Flecainide side effects.

[John3333333]

I find that flecainide causes a slight increase in my heart rate. At rest, my heart rate would normally be about 55 - 60 BPM. When I use flecainide, 50mg x 2 daily, my resting rate sits at around 70 BPM. I also find that I am more prone to panic attacks - racing heart (sinus tachycardia), 120 BPM - whilst using flecainide. Does anyone else experience similar symptoms?

[mjames1]

Sorry about the side effects. Have you confirmed the tachycardia episodes via EKG?

If not, I would either ask your doctor to give you an EKG patch, or invest in a Kardia or Apple Watch where you can take an EKG yourself.

One possible side effect of Flecainide is atrial flutter, so it's very important that your ep knows exactly what these episodes are.

Jim

[John3333333 in reply to mjames1]

All confirmed, albeit on a Kardia. The racing heart reads as sinus tachycardia. It has a slow, progressive onset. And is accompanied by warm flushes and shaking. I am fairly sure it is a panic attack - definitely not atrial flutter. It only occurs whilst using flecainide. The symptoms are manageable, but can be frustrating at night.

[mjames1 in reply to John3333333]

Yes, what you describe is consistent with panic attacks, but the fact it only happen when you're on Flecainide really requires evaluation by your ep. So if you haven't already, I would definitely get your ep onboard and send the Kardia EKG off to them.

To directly answer your question, while on Flecainide, I did experience what Kardia. categorized as "tachycardia" once. I sent the EKG off to my EP and he diagnosed it as LBBB and wide QRS. He then reduced my Flecainide dose and suggested I have an exercise stress test.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer]

Flecainide is normally taken alongside a beta blocker to prevent such things. Are you not taking anything like that to keep you heart rate down?

[John3333333 in reply to BobD]

Yes. I take 1.25mg bisoprolol.

[KiwiBlake]

Hi John.

I'm on 100mg daily dose of Flecainide, and yes it raises my heart rate about 10bpm. Common practice is when on rhythm control meds such as Flecainide, you are prescribed a rate control med such as a B blocker, to counteract the increase in heart rate. In my situation, I'm on a daily dose of 2.5mg Bisoprolol. The Bisoprolol has a calming effect on me, reducing anxiety which can cause my heart rate to increase. Bisoprolol is actually on the banned drug list for things such as shooting, archery and darts, where you need to be calm and composed. If you are not on a rate control medication, I suggest you talk to your GP or cardiologist.

Cheers Blake

[Vonnegut]

Not me and I have been taking 100mg twice daily for sometime. Though it might raise my heart rate slightly and possibly increase my fatigue it has worked very well at keeping my heart in order. As we know, we are all different and it’s a pity you have such an odd reaction. I do not take a beta blocker with it as the lowest dose of it brought my heart rate down too low!

[Lesleyray]

I take one flecanide 50mg twice a day since my 2nd ablation Dec plus a blood thinner and heart rarely races unless I’m at the gym (3 times a week 2 hourly sections) my resting pulse fluctuates between 50 bpm to 60 bpm when resting. No side effects at all. Never felt so well

[HotGuacamole]

I took 100 mg 2x a day for a while and it actually lowered my heart rate.

[Cangelo629]

I take 75mg 1 x day in the evening and it lowers my heart rate some I average 55-70 I do take Eliquis and mild blood pressure pill I had my second ablation last October defiantly made a big difference I feel really good no issues in the gym anymore I go 5 x a week sometimes more.