Flecainide and Tinnitus

[Kfib]

After taking Flecainide for 12 months I have tinnitus. Which I understand can be a side effect of this drug.

Has anybody experienced tinnitus while taking Flecainide and did it stop if/when you discontinued the drug?

Thanks

Kfib

[meadfoot]

I did when I was taking flecainide twice a day, it was very off putting. I am now prescribed flecainide as pill in the pocket so only take it when arrhythmia kicks in. No tinnitus now thank goodness.

[Kfib in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks that’s reassuring. I thought I might be stuck with it. Here’s to hoping it goes away.

[pottypete1]

I have been taking Flecainide for many years and have very bad Tinnitus.

I have no way of knowing if the two are linked as I cannot stop taking the drug.

I have always blamed a misspent youth going to see groups like the Who, who played very loud music. I remember standing very near the speakers.

After a night out at a club listening to loud music my ears would ring for up to 24 hours.

Pete

[secondtry in reply to pottypete1]

I had the same youth experience, perhaps Flecainide causes tinnitus when you are more prone to it. I think I have determined that low sugar and/or possibly low gluten turns the volume down a bit - always worth a try.

[TerriMo]

I took flecainide for 8 years, and developed tinnitus. I was just recently weaned off the flecainide and the tinnitus has not gone away.

[Kfib in reply to TerriMo]

Thanks for your reply. I wonder how long ago you stopped the Flecainide? Perhaps if it is recent the tinnitus may still resolve eventually?

[TerriMo in reply to Kfib]

It's been almost 4 weeks, so maybe there is still a chance it will get better.

[TerriMo in reply to Kfib]

I still have the tinnitus, but it is definitely not as bad. Some days and nights it was really loud, but it's not loud anymore. I think I am about 2.5 to 3 months off of the flec now.

[SuzieA]

Hello, I took Flecanide before I had an ablation and developed mild tinnitus, unfortunately I still have it, not as bad more of a low hissing. Another side effect whist taking it was I couldn’t tolerate hot weather very well, it was as though my body’s cooling system didn’t work properly. I hope you get some relief.

[TerriMo in reply to SuzieA]

I haven't been able to tolerate the heat for years. I was on flecainide for 8 years, I've been off for maybe 3 months, but I haven't really stayed in the heat log enough to test it out now. My tinnitus is much quieter now.

[leoleo]

I had a cardioversion and was started with flecainide- initially 150 mg 2x/day, later reduced to 100 mg 2x/day. I got a loud constant buzzing in my ears within a couple of days of starting on the flecainide. The doctor replaced the daily dosage with a "pill in the pocket" a few days ago but I still have the tinnitus which interrupts my sleep. Does anyone know how long it takes, after stopping flecainide, for the tinnitus to stop?

leoleo

[TerriMo in reply to leoleo]

I’ve been off flecainide for 4.5 months. I still have tinnitus, but it doesn’t bother me at night the way it did before. It’s still constant though.

[Kfib]

One year later and a year off the flec. Sorry to say I still have tinnitus. It is still rather distracting but I’m learning to live with it.