Tikosyn and Headaches: What Users Say

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2013

For Arrhythmia "In persistent atrial fibrillation for 11 months, being switched around between various doses and combinations of metoprolol and diltiazem for rate control without success. Converted on the second dose of Tikosyn and had absolutely no problems with dosing in the hospital, other than a little headache on the first dose. I never knew how bad I felt in atrial fibrillation until normal sinus rhythm was restored. Check with your doctor about this medicine. They have a great program to ensure safe medicine loading (although three days in the hospital can get a little boring!)"

• Sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2018

For Arrhythmia "Have had a-fib for 15 years. EP wanted to take me off Flecainide and switch to Tikosyn. Was having some a-fib episodes with rate >150 on Flecainide 150 mg BID, but otherwise worked well with Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg BID. Spent 3 days in the hospital for Tikosyn 500 mg BID dosing. Was on Tikosyn for 7 weeks before discontinuing. Worst 7 weeks I ever had. A-fib was way out of control. I was rarely in sinus rhythm on the Tikosyn. Heart rate was between 40-150. Lots of irregular heartbeats (PACs and PVCs), bad headaches, insomnia, dizziness, and SOB/breathlessness. MD did not want me to stop the Tikosyn even with the side effects. I had to quit working as an RN because the side effects were so bad. Went to a different EP for another opinion and he told me to stop the Tikosyn ASAP. I gladly stopped. I cannot recommend this drug."

• red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2016

For Arrhythmia "Tikosyn did restore sinus rhythm following unsuccessful cardioversion. As others have mentioned, cost is staggering, and hoping for relief at some point. Side effects so far are fatigue and truly annoying headaches."

• VAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

For Arrhythmia "Read prior blogs. Afib continually since second ablation. First lasted 15 years. Tikosyn working 100% with only side effect a dull headache for the first couple of days. No limitations to exercise, and my life is back to normal. I was hesitant at first but would highly recommend it for the treatment of Afib."

• Sal...
• October 12, 2017

For Arrhythmia "Been on 500 mcg Tikosyn taken twice daily for 2 months. Went into sinus rhythm after 2nd dose in the hospital. Experienced headaches and some chest pressure. After one month, I began getting indigestion daily, gained weight while eating less, have daily headaches, exceptional thirst, and fatigue. My cardiologist said to continue the same dose, along with 25 mg metoprolol and 20 mg Xarelto for another 3 months. With the quality of life being less than before, I don't know if I can hold off that long."

• daw...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2021

For Arrhythmia "I am in my 40s, went into AFIB with increased frequency, until I could not stay in rhythm for more than a month at a time. Tried different medications and cardioversion. Nothing could keep me in rhythm. Eventually, I was put on Tikosyn, now, two years later, I have only had two more AFIB episodes that resolved without intervention. Tikosyn has been a miracle drug for me, highly recommended. The side effects for me include fatigue and headaches, but these are a small price to pay for staying in rhythm."

• 58f...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2022

For Arrhythmia "Afib and Vtach sporadic for 3 years. Went through 3 other antiarrhythmics, they all made me very sick, vertigo, N/V, or tanked my BP. Dr. recommended this because I was already in the hospital from complications from my first ablation, which gave me Dressler's syndrome and eventually a pericardial window from fluid buildup that they said was from Eliquis. After 4 weeks on Tikosyn, no horrible side effects like what Rhythmol, flecainide, or Multaq gave me, just mild headaches and a little fatigue. I'm praying this is the keeper because I never want another ablation."