Flecaininde - All stop or gradual reduction?

[Jafib]

Post ablation flecainide: all-stop or gradual reduction. I’ve done some reading on this and other forums and it seems like different doctors can be at odds on this. Anyone know if there is any reasoning to one vs. the other?

Thanks

Jafib

[Hidden]

Why not ask the doctor who has told you to stop taking Flecainide. Unlike with betablockers, we have been told by various medically qualified speakers at our support group meetings that it is not necessary to gradually reduce the Flecainide dose but you should check with your own Doctor.....

[Jafib in reply to Hidden]

Did not realize a gradual reduction was an option until after my appointment or I would have asked. I am curious why some would suggest it when others, like you, say it doesn’t matter. Just a curiosity.

[jeanjeannie50]

I've tried both ways and with the gradual weaning off from Flecainide my AF came back towards the end of a month before I could completely stop it. Another time I stopped it immediately and was fine for 6 months.

I stopped it again at the end of January this year and have been in sinus rhythm ever since. At times I find it can keep me in constant AF.

Jean

[Kellyjelly]

Really good question 😊

I was told to stop my flecainide at least 5 days before the procedure or sooner if I wanted. I stopped 10 days before and after the ablation he said no more flecainide. I was on 50mg twice a day for 12 years. My heart was a bit jumpy for the 10 days before the ablation but I didn’t notice any other side effects from abruptly stopping it. Unfortunately I had a 4 hour run of SVT a few days after my ablation and I converted it using flecainide as a pip. After that I was tempted to ask my EP if I should take it as a maintenance dose but I’ve decided against it, I want to see how my heart mends without it first.

[creschendo]

My EP has told me to stay on Flec for 6 months post ablation and then just quit all at once. I will coordinate this with my GP.

[BobD Volunteer]

ASs others have said there seem to be no difference . These drugs are often continued for six months after ablation to allow the heart to heal in peace and quiet.

[Morzine]

Well I saw my cardio after two months post ablate and he said next month we will drop to 100 from 150.......I think he said I’d stay on that for six months, but I’m not sure as he speaks so fast in French, my brain goes wizzing around trying to keep up....

[AIW58]

I had my ablation on Thursday and my EP said stop at 3months and see what happens, no need to wean. I stopped it 5 days before ablation with no ill effects. He was also very clear that I should contact the arrythmia team with any queries rather than GP. So be guided by your arrythmia team. You can be always ring them if you have a query.

[jeanjeannie50]

What a lot of different advice we're given! After my third ablation my EP said to stop my Flecainide and Metoprolol immediately. You would think that there would be one right way to come off drugs that all medics agreed with. Perhaps that's it - there's no right way, it's what suits the person.

Jean

[nthompson10]

Not sure if one is better than the other. After my 3month healing period post-ablation, my doctor had me stop Flecainide and Metoprolol all together. I’ll be on Xarelto for another 3months though.

[Magson]

Ablation late Nov 2018 and NSR for 12 weeks. On consulting with my EP, I was advised to stop Flecainide . That was 5 weeks ago. No adverse effects and glad to be taking less medication. Still on Rivoraxaban as an insurance.

[Spoiler]

I had a ablation on sept 25th, was told to stop the flecainide on March 1st, I reduced the dose to 1/2 (being 50 mg twice a day) I was just too afraid to stop it. On March 11th was in constant atrialflutter/fib for two days before going to ER...my rate was horrible 150-180. So my 15th cardioversion and back on my full dose of flecainide. Have appt in June to discuss another ablation. I actually have had one complete ablation, but two surgerys. The first was stopped at half way due to cardiac tamponade. No smooth sailing for me yet it seems. 5 years of uncertainty.