Is there a downside to not stopping flecainide immediately after ablation ...

[Suzanne-Cheshire]

Having had atrial fibrillation initially which became flutter, a few months later, it was suggested at a consultation that after ablation I continue on flecainide for the fibrillation. I have been told on discharge to discontinue flecainide. Now, I am not sure which advice to follow. After the ablation, one week ago today, I have had 2 episodes of palpitations but understand that after the treatment this is relatively normal. Should I wait until the 6 week check to ask? Could continuing on the flecainide in the short term do any harm?

[jeanjeannie50]

I think it's normal to continue medication for a while after an ablation. I would ring the consultants secretary, your arrhythmia nurse, or ward and ask.

[BobD Volunteer]

Nobody here should give advice about medication as we are not medically trained but Jean has a good idea. Ring the hospital and ask. Tell them you are worried. I continued on medication for some time after my ablations and yes you will get strange things happening for at least three months.

Bob

[Hidden]

After my last ablation the cardio came in to see me and put me on Bisoprolol. An hour later the EP came in and said "I wouldn't take that if I were you". I went with the EP and he was right. Like Jean said, I'd ask again and try and get it from the EP, not his "junior".

Koll

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[Suzanne-Cheshire]

Thanks for your answers. I will contact the Consultant's office and ask for clarification.

[Loo61]

Just got my letter from my EP I'm stopping my flecanide 1 month after ablation...the reason why I'm still on it as Dr G said its for any post ablation inflammatory arrythmias. In one month I stop it dead and don't take it again.

[Sheray in reply to Loo61]

So how did things go

[Suzanne-Cheshire]

That's very timely and interesting. I have written to my Consultant but in the meantime decided to take the flecainide as a precaution, so your information sheds light on this issue which had me in a real dilemma! Good luck.

[Suzanne-Cheshire]

Just to update - the Consultant's office didn't get back to me but I decided to take the flecainide I had left. It didn't stop me having another episode though. I have run out now so will see what happens next!