Starting Sotalol again

[heather]

After my excitement this weekend my cardiologist has decided I need to start Sotatlol again. Before my a-fib ablation I was on 120mg twice a day. He is starting me on 80mg twice a day. I am stopping the Toprol 50mg twice a day. He did not say anything about me starting it in the hospital. After I brought it home my husband said "aren't you supposed to start that under hospital observation........" I was going to start it tonight. Should I wait? The dr. office is already closed. I have been off of it for well over a year.

[Janet]

Re: Starting Sotalol again

My Sotalol was just increased from 80 to 120mg 2x a day after an ER visit and 24-hour hospital stay. Was let out after 12 hours
of being on the increase, but EP didn't keep me for that reason, I was having a few short runs of vtach. I have been taking Sotalol for six years with no problems, so he wasn't concerned about the increase and I agree with him.

I have to wonder if you did well on the Sotalol in the past, maybe the doc didn’t think anything of you going back on it. Honestly I
haven't a clue what you should do and sorry for not being so helpful, but for your peace of mind, maybe you should talk to the doc
first thing tomorrow before you start back on the med since you have been off it a year already. Hope all goes well for you.

Be well, Janet

[Pam Alexson]

Re: Starting Sotalol again

At the very least Heather, an EKG at the cardiologist office or from a PCP and faxed to the EP/ Cardiologist after 24-48 hours on the sotalol should give the EP a safety check of the margins of your Qt interval. It is important to f/u. I waited to start an increase on a monday so there would be available coverage during the week in the time frame I needed a check and scheduled the EKG with my PCP .. Not sure had I not brought it up, if my EP would have even said anything. Scarey that they seem so busy/ distracted at times that the patient has to remind them.