Diltiazem and Flecainide Reaction with other Meds.

[MKG50]

Hi Everyone. Can anyone help with this? Before my recent diagnosis of Paroxysmal AF and then having to take Diltiazem and Flecainide, I used to take a very small amount of Nortrityline (10mg daily), a tricyclic antidepressant used as pain management for a long term chronic pain condition. I have read that there is a reaction between this and my AF meds so I came off the Nortriptyline.

However, I really need to start taking it again but I am concerned. I asked my local Pharmacist but didn't really get a helpful answer. Something like, 'weigh up the risks against the benefits' and that was it. Has anyone here taken any of the tricyclic antedepressants ( amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine etc.) with their heart drugs?Any ill effects? The dosage of the Nortripyline is so small I just wonder if there would be any significant interaction.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Mary

[Palpman]

I checked on my CredibleMeds App and found no interaction between Flecainide and Nortripyline. Most SSRI's such as Sertraline can contribute towards Long QT Syndrome if taken with Flecainide but Nortripyline is not listed,

[mav7]

weigh up the risks against the benefits' and that was it

Not a good answer by the pharmacist. Definitely check with your doctor.

[ozziebob]

Sorry, no personal experience, but do you know the website drugs.com where you can check drug interactions. This is one link you might find informative ...

drugs.com/interactions-chec...

[SuziElley]

Why not talk to your GP and see if there’s an alternative?

[MKG50 in reply to SuziElley]

Thanks to everyone who replied and for your suggestions. I have since had an appointment with another pharmacist who was more helpful. He said there was an interaction between Flecainide and Nortriptyline The two together can raise heart rate. He advised that I don't take it. All the tricyclics cause the same problem. Frankly, my GP is not a great help either. It seems I have to do all the legwork and research myself to navigate my own way through this maize of medications.

Thanks anyway.