Flecainide

[rupes5]

Just been recommended to take Flecainide twice daily. Have read about the side effects and wonder about other people's experiences with the drug before I actually start taking it. Was your first dose administered in a hospital setting, are you being monitored in any way.

[jeanjeannie50]

I think I was started on Flecainide in hospital, but then sent home and told to have an ECG at my doctors surgery in a few days time. I must be honest and say I don't remember much about it all. What I can tell you is that Flec has been like a miracle pill for me. At first I imagined I was getting all the side effects, fortunately I persevered and have been taking it for many years now. As far as I'm personally concerned it's the only pill that has ever really worked.

Jean

[rupes5 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for your reply. That gives me a bit more confidence.

[BorderMLH in reply to rupes5]

I take 50mg twice daily & 2.5mg of bisop, I still go into AF once or twice a week, I have been offered an ablation, but I don’t want to go ahead with this due to the risks dictated in a letter from my cardiologist, which were unnerving.

[Bingofox007]

Hiya. Understand your fear completely. I was admitted to resus last month with second ever episode of heart racing and palpitations, last time was 9 years ago, rightened itself then and no further follow up. This time lots of IV meds, talk of cardioversion at the time and ablation in future, need to lose weight,however I reverted back to sinus rhythm with drugs, discharged home with follow up appointments and apixiban and flecainide. I took the apixiban that night but having read the leaflet and Googled on line about flecainide I was too scared to take it. I took it next morning as I thought any assistance I might need would be easier during the day and I can honestly say it was brilliant. Pulse is 60-80,88 when stressed, heart pounds at times but rhythm is regular. It’s not all wonderful and cured but so much better. Always here if you need to talk. Take care xx

[rupes5 in reply to Bingofox007]

Thanks for your response, much appreciated.

[Etch43 in reply to Bingofox007]

Encouraging comments - do you know what is the best time to take Flecainide- I have to take it along with Apixaban & propranolol & am not feeling at good on them taken together. I take thyroxine ( no thyroid ) very very early morning. Do you need Flecainide & proranolo anyway for a fib . Thank you

[rupes5 in reply to Etch43]

I'm sorry I can't help with this one as I have not started on it yet and have not been told the best time to take it. Only know I have to take it twice a day alongside bisoprolol which I take at breakfast and before going to bed.

[Mythos95]

I've been on 50mg twice a day for several years. No side effects that I'm aware of.

[rupes5 in reply to Mythos95]

That's great. With the replies I am getting I think I will be less apprehensive about taking it.

[Susannz]

I have tried taking it three times in the last couple of months but have had to stop it after a week because it affects my lung function (I have COPD). It is really good at lowering heart rate so I am fed-up that it affects my breathing so badly. Unfortunately my choice is gasping for breath or taking my chances with afib and diltiazem. Take it, you have nothing to lose.

[rupes5 in reply to Susannz]

Thanks so much for your input.