Phasing out Flecanide and Diltiazem

[rof182]

Hi all I had stopped my medication after the 3 month check up, consulting with my EP, but got lots of palpitations (PVC). No I’m back on it and feel good again. Has anyone made the same experience, and will I ever be in a position to stop medication? I have the vision of being pill free one day esp as my ablation seems to have worked out well…

[jeanjeannie50]

We often hear members on this forum say exactly the same thing.

My belief is this (not medically supported in any way - just what I think), when our hearts have been restrained for a long time by drugs, stopping them suddenly has a big impact on our heart rate. The reins (drugs) that stopped your heart racing are suddenly off, bit like letting a dog off a lead and it running off full pelt. I think our heart needs to find it's correct beat again and this will take time. We can either sit out the fast beats for a few months, or gradually reduce our dose of tablets over a few months before stopping.

I've tried both ways and for me personally stopping suddenly and sitting out the fast beats for a few weeks/months suited me better. I did it each spring for two years, with success and would have 6-7 months AF free, but back AF would come in the autumn. That was a few years ago, I've tried it a few times since, but I've taken the pills Flecainide and Metoprolol for so long, my heart protests and beats too wildly without my drugs now and I find those episodes too draining and scary.

Now, like you, I've found it best to stick to taking pills, much as I hate being reliant on them.

I would not recommend anyone stopping their pills without medical advice and certainly always take your anticoagulants (to prevent a stroke) without fail - never ever consider stopping them - far too dangerous.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

I weaned myself off propafanone (similar to flecianide)_ over about three months at nine months post my last AF ablation.

[Palpman]

I was told to stop Flecainide 5 days before my ablation.I never had any palpitations or ectopics until a few days after my ablation.

My EP emphasized that I do not restart the Flecainide.

[Singwell]

It seems to vary hugely between individuals and different practices. If you felt bad and got a lot of PVCs maybe try coming down from the Flecainide and keep the Diltiazem. I was advised to start weaning myself off the Flecainide too early and felt rough, plus lots of lethargy. Now I take my normal morning dose and half my evening dose. I still take the Diltiazem because I'm still taking Flecainide. Discuss with your EP a slower process to med reduction would be my advice.

[Shazmoz]

Exactly the same thing has happened to me. After my ablation, I was very well and advised at my three month consultation to wean off flecainide and diltiazem, which I did over 2 weeks. Now shortly after I have had 4 AF episodes in a week. I am taking flecainide as a pill in the pocket, which has stopped the AF in about 3 hours. It's still annoying but I am wondering to keep on a while longer, maybe it's still too soon to determine if the ablation is a success or a failure. Good luck with yours.

[KMRobbo]

I stopped all drugs at my 3 month post ablation follow up. In fact my EP got me to stop the flecainide 2 weeks before the appointment, presumably to test if i went back to AFib again. I did not and had s clear ECG on the day of the appointment.

[Alldone]

Hi Rof182

Just wondering how its going? As one who is restoring my faith in the "3 month blanking period" theory I am hoping that you are still progressing well?

[rof182]

Hi Alldone thanks for asking. All is good since I went back on Flecanide and Diltiazem. Heart feels like clockwork. Ran 5k on Monday in the middle of a heatwave. I believe the 3 month period is a real thing, also I believe things are still improving after that. I will make another attempt to wean of my meds later in the year. Let me know how things are developing…

[Alldone in reply to rof182]

Well, I actually took two days off from my walking and whilst I’m afraid to say it out loud, everything has been a bit calmer. 5k walk this morning at normal pace and all fine so far. I live in the countryside and every route I take involves hills and maybe, just maybe, I was overdoing it a little. Also bumped into a family member who is waiting for procedure to decide on stents or open heart surgery and she is my age and fit, or so she thought. So how on earth can I feel sorry for myself, given the option I’ll take this.

[rof182]

My advice, give yourself time to heal…