. No idea if this is caused by the meds or not. Also, I tire easily after moderate weight lifting and walking a mile at the gym. Maybe being 75? Regardless, it beats AFIB. I'm also careful to keep the dosing close to 12-hour intervals. I give the medicine a 9 for effectiveness."

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2023

For Arrhythmia "I am scheduled to have an ablation done. I had to stop taking the Tikosyn 5 days before the ablation. Can I tell you I feel much better being off this medication. I would have an Afib episode at least 3 times per week. I developed severe insomnia and was extremely tired with low energy, and any exertion was too much, such as climbing 5 stairs, out of breath and fast heartbeat and extremely exhausted. Not to mention I was getting migraines. I do not want to go back on this medication."