Does Flecainide Work for Persistent Afib

[DogLover9987]

Hello.

In February, I had a cardioversion after being in persistent afib for 5 months. While I was in NSR, I saw my cardiologist and he took me off of metoprolol and prescribed Ditilizem and Flecainide. Several days after I saw him, I went back into persistent afib, but had not yet started taking the new meds.

I started taking Ditilizem several days ago, but I am wondering if I should start the Flecainide while in persistent afib or even if it will help. I'm waiting for a call back from my cardiologist, but just thought I'd ask if anyone who has persistent afib is taking Ditilizem and Flecainide and if so, does it help?

Thanks!

[mjames1]

Flecainide converted me and kept me in NSR.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer]

We are all different but it might.

[mav7]

I went back into persistent afib, but had not yet started taking the new meds.

The cardiologist prescribed Flecainide and Diltiazem to maintain NSR after the cardioversion.

Since you did not take right away it is questionable how effective they would be now except for rate control, especially since you are in persistent afib. Best to consult with the cardiologist for perhaps another cardioversion and then begin medications immediately. Also, ask him about Sotalol.

The cardiologist may not be happy with you. 😊

[DogLover9987 in reply to mav7]

I saw my cardiologist on a Tuesday. He suggested I start taking the new meds on the weekend in case they caused dizziness since I have to drive over 50 km to work and back each day. I was following his advice.

[mav7 in reply to DogLover9987]

Ok, understand. Many are often told to begin medications immediately to maintain NSR after the cardioversion. Hope the cardiologist calls soon with further advice. Best to You

[Spoiler]

the first time I took Flecainide, it converted me after 3 doses, first time meds to convert me. I usually required dc cardio version. I took 100 mg. Every 12 hours.

[Tapanac]

personally I found flecainide a miracle drug.

also last year I had a pacemaker which also has been brilliant

I did have a few bad patches/blips after my last two covid vaccines so no more vaccines for me

[DogLover9987 in reply to Tapanac]

My persistent afib started after I had Covid in 2023. Seems to happen to a lot of people. I’m glad flec is working for you!

[Tapanac in reply to DogLover9987]

Thank you and I hope you keep “”ticking””

Best wishes

[Tplongy]

I am in persistent Af and have no other health conditions. My cardiologist put me in Flecanide in Feb 23 prior to a second Cardioversion in jun 23 ( this was my second. Nov 22 one failed).

Flec did not convert me to NSR before the CV .. I was in NSR for 5 hours after before AF returned. My cardiologist told me to stop taking it afterwards, so unfortunately didn’t work for me. I was diagnosed in oct 22…

Fingers crossed it works for you

[DogLover9987 in reply to Tplongy]

Sorry it didn’t work for you. My first cv lasted for 6 months and the second one cv in Feb 24 only lasted for a month. My EP didn’t prescribe any anti arrhythmia drugs, but my regular cardiologist thought flec might help. I’ve read that flec doesn’t help much for persistent afib, but I’ll see. 🤞

[Utahskier]

Flecainide converted me in ER after a bad 14 hour episode so I thought it was a miracle drug! 2 others had failed. I started taking 50 mg twice a day (with more if needed in an event per my Dr’s suggestion, to 300mg), adding in a daily beta blocker. I hope it works for you!

[DogLover9987 in reply to Utahskier]

Thank you! I’m very glad it worked for you. I took my first 50 mg dose this morning. I noticed that my HR is a little higher. My cardiologist said to go up to 100 mg twice a day if the lower dose doesn’t cause any issues. I’ll see how it goes. 🙂

[Tplongy]

I think the key point here is clarification on if those that converted to NSR on flecainide, were they in persistent AF?

[Stucoo in reply to Tplongy]

Hi, I've been persistent AF since the beginning of January and am due to have a CV this Friday. As a precursor to this the cardiologist wanted me to start taking Flecainide & Bisoprolol (I was taking Sotalol previously) , and unbelievably I have reverted today according to my Kardia. I still need an ECG to confirm normal rhythm. The only issue is that I appear to have developed a tingling sensation in my lower legs.