Flecainide

[larimer]

I had an ablation on December 13th for paroxysmal AFib (54 year old male). I was put on Flecainide after the ablation with no issues. I had a couple of very short AFib events soon after the procedure but have been relatively healthy since. I came off of the Flecainide on Saturday under direction from the doctor. I was playing golf the next day and had an AFib event that self terminated after 20 minutes. Should I be worried that the procedure did not work or is could coming off of the Flecainide abruptly possibly the cause of the AFib event? Just looking for anyone with a similar experience. I will acknowledge that the event was much less intense than the events prior to the ablation. Thanks.

[OzJames]

can’t help with the ablation but I tapered off Flecainide after a cardioversion last year. My dose was 50mg for a couple of months then halved it for a few days then went to one a day then stopped after a couple more days and no problems. The time before I stopped without taper and though I didn't go into AF I felt random flutters for nearly 2 days

[bassets]

Hi, I was on dilitiazem and flecainide before my ablation for vey symptomatic AF. I stopped both about six months after but had the same breakthroughs which were a lot less intense. I. went back onto small doses of both on advice and have had no problems since. I was told either continue the pills or have another ablation, so I'm still on the meds, and fine. I hope this is helpful - and good luck.

[larimer in reply to bassets]

Very helpful. Thank you and good luck to you.

[wilsond]

Exactly my experience, 4 months after my ablation, came off flecanide overnight on the misguided advice of my GP so I could take ibuprofen ( wrong on both counts as its the Apixaban I take which is the meds that interact!)Within a day had a 30 min AFib. Previously all OK. Weekend of course,had another Sunday night so put myself back on and contacted arrhythmia nurse. She was aghast. Consequently I had to remain on Flecanide until a review in 6 months.

You may not get the same situation or advice but this is what happened to me.

[larimer in reply to wilsond]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[KatyCaroline]

I had my ablation at the beginning of February 23, and after the first couple of weeks of expected episodes they then stopped. I was taking 50mg of Flecainide x2 daily and after three heavenly months of nothing, I tried to wean myself off them, I experienced a significant run of palpitations, so decided to go back on the Flecainide. I don't believe my ablation has worked as I'm still having episodes, though not as intense as pre ablation. My arrhythmia nurse told me ablation wasn't a cure but intended to actually reduce the number of episodes

[David21]

Not long ago I asked my GP who the local EP was and he had never heard about Electrophysioligists. More recently my EP said that a general cardiologist would not know much afib so.......message is - Try very hard to speak to the main EP or the specialised nurses who, In my experience are excellent.

[larimer]

Thank you. I am under the care of an EP and I have messaged them regarding my issue. Take care.