Stopping propafenone today

[NewOne2023]

Hello guys!

It's been a while. Just a short reminder. I was diagnosed with afib in October'23, been on meds ever since and had an ablation in early March'24. Yesterday was my check up 2 and 1/2 months post ablation. I need to continue with my Eliquis for few more weeks which was expected but on the other hand I was finally told to stop rytmonorm (propafenone) which I was on regularly for the last 7 months.

Even though I'm glad to finally stop this medication because I do believe I have some side effects from it, I'm still a bit nervous what to expect when it clears my system. Hopefully it will do me good.

I haven't been in afib since Decemeber'23 so I didn't feel any immediate difference post ablation. And since ablation I started having sporadic sharp, short and light headaches mostly around my left temple which are still on-going almost every day. And I developed pulsatile tinnitus in my right ear, also sporadic every day. My EP told me yesterday that headaches and PT are probably not related to the ablation. So I'm currently waiting for a neurologist anf ENT meeting to deal with that.

That being said, what can I expect with stopping the propafenone? I was on 2×150mg every day and although I'm nervous a bit (probably fear from going into afib if I stop it) I still hope it will do me good to stop taking this med. EP didn't mention weeining off, just to stop it.

[BobD Volunteer]

I was on a much higher dose of propafanone and when I stopped I did it over a couple of months. reducing a little each week. I started by dropping one tablet every other day for a week or so , then completely. The dropped the second etc until I was able to stop all. That was my way.

[NewOne2023 in reply to BobD]

Do you think I should try to stop it gradually? 2×150mg seems reasonably low daily dose from what I read. Maybe start with lowering to only one 150mg a day?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to NewOne2023]

I can't tell you what to do, just what I did. You must do what you feel is right.

[AmandaLouise77]

When I reduce a long term med I do it gradually, like Bob says.

[OzJames]

I would send an email to your Cardiologist’s office and I’m sure his/her secretary will answer you after chatting to the doctor. Just say you’re feeling a little nervous about stopping cold turkey and can they suggest a tapering schedule.

[NewOne2023 in reply to OzJames]

Well I took the last pill on sunday evening so it's almost 48 hours since I stopped propafenone. All good for now, except I get a bit nervous every time I remember that I stopped taking it but otherwise I'm going about my work and day. My EP dind't mention anything about stopping it gradually, maybe because I was on 300mg (150mg every 12 hours) daily which is fairly low for propafenone. I think 900mg is maximum dose in 24 hours. Will see, if something happens (afib) I was told to take 450mg in one shot. So now I'm basically on pill in pocket regime. Can't say I'm not glad, after taking propafenone twice daily for the past 7 months.