Guide To Treating And Preventing Ventricular Fibrillation

Anti-Arrhythmic Medication

In the emergency room, doctors treat ventricular fibrillation with several types of anti-arrhythmic medication. These medications include vasopressin and amiodarone, and are given to restore a normal heart rhythm after doctors have used an automatic defibrillator at least three times. For long-term prevention of additional episodes of ventricular fibrillation, doctors may recommend amiodarone for patients who cannot have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Side effects of amiodarone include nausea, lack of coordination, tremors, fatigue, insomnia, and constipation. For most patients who have survived ventricular fibrillation or are at high risk of an episode, doctors prescribe beta blockers, which reduce blood pressure and help improve blood flow. Examples of commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol, nebivolol, and propranolol. Beta blockers can cause changes in cholesterol levels, shortness of breath, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and weight gain. Depression and sleeping problems have also been reported.

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