Flecinade

[bumbles2008]

Hi I'm already on 5mg of bisoprolol and when I had another visit to A&E with afib I had a cardioversion and was then put on 50mgs flecinade twice a day. Ivd been on this for about 3 to 4vweeks but am now experiencing chest tightness and I'm even more breathless than I was when I was just on bisoprolol. Echo and chest xray were normal and much bloods were normal. Could this be the flecinade.

[Hidden]

Probably difficult to say, how long ago was your CV. It’s well known that Bisoprolol can cause the side effects you describe but from what you are saying, that doesn’t likely unless it has prompted a reaction from the Flecainide. Way back after just before my first ablation I was on a similar maintenance dose of Flecainide but with Diltiazem and that didn’t cause me any problems. If they have indicated that you will only be taking Flecainide for a fixed period, it’s worth riding out because it will really help your ticker to stay in rhythm. I guess if it gets troublesome, you should speak to the Doctor.........

[bumbles2008 in reply to Hidden]

Hi had cardioversion about 17th December. Going to contact my Dr tomorrow because I dont know how long I'll be waiting for my EP appointment and feeling like this is starting to get me down. On a positive I've had no further episodes of afib

[Hidden in reply to bumbles2008]

Try not to let it get you down, your heart has literally taken one hell of a shock so it may take a while to settle. Best not to put any strain on it either, the fact that you are in rhythm is great news.

[secondtry]

In the early days on 200mgs Flecainide (a medium dose) I did not feel right for 3 months but now 7 yrs later am absolutely fine. Also at the beginning, I could hardly walk up a small incline let alone a hill without feeling strange. So tell the medics how you feel but remember GPs rarely have sufficient knowledge and really you need to talk to a cardiologist promptly, consider paying privately to avoid a long delay.

[Dulcimer]

I have been on Bisoprolol and Flecainide for several years now and I started to get breathless walking up hills when I was first put on Bisoprolol.I Still suffer from it and have had lots of tests and X - Rays but the hospital can' t find why.