flecainide

[Kprose95]

Has anyone had problems on Flecainide. My heart rate increased to 160 just standing, felt deathly? I’d be interested to hear other experiences

[Morzine]

I’ve been in it for five years and no problem.

Do u think it’s the tablet or could it be afib?

Maybe your dose is too low? Just an idea

I have found flecainaide I tolerate very well

Sue

[mjames1]

My heart rate increased to 160 just standing, felt deathly?

It could be a fib. It could be something else. If this is a first time thing , I would call emergency services now to rule out anything serious.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer]

Flecainide can cause flutter which is why it is usally used alongside a beta blocker which you do not mention.

[Kprose95 in reply to BobD]

Unfortunately the consultant prescribed the flecainide but the gp removed the bisoprolol. I couldn’t stand up without nearly passing out with a very high pulse rate. I am to go back on the flecainide shortly with the beta blocker but am very wary about the side effects. I just wanted to know if this was a normal thing.

[mjames1 in reply to Kprose95]

It depends what kind of rhythm you are in now. It sounds like you're in atrial fibrillation, but it could also be atrial flutter or another arrhythmia that may not be normal and even potentially dangerous. Therefore, the suggestion to seek medical attention now , unless your doctor has given you a different plan.

As to bisoprolol, if you cannot tolerate it -- and many, including myself cannot -- there is another rate drug called Diltiazem that can serve the same function that many tolerate better.

Jim

[pip_pip in reply to Kprose95]

My GP stopped my bb a few years ago. He was wrong to do so. They don't have the expertise to do that when adib or flutter is involved. The senior cardiologist was furious when I was admitted. I had nothing but problems with flecainide Inc high heart rate. Note hospital time. If it does what it's done to you, go to ae.

Phil

[Karendeena in reply to BobD]

It caused flutter in me as the cardiologist who diagnosed me didn't prescribe a beta blockers. Swapped to Sotalol

[Kprose95 in reply to Karendeena]

Agree. In Britain there is no continuity of care at the gp surgery and it’s like Chinese whispers. Apparently I was meant to stay on Bisoprolol but gp was ignorant and removed it from my meds. The consultant was not pleased but I have to get over the effects before I start again. Interestingly I got acid every couple of days or so but the Flecainide halted the episode time. Usually at least 24 hours reduced to 11 or under.

[CDreamer]

Ditto the replies of BobD & MrJames.

Know that Flecainide can cause arrhythmias as well as stop them so I would challenge (very politely of course!) your GP about changing the meds without consulting your cardiologist.

[jwsonoma]

I take 1.25mg Bisoprolol with 75mg Flecinide 2x day. My cardiologist insisted I take both otherwise he said that the Flec can cause dangerous arrhythmias.

[lifts984]

I took Flecanaide twice a day, but found it effected my libido so stopped, I now take only when I have been AF for more than 15 hours , Beta Blockers made very anxious and weird stopped them, take a blood thinner and BP tablet , I have recently tried Celtic salt and Cayenne pepper , it is not nice but seems to improved my AF , I recommend YouTube Barbara Oneil lecture on heart issues !

[Paddbear]

Good morning, I have been taking flec now for around 10 years on increasing strengths and works well, most of the time, sometimes when breathless I rest for a few moments, I just accept this.

Beta blockers were not for me, made me feel worse.

I suggest adjustments in strength.

Best wishes

[Vonnegut in reply to Paddbear]

Snap-ish! Works for me too though you’ve been taking it far longer than I have!

[Karendeena]

Yes, I couldn't take it, gave me pro arrythmia and increased episodes. My EP swapped me to Sotalol.

[Tricia239]

I can’t take it, I almost pass out with it. I have tried it on two separate occasions and felt dreadful each time. I can’t remember whether I was taking a beta blocker as well. My consultant was happy to change to an alternative immediately.

[Kprose95 in reply to Tricia239]

Thanks. It really was a deathly feeling.

[Vonnegut]

How different we all are! Sorry to hear of your experience. I have been taking Flecainide for some time, first as a PIP and now 100mg twice daily. It might add to the fatigue I acquired at the same time and affect my digestion but it has kept my heart in order for well over a year now with normal heart rate. You really need to see an EP - the cardiologists who specialise in electrical problems with the heart- good luck!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Flecainide is a risky anti-arrhymnic med.

I take a CCB Calcium Channel Blocker Diltiazem 120mg instead. It acts as an anti .... as well as controlling the heart beat.

Please tell your specialist immediately as reactions can show up like this.

I also take Beta Blocker Bisoprolol to control BP.

Do separate them.

You will be asked to stop it.

What other meds do you have?

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[Thomas45]

I took 300mg a day, without a beta blocker, for 10 years and did not have any side effects.

[Kprose95 in reply to Thomas45]

You are lucky. I find it hard to get anyone to understand how debilitating afib can be. I get extreme jaw pain and headaches during an episode. I was told by one doctor that it was nothing to do with my heart and I should see a dentist. Some medics don’t seem to have a clue.

[Meg24rd]

I had to stop flecanaide after 4 weeks as was getting constant migraines, also if not migraine a headache and constant brain fog, it did put me back in sinus rhythm which was brilliant and so far after stopping it am still in sinus rhythm and can think clearly again, fortunately have brilliant GP who would not change anything without hospital say so, have you been referred to a cardiologist who is a arythmia specialist, I have contact with mine through arythmia nurses