Since being on here I’ve not been well and over 2 months have had 3 cardioversions. I think my AF is effected by my vagal nerve so I have decided now not had any heavy meals for dinner.
I’ve have been on 150mg twice a day of Flecainide but have had so many side effects. So I was told to take 100mg twice a day instead. And now my cardiologist has taken an ECG and says my QRS duration has increased. He contacted my EP who now says to stop taking the Flecainide completely. I’m very concerned about wirhdrawing so suddenly. I am going to be offered an ablation if I have any more AF. Has anybody have any suggestions about the withdrawal?
Thank you, I’m so anxious which doesn’t help.
Written by
maria68
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I have heard it said many times by a variety of EP’s and Cardiologist’s that there is no need to be weaned off from taking Flecainide. The same is NOT true about betablockers.........
One day I just stopped it, my heart played up a little for a few days and then was fine for about 8 months. Another time I tried to wean off it slowly but heart really played up and I'm still taking it every day now. I agree with Flapjack. Jean
I'm not sure if you know the reason why a prolonged QRS can be unhealthy but I'll try and explain.
The S of the QRS wave is just below the baseline before it turns up towards the baseline. The seldom heard J point is just after the S point where the wave meets the base.
Flecainide widens the QRS wave but the JT duration remains normal. So in effect the Flecainide pushes the T further from the Q.
This lengthening of the QT can lead to LQTS and Torsades de Pointes or ventricular arrhythmia. Not good at all.
I assume you mean QRS and not QRDS. LAD is very common and I would not worry too much about it.
Normal QRS complex should be below 120ms. This can widen into WCT QRS (WIDE COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA) and can be SVT's or VT.
There are many causes such as bundle branch block that in itself has many causes. Scar tissue from prior MI, hypekalemia, alcohol or obesity are a few. Prolonged hypertension can also be the culprit.
During a tachycardia event Flecainide can widen the complex as well hence your cardiologist suggested the cessation of the drug.
SVT typically has narrow QRS complex where VT has wide QRS so to prevent VFib or TdP you should do as your EP suggested. Also cease taking any antidepressants and antibiotics with your GP's permission.
Important for you. QTc under 450ms and QRS under 120ms are normal.
I'm quite well really Maria, thank you. In constant AF now, but it's nowhere near as bad as PAF and I can lead a fairly active life. Wishing the covid virus would disappear and we could all get in with leading our normal lives. Take care.
My husband and I have been shielding during the last lockdown as he has a vulnerable condition. We are now being extremely careful and just going for walks.
I've lost all interest in shopping (but there is the internet - that's how I waste time)! Miss meeting up with friends for lunch or coffee, still enjoy walking in the countryside when I can. Yes trying to keep away from other people, apart from a few close friends and family. We have our phones so can connect that way. Not in the sheilding age group just yet, getting shopping for some that are. Jean
I took 150mg x 2 a day of Flecainide without any ill effects for ten years, following 2 years at a lower dose.
Flecainide reduced the number of AF episodes to one or two a year. Then, after 12 years of Flecainide I was found to be in asymptomatic Persistent AF. I was told by the Consultant to stop taking Flecainide. I was a little anxious.
I kept taking it. The following week there was an AF "Open Day' at a local Community Centre, run by a GP in the medical group which runs my local medical centre who is known for his great knowledge of AF.
He gave me an ECG and found that I was still in AF. He told me to stop taking Flecainide, and added "Don't worry, you're not going to die as a result of stopping taking it". So I stopped. .... And nothing untoward happend. I didn't wean myself off them, I just didn't take any more. Five years later I am still in Persistent AF, which is still asymptomatic, so I can't feel it.
I know you're in a different situation but if I were you I'd follow the medical advice you've been given.
Eirecara, I did stop Flecanide from one day to another ( having been on it for 1 1/2 years) and had NO side effects. And yes, I also have had fewer AF's since then. I am delighted that the side effects( being on Flecanide) of muscle cramping in upper and lower spine, and legs went, and the shortness of very troublesome shortness of breath "disappeared" within 3 DAYS.
I was taking Flecainide 2 times 100mg for 3 years. After ablation I took half this dose for 2 weeks and then stopped altogether. As for Bisopropol I just stopped. No side effects. This is not a recommendation or a piece of medical advice.
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