Flec effectiveness

[Grace4291]

Hi I've been on flec 16 months. Is it normal to have about every 6 weeks. Or sometimes 3 days in row and then be normal. Was using 50x2 did go a year without an incident but now it appears more frequent, now at 100x2

[jeanjeannie50]

Good morning Grace. What do you mean by your question, Is it normal to have about every 6 weeks? Does that relate to an attack of AF or taking Flecainide.

Regards

Jean

[Grace4291 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I acquired afib a year ago. Was placed on flec 50x2. Had gallbladder bladder out in oct and afib episodes occurring every six weeks. Through 2/3/2017. Then came down with stomach virus, uti, and from 2/4 to 2/6 afib every 12 hours. Cardiologist raised dosage to 100 x2. And told me that it may be time for a medicine change. I'm don't want another medicine. I thinking of ablation. I'm always tired. Right now I'm afraid of leaving house for fear of an episode. For the last few days I've been in nsr. I'm hoping the 100x2 is the reason. I know I can't make this control me. But I hate it

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Grace4291]

Hi Grace, I think you will find that once the higher dose of Flecainide gets into your system, you will feel a lot better. It takes a good week to do that. My AF attacks used to occur ever 4-6 weeks too. I had a third ablation last July and have been a lot better since, but I know the Flec is certainly helping. In fact I haven't felt so well in years.

It sounds like you've had a lot happening recently so it's no wonder you are feeling tired.

Hope you soon feel better.

Jean

[Polski in reply to Grace4291]

Do I understand that the increase in AFib coincided with a stomach virus etc? That is probably your problem, and why you are feeling so down now. Rest, relax and wait, and after a week or two you will have forgotten about the virus, the AF will have died down, and you may be able to go back to your previous dose. AF is often made worse by other problems going on in the body: it is believed to reflect bodily stress elsewhere. When the latter has gone, you may well revert to normal - and feel a lot better in yourself.

[Hidden]

Gracie, I see you have only joined the forum today, so welcome. Assuming you mean is it normal to have AF every 6 weeks, I'm afraid the answer is probably, but.....What IS normal with AF! Sadly, AF is generally progressive and many people may well end up with persistent AF, but often folk say that is easier to contend with so as I said, what's normal! As far as effectiveness of Flecainide, I was using it for almost a year and it was fine, but of course, we are all different. If you feel you are not responding to your treatment then I suggest you should ask for an appointment to see a specialist EP (Electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specialises in Arrythmias)....good luck, John

[Rellim296]

It is, unfortunately, usual to take a small dose of flecainide and find it works well and then doesn't and then to take more and find after a while that that doesn't do the trick any more. It is probably AF progressing rather than flecainide being less effective. Time, perhaps, to see what other options there are, as John says. 150mgs x 2 of flecainide is the maximum dose, but it is a powerful drug and taking the maximum dose means you cannot take more if you have an AF session that you want to stop.

[nikonBlue in reply to Rellim296]

hi,

I'm on 150mgs of Flecainide twice a day and have been told by my gp that in an 'episode' situation that's lasting too long it's ok to take an extra 50mgs and from my experience that usually works fine. Lately I've had to do just that but off course check that with your own doc.

[Rellim296 in reply to nikonBlue]

Actually when I was on 150mgs x 2 I didn't know 300mgs was the max dose and sometimes took another 50. Best, as you say, to discuss taking extra. I do feel that the less flecainide one takes, the better. But then the less AF one has, the better and I find 100mgs of flecainide usually stops it.

I don't take flec now on a daily basis (although I always have some with me) but usually see if the AF will go without any intervention. I find my portable ECG gadget (which is similar to a Kardia) invaluable as I can assess the intensity of a bout. The readings I get don't always match what I feel is going on.

[Finvola]

Welcome to the forum, Grace. I am assuming that you are talking about AF getting more frequent whilst you were taking 2 x 50mg of Flecainide. Many people find that they need their dose increased to control the symptoms and you may find that 2 x 100mg will work better for you.

If you are still having frequent episodes on this dose, you need to contact your cardiologist or electrophysiologist for a review of your treatment. I've been taking 2 x 100 mg for two and a half years and so far, it is controlling the symptoms.

[Grace4291 in reply to Finvola]

I've made an appointment with an EP, 3/1

[Hidden in reply to Grace4291]

Good news Grace....make sure you make a list of all the things you want to ask....

[Grace4291]

Thank you thatso encouraging

[Grace4291]

I can't tell the difference. What upsets me I'm doing all the right things. I just want some relieve and go out a live a little. I'm 69 I just retired and still have some good years I want to enjoy. Is that too much to ask for. Sorry I'm so frustrated. I had a good year and now I feel hopeless

[Finvola in reply to Grace4291]

It's good you have an upcoming cardio appointment as by that time you will have a better idea of the new dose's effect on your AF. Don't despair - it is so frustrating as we try to get the best outcomes from our drugs and procedures and many of us have been through the fears and miseries of getting to grips with AF.

I have bouts of atrial flutter and it feels very different to AF. Flutter is fast with a regular pulse (around 110-130bpm) whereas AF is fast or slow and irregularly all over the place.

Of course you have good years left - I'm nearly 73 and willing to take on almost anything!! Read up as much as you can about AF and its effects and treatment - the main AFA website is on a link from here:

heartrhythmalliance.org

When you see your cardiologist you will be in a good position to make an informed decision about the best way forward to get your life back on track.

Best wishes.

[Hidden]

We're all different, Flecainide gives me palpitations so my EP changed my drugs to something else which for me works well, but only after trying 3 more different drugs with varying results.

So maybe a change could be good!

[Grace4291 in reply to Hidden]

I don't want to go to another drug I am exhausted on what I'm I hate the thought of ablation but it improves quality of my life for awhile I'll be happy.

[Hidden in reply to Grace4291]

I had an ablation in 2006 and it kept me clear of AF and drugs, except anticoagulants, for 8 years. So hope your's goes well Grace if you have one.

[Boysie12 in reply to Hidden]

Koll how is your heat rate and are you on meds

[Hidden in reply to Boysie12]

Yes, I'm back on meds but happy on them, no side-effects I can detet and my heart rate and rhythm is fine, almost completely normal.

Had I not had the ablation, I feel sure that th emeds couldn't cope now.

[afibtennis]

Since going on 100 Flec twice daily along with Altenolol and Pradaxa, I have been in rhythm for 3 months and counting!