Apathetic Hyperthyroidism as an Adverse Effect of Amiodarone for the Treatment of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation for the Primary Care Physician

Amiodarone is the most used anti-arrhythmic drug worldwide.¹ Its effectiveness for the treatment of multiple arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia is well documented.² Older adults, however, are especially prone to adverse drug effects; amiodarone being no exception to this concern. Thyroid disorders, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as liver disease and pulmonary fibrosis are among the idiopathic conditions associated with its use. Presented here is a case report of a patient who developed apathetic hyperthyroidism due to amiodarone use, and the subsequent clinical course and management.