Alcohol

[Electricblue1]

Hi , I’m on bisoprolol and flecainide, I’m just wondering does anyone drink alcohol on these medication. I don’t drink but occasionally if I go somewhere special I’m wondering what it would do if I drank or is it dangerous.

[Fastbeat1]

I think a lot of people do . Me for one. Its not bad foe you as far as I have read providing you don't go mad ! there are a bunch of people who want everyone to quit or keep it to ridicules levels (even if you are not on medication ) but if you dig deep you find they are connected to abstinence groups religions etc . Enjoy !

[CDreamer]

I think you will get varied responses. Know that alcohol will enhance the effect of beta blockers & anticoagulants, no idea about Flec.

Also know that alcohol is a trigger for many for AF so many do not imbibe.

I now have a pacemaker which controls my AF & enjoy the odd glass of wine, usually sparkling with no noticeable effects. My view is that a little of what you fancy occasionally does you good.

Binge drinking is very dangerous for us AFers on those meds so moderation if you do imbibe.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think most people with AF try to avoid alcohol regardless of what drugs they are on. I doubt that the drugs themselves cause any additional risk . It really is up to you but I just make sure I am designated driver so never drink. Plenty of other things to consume whilst enjoying life. Now if I had to avoid some foods that would be different. lol 😁

[Hidden]

I have been on Bisoprolol and axiphan for nearly 5 weeks due to an a.f. episode. Asked consultant before I left hospital, and was told it was ok to drink in moderation. I'm drinking a quarter of what I used to, and as I am "behaving myself now" no issues, but advice is listen to your body and be sensible with alcohol. Good luck!

[Buffafly]

I posted about the effects of alcohol a while ago so if you go to my profile you can read it. I got some flack from people who thought I was a killjoy but I found it useful, explained why I could get away with a glass of quality white wine but not red! Maybe go carefully if you haven’t drunk alcohol with those meds before, you don’t want to spoil the party by having a bad reaction. Maybe try a test tipple at home? Hope you actually get to go somewhere special 🍀

[Caradomben]

Hi I’m planning on flying to Ukraine for my nephews wedding . I have Paroxsymal AF and am getting anxious about the flight. Has anyone had experience of going into AF on a plane and how did you cope

[foxglove1 in reply to Caradomben]

Hi thats aways been my worry having an episode on a flight and not knowing how to cope so would be interested to know what to do. Paf and apixoban only. having said that i have flown to Australia and back four times with paf with no problems whatsoever.

[CDreamer in reply to Caradomben]

Yes, several times and nothing bad happened. It’s the same whether or not you are on the ground or in the air. I just sat quietly and dozed whilst listening to my audio book but good idea to do your leg exercises frequently. How long would the flight be? I found flying tiring so plan for a rest day before the wedding and watch the alcohol intake which could be very difficult at a wedding in the Ukraine!

I did long haul to New Zealand, US, Malaysia & Hong Kong.

On occasion I needed help at the other end to get through the airport so asked for it on arrival saying I wasn’t feeling well. The anxiety of What IF is far worse than the actuality.

Just make sure you are very well hydrated and leave plenty of time to get through the airport so you don’t get stressed. Be well organised and ensure all your meds are in your hand luggage and pack extra in your hold luggage in case of delays coming home.

[Caradomben in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks . You are right the what’s IFs are probably worse than the flight. The flights are 2.30 mins then a change if flight which is 1.hr25 mins. I have nt flown since I had an episode in Switzerland which ended in Cardioversion. Hence the apprehension x

[Morzine in reply to Caradomben]

Just think that it’s no different to any other day in reality is it. I’ve been to Australia and back and done. 4 thousand mile road trip in between. I onky did this because I found out in this forum that lots of folk fly and long haul even, which I never thought I’d be able to do whrn I first got this diagnosis. All I’d say is get to airport early don’t rush, and just don’t think about it. Plus the way I thought about it was it’s not a killer complaint and worse case scenario there are modern hospitals. If you live ages from airport why not get an overnight at airport hotel to make the journey easier?Sue

