Digoxin is a medication used to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart and control the rate and rhythm of the heart, according to MayoClinic.com. It is often prescribed to patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation. Patients taking digoxin need to have their blood levels checked frequently to monitor how much of the drug is staying in their systems. If too much digoxin builds up in the blood, a condition known as digoxin toxicity may occur.
Cardiovascular Effects
Cardiovascular signs of digoxin toxicity include changes in the rate or rhythm of the heart beat. The heart rhythm may become irregular and the heart rate may become slow. Patients may report feeling palpitations, or feelings of their hearts pounding in their chests. Some patients may experience difficulty breathing especially when lying down. This sign of digoxin toxicity is more common in patients diagnosed with heart failure, as inadequate heart function may allow fluid to build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Some gastrointestinal symptoms may be a sign of digoxin toxicity. According to Medline Plus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss may be early indications of digoxin toxicity. Patients taking digoxin, especially those new to the medication or who have had recent changes in their prescribed doses, should contact their doctors if they experience any gastrointestinal signs of digoxin toxicity.
Neurological Effects
Medline Plus reports that some neurological symptoms may indicate digoxin toxicity. Visual changes such as blurred vision, changes in color perception, and seeing lights or bright spots may be signs of digoxin toxicity. In rare cases, patients may report blind spots in their vision. In addition to visual changes, patients with digoxin toxicity may become confused or experience decreased levels of consciousness as the drug builds up in their system.
Other Effects
In patients with kidney impairment or kidney disease, decreased urine output may occur with digoxin toxicity. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, as digoxin builds up in the kidneys, they become less able to function properly. Patients may go for long periods during the day without producing any urine and then experience excessive urination at night.
