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History Of Paroxysmal A-fib. Taking Propafenone. Recurring Episodes After Taking Melatonin. What To Do?
I've had paroxysmal A-Fib for 15 years. Propafenone keeps my episodes down to 1-2 a year. I know to avoid my 'triggers':chocolate and red wine or chocolate and red grapes, caffeine, etc. When I developed tinnitus my neurologist prescribed amitrypyiline which help with the sleep issue. Now, three years later we agreed to take me off it as I had come to grips with the tinnitus and can sleep if my ears are very bad. I've developed insomnia and it was suggested I try melatonin and 5-HTP w/ Mg. In four nights of taking these two drugs, I've had two episodes of a-fib. I will not be continuing this regimen. Is there something else to help with the insomnia which won't put me into a-fib., Thank You
Mon, 15 Apr 2013
Hi,
Thanks for writing in. I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your question with diligence. Apparently your lack of sleep is contributing to episodes of atrial fibrillation. You are taking propaphenone therefore, you ought to be on follow up with a cardiologist; who may like to an Holter and some other tests which help in further management. For example if an echocardiography shows that LA is enlarged beyond a limit then it is usually atrial fibrillation unresponsive to drugs. Please try to get an appointment with an Electrophysiologist (A cardiologist with special training and experience with rhythm disorders of heart) for you can have an advice whether you are a candidate for radio frequency ablation procedure?. Good luck.
With Best Wishes.
Dr Anil Grover
Thanks for writing in. I am a qualified and certified cardiologist. I read your question with diligence. Apparently your lack of sleep is contributing to episodes of atrial fibrillation. You are taking propaphenone therefore, you ought to be on follow up with a cardiologist; who may like to an Holter and some other tests which help in further management. For example if an echocardiography shows that LA is enlarged beyond a limit then it is usually atrial fibrillation unresponsive to drugs. Please try to get an appointment with an Electrophysiologist (A cardiologist with special training and experience with rhythm disorders of heart) for you can have an advice whether you are a candidate for radio frequency ablation procedure?. Good luck.
With Best Wishes.
Dr Anil Grover
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