Flecanaide

[trixie100]

Is Flecanaide the best drug for returning to nsr and does it have side effects

[BobD Volunteer]

It is not the best drug but does have fewer side effects than the best. (Amiodarone) Most people get on fine with it.

[Tototcx]

Hi there. I was on quite a high dose flecainide for 7years...300mg a day and I never had any side effects and I only had one breakthrough episode of fast AF in that whole time. It was a bit tricky getting the dose right at first but after that it was great. Unfortunately it stopped working last December. God knows why! I was put on amiodarone short term. Just had a pace and ablate procedure and feeling fine. No more worries about fast ventricular response! Everyone is different though. Biology is a wonderful thing and this is just my experience. If you are worried you must seek professional advice 😊

[jeanjeannie50]

To me Flecainide was a miracle drug, the only one that worked and calmed my crazy heart rate.

Amiodarone a drug often used as a last resort, or pre and post an ablation, had an awful permanent effect on my health and didn't stop my AF at all.

Jean

[Afib_girl in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Same

[Hidden]

Good Morning, thank you for your message posted on the Forum. It is advisable to contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the best medication for you personally. They have access to your own personal medical records and will be able to advise the correct course of action to take. You may wish to take a look at our Flecainide Info Sheet - heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... which has some more information about the medication, including side effects. If you feel you would like further information or support regarding AF, please visit our AF Association webpage heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... or contact our patient services team for help. [e-mail]

Flecainide Info Sheet

[mjames1]

No "best" drug, it's the one right for you. The good thing about Flecainide is that it works very well for a lot of people without too many short and long term side effects. On the other hand, you need a structurally sound heart, which requires stress testing prior and/or supervised administration of the first dose, as well as periodic ekg monitoring. I'm currently on Flecainide and it has been a big help, however I'm on a very low dose as the higher doses caused issues.

Jim

[CyclistMark]

I’m currently on flecainide and have been for 3 weeks.

I’ve been told that the cardioversion restored me back to NSR and normal heart rate after fast AF and the fleccainide controls the rhythm now.

Have had no side effects apart from them possibly being responsible for a bit of constipation although I can’t prove it’s the flec.

I can’t state which would be best for you as I’m not a doctor or EP so my advice would be to consult your cardiologist or EP. No two persons situations are exactly the same and what you are prescribed depends on a number of factors.

[Afib_girl]

It’s the only thing that ever worked for me… but made me so slow… I used to run 3 miles no problem on flecainide I couldn’t even run a mile

[secondtry]

As heart drugs go I believe Flec is one of the oldest tried and tested ones. To date I have taken it (200mgs, medium dose) for 8 yrs without side effects and no AF. I believe it is quite safe provided you have no other issues and preferably start on the right side of 70!

[wilsond]

If your heart structure is sound AND you take a betablocker to prevent flutter arising from taking it ,it is fine fir many people I have taken it for several years and it worked well at various doses.

I am still on it post ablation until I see my EP.

Discussion with your consultant is best option xx

[CyclistMark in reply to wilsond]

Good point re heart structure. That’s what my EP said too. I’ve had an echo and my left ventricle is dilated. Decision was taken to still put me on fleccainide.

Read your profile and I too am making lifestyle changes like losing weight, cutting down on salt etc.

[Susannz]

I have COPD so flec caused breathing problems. I was annoyed as the flec was the only thing that has ever really worked for me. I now take it as a PIP when necessaryas it is taking it daily that screws up my lung function.