Coming off flecainide

[lck60]

Hi, I've been on flecainide 50mg x2 per day for 6 months following new episodes of SVT ( had successful catheter ablation 3 years ago) with horrid side effects - light headed, shaky, unsteady, tired and my EP has told me to come off it now and go onto Diltiazem.

I have been gradually reducing the dose for the last month, some bad days but some feeling better, but I seem to have got stuck at 20mg x 2 per day and can't go any lower without feeling even worse. Has anyone else experienced a bad time coming off Flecainide?

My gp has now prescribed Flecainide Liquid, which seems to be for children, so that I can reduce the dose more accurately. Has anyone else tried this?

Any advice gratefully received - I just want to get off this drug and start to feel normal again.

[BHFnurse_Julie BHF Nurse]

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time coming off Flecainide.

I hope the liquid version of the drug is easier to take/monitor. I don't have experience of the liquid form of this drug but I can suggest checking in with the Arrhythmia Alliance who may have more information about this and/or to explore this further:

heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/uk

I'm not clear from your post if you're back in a normal heart rhythm at present? Also it may be worth keeping a check of your blood pressure as low blood pressure (from abnormal heart rhythms and indeed medication) can also cause the symptoms you have described.

I do hope this information helps and that you feel better soon.

Best wishes,

Julie