is it too soon for Flecanide?

[Hdev]

I am 75 with occasional afib these past 6 yrs,,,3x in past 5 1/2 yrs and now 3x in past 6 months,,my EP has decided to add Flecanide 50 mg and Eliquis to my usual metropolol and stop my warfarin,,,I also take Benicar for my blood pressure,,I have never had a cardioversion or an ablation and EP says I am not a candidate for an ablation due to some weight issues I am working on,, My afib usually lasts about 3-4 hrs and I convert on my own,,,I am guessing it’s the Flecanide that is causing me great distress,,,have felt sick, dizzy,disoriented and my heartbeat is barely felt,,weak but regular,,I have a pacemaker due to Brady/ tachy so I won’t pass out,,I have had 2 episodes on near passing out with cold sweat and spots in my vision while having a bowl movement this week,,,have never felt this before,,,an EKG at the office the other day says my heart is fine,,that day,,,the EP says the next step is another rhythm control drug or pace and ablate which is serious as it will make me pacemaker dependent,,,there is a part of me that wants off the Flecanide and I’ll be content with just having afib a few times yearly,,,is it too soon to be using the nasty rhythm drugs? I just don’t know and the EP is not the type for discussion ,,he just repeats his opinion and that’s it,,,he’s not concerned at all about my poor new quality of life,,,I am discouraged as well as upset,,looking for other Flecanide comments,,,thank you!

[Sunny-fl]

Hi Hdev, sorry you are going through this. How long have you been on the flecainide. I was given flecainide while in the hospital after receiving a pacemaker for SSS and the flecainide made me very lightheaded and unsteady but it did stop the afib. I called the pharmacist about the side effects since my doctors didn’t have an answer and the pharmacist said he thought my body would adjust which is what happened. I still get lightheaded occasionally but the flecainide has kept afib quiet so far.

[Hdev in reply to Sunny-fl]

I’ve had a week on Flecanide and every day is just getting through it,,,heartbeat gets very faint and in the 60’s unless I move and pacemaker kicks it up a bit,,,I’ll persevere for a bit longer and be hopeful,,,thank you for your thoughts!

[Hallju]

Hey Hdev, this is such a great place to go for help. I hated taking the flecainide as well, and after my ablation and very few, and random, aFib episodes my EP took me off of it. Now, after getting the CJab, I’ve started back up again, but just once or twice a month. The EP office wanted me back on Flecainide again, but due to some posts on here, I requested a “pill in a pocket.” My EP liked that idea, so if I’m in aFib at least 2-3 hours, I take one Flecainide every 6-8 hours until it is resolved. However, I’ve never had to take a second pill. The first one usually sorts it out within an hour or so.

[Hdev in reply to Hallju]

Unfortunately, my EP is new to me and I discovered he does not believe in PIP approach with Flecanide,,,he is adamant on this so I don’t even get to discuss,,,this is my 2nd EP as the first one was never available for appts or phone calls from his office,,they claimed to be understaffed for 5 years now,,,I gave up on them,,,I just might be looking for EP #3,,,thank you for your input!

[Hallju in reply to Hdev]

I am so sorry to hear that. I know you must be frustrated. It is hard to find a doctor who listens.

[secondtry]

Flecainide doesn't agree with everyone but it may be best to give it a few more weeks; I felt odd on 200mgs per day for the first 3 months. It should have very little effect on heart rate just rhythm.

The main issue in your case is to first change to a cardiologist/EP you have faith in; so important to believe in someone who allows you to be part of the medical team. Secondly get those episodes reduced/stopped whatever the route; may include more attention on Lifestyle changes as my view is there is no one silver bullet and a broad spectrum of solutions is the best insurance policy..

[dmack4646 in reply to secondtry]

I find Flec has a big effect on rate as well as rythm

[secondtry in reply to dmack4646]

Yes it is not supposed to but I told my cardio it knocked 5 points off down to 55.

[Hdev]

Thank you,,everyday that I manage to keep going with the Flecanide is a step in the battle,,,I’m reminding myself,,one day at a time

[Singwell]

How long have you been on it? It takes a while to get used to Flecainide but many find it worth the effort. However, it doesn't suit everyone. I did feel nauseous and headachy when I started it but once settled prefer it to beta blockers. As your EP says there are other anti arrhythmics. Why don't you find put what's available and do a bit of reading about them. I think the AF organisation here has leaflets and may be able to point you towards what's available in the US.

[Singwell]

Reading through this thread I think in your case I might also be looking for another EP. You need someone who listens and who's interested in cooperating with you on decision making.

[Hdev]

Will do,,thank you