Several medications are used in the treatment of an irregular heart rate, called an arrhythmia. These include Rythmol (generic: propafenone), Tambocor (generic: flecainide), Vascor (generic: bepridil), Norpace (generic: disopyramide phosphate) and Tikosyn (generic: dofetilide). All of these medications work to regulate the beating rate of your heart.
Cardiovascular
Not all anti-arrhythmic medications can cause the same side effects. Because they affect the heart, however, they tend to have several serious side effects in common in the cardiovascular system. These all require at least a consultation with your doctor for possible medical treatment. They include pain in the chest; arrhythmia (an irregular heart rate); tachycardia, which is an accelerated heartbeat; or bradycardia which is a reduced heart rate. There also is the potential for nosebleeds and palpitations.
Respiratory
Anti-arrhythmic drugs also can affect your respiratory system. Some of these can be serious, according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious respiratory side effects may include shortness of breath and other difficulties in breathing.
Central Nervous System
The central nervous system also may be affected by side effects from anti-arrhythmics. Again, some of these may be serious, so tell your doctor about them. These may include dizziness, lightheadedness, sore throat, shaking, trembling, headaches or migraines, blurred vision, fainting, abnormal fatigue, walking unsteadily, bodily weakness, paralysis, tingling or numbness in the extremities, bodily swelling--including swelling in the face, tongue, lips, throat and the extremities--pain in the muscles, chills or fever.
Sexual
One anti-arrhythmic, Norpace, has two potential sexual side effects. One is serious and the other temporary, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men may experience an enlargement of their breasts. This is a rare but serious side effect, so talk to your doctor. The other is impotence, but it's considered a temporary and non-serious side effect. If it doesn't disappear on its own, call your doctor.
Others
Other side effects from anti-arrhythmics may include depression, anxiety, nausea, hunger that may be excessive, constipation, nervousness, appetite loss, insomnia, confusion, pain in the abdomen, rash, vomiting, sneezing, symptoms that appear like the flu, gaining weight, dry throat or mouth, dry nose or eyes, diarrhea and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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