Flecainide question for persistent AFib

[Purplekatt]

Since my 5 day only in NSR post cardioversion, EP has suggested another in 4 weeks but this time put me on Flecainide 100mg twice a day, in addition to 10 mg Bisoprolol (and apixaban). He said Flecainide is unlikely to put me back in NSR, but hope it will keep me in it post the next cardioversion.

My question is what I am to expect from the flecainide now? I see many use it as a PIP, so I assume effect should be pretty immediate- but what happens to us in persistent Afib, does it help bring the rate down too? and how fast? The 10 mg Bisoprolol is not fully reducing the rate as it still goes like a yoyo, often in 80-90 but I get Kardia readings in high 120’s at times. My HR before afib was high 50’s (female and nearly 55, generally fit no high BP, cholesterol, diabetes, bad thyroid etc).

[jeanjeannie50]

I've always loved having cardioversions, they never failed to put me back into normal rhythm.

Remember after your next one not to do anything that requires effort for a few weeks afterwards. Don't overeat or wear tight clothing around your torso and certainly no alcohol. Let your heart grow strong beating in it's correct rhythm, it's so easy for it to slip back into it's abnormal one. I learnt that the hard way.

Jean

[Purplekatt in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi jean, thank you so much! The amazing thing is that the second flecanide dose I took put me into NSR! BUT I am now feeling dizzy, nauseous and pins and needles in waves (all known side effects) So will see out of hours GP to help know if I continue meds or stop.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Purplekatt]

Have a look at my reply to LizLancashire:

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Jean

[secondtry in reply to Purplekatt]

Flecainide is supposed to induce NSR but not affect the HR significantly, the latter is controlled by the Biso.

Agree with Jean keep all things modest, stable avoiding any known triggers (eg stress) after your next cardioversion including taking Flecainide daily no PIP (that's what my cardio told me).

[Tapanac]

bisoprolol is a rate control drug whereas flecainide is a rhythm control drug. If your heart rate is still very high and irregular that is probably why your EP wants you to have another cardioversion. Flecainide doesn’t lower heart rate or BP that should be the bisoprolol

I have never felt any side effects from flecainide, but have you checked your BP as maybe the bisoprolol is lowering that too much as they are symptoms of low BP

I do hope you feel better soon

[Purplekatt in reply to Tapanac]

Thanks, yes the Flec has put me in NSR, had GP check BP and HR yesterday and both low so he called the hospital to check and told me to lower Bisop to 7.5mg today. Will check with cardio nurse tomorrow how to proceed.

[Tapanac in reply to Purplekatt]

Great. Perhaps it might soon be possible to lower your bisoprolol a bit more

All the best

[sdweller]

pretty sure the Flec is to keep you in NSR as much as possible. It works wonders for many people, including myself. But it works to different degrees for different people.

[Ozette]

Flecinide twice a day was able to keep me in rhythm after my 2nd ablation, but would not put me back in rhythm if I accidentally missed a dose. Then only cardio version would put me back in rhythm. I got 7 good years that way but after 7 Flecinide quit working altogether. Dr tried a couple of other antiarhthmics which Didn’t work so I ended up with an AV Node ablation. Unfortunately there is no cure for AFib, just management for as long as it works.