Slowly Reducing Antiarrhythmic medications

[Murphy10]

I had an abalation just on 3 months ago. After the first month my EP advised I can start reducing my medication which is Flecainide and Dilitiazem and he did not need to see me anymore. I am now taking 50mg Flec. and was initially taking 100mg. By July I should be medication free.

I have had some infrequent periods were I felt my heart miss a beat and then race just recently but did not go into Afib. I am a bit nervous coming off the medication. I have been on medication for a couple of years which did not stop Afib. Just wondering whether anyone has gone through the same experience . I have seen some studies that indicate that hearty rhythm medication following an abalation had no benefit in keeping the heart in Sinus rhythm.

[mjames1]

At least in the United States, it's very common to remain on anti-rhythmic medication during all or at least part of the three-month post ablation blanking period,

It varies from Ep to Ep exactly how long and whether there would be a taper or not. In my case, I stayed on my previous dose of Flecainide (50mg bid) for 30 days and then stop completely.

I would follow your doctor's lead here as he knows your medical history. Good luck.

Jim

[Murphy10 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks Jim. I am hoping to be medication free and that is what my EP advised. I think stopping Flec. all of the sudden rather than coming off it gradually is not recommended.

[Shcldavies]

It is likely heart medication could become more harm than benefit for a fit heart. I gradually reduced my Meds over 6 months after my ablation, but on advice from Cardiologist I still take a small 1.5 dose of Bisop. However we are all different (Flec caused my condition to worsen but did put me to the top of the ablation list).

[Murphy10 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thanks. Flec. did help me go back into sinus rhythm following an Afib event but no events since my abalation

[wilsond]

I'm still on flecanide after my ablation June 2022 . I remained on it until my review which was 5 months on not 3 months . It was decided that I needed to remain on due to 2 episodes of AF ,cause known,until another 6 months. Then,decided to put me on waiting list for RF ablation,remain on meds. To be seen April 2024 in clinic. That appointment has now been put back until August 2024 !

I have had NSR since the breakthrough events as far as I know, but am anxious that flecanide is masking / giving false sense of security!

So I understand your concern but it certainly hasn't given me any problems.

[Murphy10 in reply to wilsond]

Thanks. Good luck with your review and you may not need another abalation

[Morzine]

after my last ablation I was kept on flec 50 five years I asked to stop and two weeks later my afib started

I’ve had ablation two weeks back and I’m in fkec 100, I’m in France and I’ve a feeling I will be kept in it but it doesn’t bother me if the afib stays away.

Funny how country’s vary. It was me that asked to stop it and I obviously wished I hadn’t when it came back.