[Sfhmgusa]

I asked my EP the direct question about alcohol and bisoprolol and flecainide asking is it dangerous and he said simply no … it is not. He strongly advised moderation and im sure that is really good advice . I have 2 glasses of wine most nights with no effect on my ticker that I can detect ( or my Kardia) but I have not had a binge like I used to since afib started for me 3 years ago snd was ablated into the background last November

Steve

[Electricblue1 in reply to Sfhmgusa]

Hi, yeah I used to binge most weekends but since AFIB I’ve been scared to drink, I’ve had a couple of drinks on holiday but since being on bisoprolol and flecainide I’m to scared to.

[July30]

Hi you should have no problem at all I was on 300m flecainide and 10m bisoprolol a day for many years and used to drink in moderate regularly with no problem .

[Morzine]

We’re all different. Some are affected some aren’t. I M on those tablets and have red wine if I’m out but moderation ,Sue

[HelenClare]

I enjoy a drink, I find it relaxes me and I forget about all my medical woes for two days a week- bliss!

[Visacrem]

Hi, I've laid off alcohol during the first 12 months of AF and not found it to be a trigger as I monitored my rhythm and symptoms once I started having a couple of pints. Three weeks ago I had a holiday in Scotland and had about 4 pints every night. I've just got back from an 8 day cruise finishing at Liverpool last Saturdat and had about 6 pints per night, enjoyed it all and still not had any issues. So for me I monitor and enjoy life because that's why we're here. My advise is for you to find what your AF triggers are if you can and make your own informed decisions based on your own bodies reactions. I take Kardia reading often to monitor for change but also you'll know your own bodies reaction if you get it. Good luck.

[Electricblue1 in reply to Visacrem]

Hi, I drank before I went on bisoprolol and flecainide and was ok with a couple of drinks but I’m scared since I’ve been on meds as it states no alcohol.My triggers so far are stress, coffee, chocolate and bananas strangely enough.

[Hidden]

When I was on Bisoprolol I checked with my pharmacist because I was going to a wedding, and he said one glass of wine only would be okay - and it was! I came off Bisoprolol because it aggravated my Reynards syndrome.

[Griffin9]

I am on the same medication and have the occasional weekend drink without any problems. Last year on holiday I drank more than I usually would and on consecutive days, which led to a few episodes during the night in the second week. I cut down for a couple of days and normal service was resumed.

[ATSF]

I take Bisoprolol at lunch times and occasionally have a small amount of alcohol in the evenings. I also take a number of other meds. That mainly say a small amount is ok. I take one that that states to leave it a few days to see if there are any reactions of other side effects first.

[Snowgirl65]

Alcohol was a major trigger for my a-fib. During the days when I didn't realize this, and I drank alcohol when on Flecainide and Bisoprolol, I felt absolutely terrible the next day -- not a hangover as I never drank that much, but generally very ill. Abstaining was a good choice on my part.

[I-a-n-]

This is an interesting subject and one I've thought about a great deal since talking to a consultant after my recent diagnosis of A flutter. He told me 'no alcohol'. Which, if I'm honest didn't sit with me too well as i do, or did, enjoy a few drinks at the weekend. I'm talking two or three g and ts or a couple of glasses of wine or some cider. I asked him again when i saw him 5 mins later and he explained that he enjoys smoking a cigar when the moment is right and the fancy takes him lol! He basically said if you enjoy it occasionally then occasionally is fine but just don't overdo it. I'm ok with that. I don't drink anywhere near what i used to in my 20s and 30s anyway. I used to regularly binge drink. Someone said it perfectly up there in the comments.. If a few drinks helps you relax and enjoy yourself instead of sitting worrying about your condition then that can only be a good thing. Best wishes and stay safe.