What experiences have others had with Apixaban, Flecainide Acetate & Metoprolol Tartrate? I'm concerned about side effects.

[Garywf]

[dedeottie]

I began taking flecanide 100mg twice a day about a month ago. I also take 1·25 bisoprolol. I was really worried about side effects and my E.P. told me that it works in about two thirds of patients and about half of those are symptom free. I am lucky as it works and I have no adverse symptoms after the first few days. At first I felt a bit spaced out but that went really quickly. For me at the moment it is a miracle drug as I am A.F. free and before I had it 75% of the time. It is worth a try I would say. After3weeks my E.P. arranged for me to have a stress test while on flecanide to check that all was well as it can cause unusual rhythms and also he would only give it to me if my heart and arteries were otherwise healthy. Luckily all was well but I have to have another test after 2 years to check everything is still ok. I hope this is helpful. It's good to be aware of side effects but I am glad I didn't let my anxieties stop me trying this drug. Good luck.

[meadfoot]

Hi, I have taken Flecainide, 100mg twice a day, since July last year. No side effects and so far effective at holding back AF. I dont take Apixaban but do take another novel anti coagulant, Rivaoxaban, no side effects there either, one year in. Good luck hope they hold back the tide for you.

[Garywf in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks & I help all goes well with you in the future.

[jeanjeannie50]

Metoprolol Tartrate is the only drug I know that will actually reduce my heart rate when it's racing away. I only take it now when I really have to. When I first went on this drug I was told to take 50mg in the morning and 50mg at night. That dosage took my heart rate down too low, as low at 38bpm and made me feel quite odd. On contacting my doctor he said that they were strong tablets and to reduce the dosage to half a tablet morning and night. Now I would never ever take a whole one, even when my heart is racing I still only take a half just in case my heart should revert back to normal and my rate go too low.

However as has has been said on this forum many times, we all respond differently to drugs, so it's a case of finding what suits you. Good luck.

[Garywf in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for your response. Your initial reaction to metoprolol is what I fear, ie. that it will drop my bp too much! I will be discussing this possibility with my GP before I start any new medications.

[Hidden]

I have tried Flecainide twice, and both times it gave me palpitations. Haven't tried the others you mention.

Koll

[Garywf in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Koll I will discuss this possibility with my GP before I start taking them.