Difference between Bisoprolol & Flecainide

[HowMyHeartSings]

Hi - I’m on 2.5 mg dose of Bisoprolol but after 7 weeks it’s still giving me very broken sleep & difficultly getting to sleep. My doctor said I could go try Flecainide - anyone have experience of switching? Will the sleep disturbances lessen with Bisoprolol over time? Any suggestions?

Many thanks.

[TMeditation]

Hi someone posted earlier this week complaining about the sleep problems associated with Bisoprolol and the replies were generally sympathetic saying others also had sleep problems but were just persevering and it did improve intime. Actually I’ve been on Bisoprolol since my AVR in March and I haven’t slept through the night since. I’d never really associated it with the drug until reading these posts this week . Keep us posted as to how you get on with the switch and good luck!

[Bagrat]

Bisoprolol is a rate control drug, Flecainide controls rhythm. Flecainide is usually instigated by a cardiologist not GP and some people have it started in hospital. (I didnt!) You start on the lowest dose usually 50mg twice a day and it can be increased to 100 or even 150. Max is 150 twice a day. Many people take a beta blocker alongside flec as occasionally it can induce other arrhythmias. I have been taking it for 8 years with no beta blocker as it lowered my pulse too much.

I am assuming you have Atrial Fibrillation??That is my experience. A lot of people find it important to take on an empty stomach but I have one before breakfast and one with evening meal to try and get them 12 hours apart.

You could also discuss a different beta blocker with your doctor. Remember doctors are the experts, they didn't do those years of training for nothing! Nebivolol ( beta blocker) seems better tolerated by some.

[Tadpole16 in reply to Bagrat]

Hi

I’ve just read your post which is very helpful to me. I’ve been diagnosed with atrial fribullation . I was out on bisoprol after my heart attack in April but can’t tolerate it, my heart rate drops too low. After a bad episode of AF my cardiologist prescribed Flecainide which I haven’t started yet will pick up my prescription today .

[Bagrat in reply to Tadpole16]

I am a great believer that consultants know what they are doing and weigh up pros and cons but it is unusual for flecainide to be used if you have coronary artery disease and after a recent heart attack. Being a belt and braces soul I might be tempted to ring consultant's secretary ( ring hosp switchboard and ask to be put through), just to double check Was it same person who looked after you with heart attack?? Also have a chat with pharmacist when you pick up prescription

[Tadpole16 in reply to Bagrat]

Hi

Thanks for your message.

Yes It is the same cardiologist that looked after me in hospital. My heart attack was very minor with no damage to the heart .No stents required and no abnormalities found on cardio scan either.

I can’t take bisoprolol full time as owners my heart rate too low so that will now just be pill in pocket for AF .

[Bagrat in reply to Tadpole16]

As I said 99.9% know exactly what they're doing

[Zoesgranny]

To me there’s nothing worse than not sleeping so I sympathise. I’m 3 years on from the start of it all.

I’m now on 2.5 Bisoprolol. Originally it was more but I didn’t sleep so they balanced it with Losartan. It took a while - about 4 months - for it all to settle down. Now I do generally sleep.

I’m now on bisoprolol, amlodipine, Losartan, lanzopralole, rostuvastatin and aspirin and I take all of them at breakfast time - in the hope that they’re wearing off a bit by bedtime.

[Sunnie2day]

Lower the dose, perhaps? I've seen several posts here on HU saying the GP or consultant lowering the dose has lessened or stopped the side effects without lessening the good results the medication provides.

Your condition(s) may not permit lowering the dose, though, so it's something you will want to talk with your medical team about.

[Qualipop]

I had very bad sleep on bisopralol but also horrific hallucinations. I was seeing 3 foot long, 10 inch wide black worms all over the walls and ceilings when I woke up during the night. I thought I was going blind. Tried taking it on a morning but it was the same. I was swapped to nebivolol which also had bad side effects for me.

[Jakesterblack]

Hi im only on week two of taking 2.5mg i'm so tired but same, wake up two to three times during the night also have horrible dreams....