Due to being in Afib 35% of time and daily off and on rapid heart beat today I started taking fleainide 50mg 2Xs and metoprolol 25mg 2Xs day. In the past I have not tolerated flecainide, however my cardiologist said I should sitck with it for a couple of weeks to let my body adjust. My question is --those of you have taken or are taking flecainide - did you have to adjust to taking it?
If I'm doing work or taking a walk it makes be extremely tired and weak causing me to stop what I'm doing as I feel like I can hardly walk or move.
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Tux18
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I take the same pills as you, but only 12.5 of Metoprolol with my Flecainide. That dose of Metoprolol would make me feel how you have described.
It does take a while for your body to get used to Flec. I always read the leaflets that come with all pills, so when I first started it felt slightly odd which I put down to the side effects. After years of taking Flec I think it's one of the most efficient drugs.
Perhaps talk to your GP or someone medical, say how you are feeling and ask if you can reduce your Metoprolol.
Jean thank you for your reply it was helpful. I made an error in my first post -I do only take 12.5 mg twice a day of metoorolol. As I cut the 25 mg in half. The cardiologist knows in the past it has not worked well for me but tells me to try to stick it out for a week or two. Will Try to give it a little more time. Thanks again
I was stared on flecainide in hospital after a particularly dreadful af and svt event. I had weird flashing lights when I moved from one light to another say from a well lit room to a duller one. It settled after about three weeks and I haven’t had any other adverse symptoms from using it.
It’s a helpful drug if it’s one your body can tolerate. I now currently have it as pill in the pocket to use whenever I have an af/svt event but took it twice daily for the first four years, I have to use a beta blocker, atenolol in my case, but use that daily. Best wishes hope you find it helpful.
It is helpful to hear that even though your side effect was different than mine it did subside. And how wonderful that you don’t have to take it all of the time now. This is encouraging I will try to stick with it for a while. Thank you for your reply!
I have been on Flecainide and Metoprolol and experienced side effects (nausea) but they subsided after several weeks. I was tired I believe from the metoprolol but just accepted that. After my ablations I am off of those meds.
It’s a journey-
Recently given a different med after my fourth ablation to take for eight weeks again I had to stay with for two weeks - this time side effect was loose stools but I stuck with it. I hope to be off of this med soon.
Your response was helpful. And you certainly are right - it definitely is a journey! I've had one ablation yet continue with Afib. Over last several years I've had times when the Afib would subside on it's own then back again and always trying to figure out the triggers. Have tried various natural remedies herbs, vitamins, etc. It's perplexing and annoying to say the least.
I do know that keeping hydrated, trying to control stress or handle it in the best way possible, and meditation help me a great deal. Yet none of it is a cure for me. And as it seems there isn't a cure yet some meds and some ablations help a lot of people.
So I'll stick with these meds and try to let my body adjust. Thank you for your reply
Great! Yes I teach movement and Pilates and do a lot of breath work. I use alternative means to support myself physically and particularly emotionally (Frankincense) My cardiac team encourages me to do exercise and I live to teach classes but with current situation I am not,
I am looking into online teaching but alas have to keep stress free. The tech stuff 😳
Sleep and proper nutrition also are important but really that’s for everyone not just AF
Interesting, I've never done Pilates. I definitely agree that exercise is very important. Most days I do try to get at least 7000 steps in and do some light yard work. As you said everyone should attempt to get sleep and eat nutritious food not just Afibbers! On we go on our journey. Best you.
I take 50mg Flecainade as well, but when I was discharged from hospital after a bad attack of Afib they gave me Bisoprolol as well. When I complained of tiredness and weakness I asked my GP and she took me off Bisoprolol, and I have been fine ever since. So maybe stick with it for a week or so before you make any decisions. Then you can maybe ring the cardiologists secretary to ask if you continue with those symptoms. I think you have worse symptoms to start with, and maybe you need an ablation. I was fine for two years, then the breathlessness etc all came back- wasn’t able to have another ablation so I have stuck with the Flecanaide, which seems fine.
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