Atrial fibrillation

[Gillybean123]

Hi everyone had AF for most of the day, just took100 mg flecanide that makes 300 altogether. Plus one bisoprolol this morning. My pulse is 93 shall I sit it out or get to hospital. Last time which was about three weeks ago it went off on its own. Thinking of going to bed and try to sleep it off. Xx

[Hidden]

Gillybean, as I’m sure you are aware, we are not medically trained therefore we are unable to offer advice for prescribed medication but this not prevent us from making suggestions which you can then check out with your doctor. Over a number of years now, a number of different EP’s have said at our Support Group meetings that the maximum daily dose of 300 mgs Flecainide should be taken as one single dose if AF has not reverted within 20 mins or so. Flecainide is a potent drug and if your Doctor has prescribed taking it progressively there may be a very good reasons which is why you must check with your doctor before making any changes.

If your pulse is 93 it is just within normal range so it probably would not be seen as an emergency....

[Gillybean123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I have never been told to take it all at once. Have managed to get app. For 9 in the morning so will ask the question. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Gillybean123]

Just added another bit!

[Gillybean123 in reply to Hidden]

Just read your last sentence, you have reassured me thankyou. I am on my own with four dogs and you can imagine the performance when I go into hospital. Xx

[pottypete1 in reply to Hidden]

Many years ago I was told to take 300mg at once to revert to NSR if in AF.

Years later I was told that 300mg was too high a dose and that I should only take 200mg at one time with a maximum of 300mg in any 24 hour period. I am on a regular daily dose of 100mg x 2 each day anyway which can make the correct call very difficult.

Having said all that, I have to tell those that have been told it is OK to take a larger dose of Flecainide that, whilst it can be very effective in converting AF to NSR, this “overdose” can make you feel very unwell. The symptoms can be feeling very heavy and lethargic and also extremely nauseous.

To reiterate Flapjack’s advice we are not medically trained and therefore any variation in normal medication must only be made under instruction from your medical practitioner.

We are all different both in medical condition and size and weight so it is very important to not do anything without the guidance of your EP.

Pete

[Hidden in reply to pottypete1]

As we often say, we are all different. Over the years I have taken 300 mgs several times without any noticeable problems.

[Spoiler in reply to Hidden]

My regular dose is 150mg twice a day. I started out on 50 mg twice a day. Since the 150 twice a day from April this year, so far I have finally stayed out of the hospital.

[nikonBlue]

strangely enough, I had a bad episode last night too, no reason as always and off it went. I felt really awful but I was/am very tired these last few days so guessed that was part of it all. My bp was 75/93 which is lower than I've ever had and was a bit worried but like you I went to bed after the flecainide and here I am this morning, a bit washed out but the AF seems to be abaiting slowly and I've now had my usual morning meds which include 150 flecainide. It's a pest of a thing at times this AF for sure,

Stay well,

Blue

[Gillybean123 in reply to nikonBlue]

It is an annoying nuisance. I feel very lethargic today have cut the flecanide down and will get back to my normal dose.

[dmac4646]

As all have said we are not medically trained but my experience has been that taking the 300mg at one time certainly does work BUT when it does it can leave you feeling pretty washed out and can indeed cause me to momentarily pass out. You should discuss with your doc tor whats best for you.

[jeanjeannie50]

How are you today Gilly?

[Gillybean123 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi there, my pulse is still high for me but doctor said it is stable. It has stopped jumping around and missing a beat. You would probably know this what is an ectopic beat, what does it feel like? I don't feel unwell bit lethargic but that's nothing new. He said because I am having less attacks they may not agree to me having another ablation will see next month. Anyway must have a tidy up. Xx

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Gillybean123]

Ectopics are extra or skipped beats, that make you very aware of them. Here's a good talk by Dr Sanjay Gupta to help you get rid of them:

youtube.com/watch?v=wo0l2RM...(Not working as expected?)