hello, just looking for some advice I suffer with svt and was prescribed flecainide which after researching was to scared to take so was given verapamil which I’m now hesitant to take just very anxious about it all but I know I need to do something. I’ve been finally diagnosed and given help after 3 years but my stupid brain won’t allow me to take it 😭 I’m just so fed up and want some advice from people who also suffer. Please any advice would be appreciated. Also is the cold weather affecting anyone else as I’ve had double the svts I do normally.
Thank you.
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Courtneyp
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With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. I take verapamil for SVT and have had no problems with it at all. I’ve been on it for 4 years now, having been on beta blockers for 9 before that. If you haven’t done so already, looking into lifestyle factors that may be causing/increasing episodes is also worthwhile. It was actually the lifestyle factors that had the biggest impact on managing my SVT rather than meds: I was having 2 or 3 prolonged episodes a month, sometimes a week, even with medication. Once I cut out and changed all the things that were increasing my premature contractions, also known as ectopics (which are the trigger for SVT), I haven’t had a single episode since 2015. I do still need the verapamil, but I’m in a much better place. Medically, there are a number of things known to be able to cause or increase ectopics, including all caffeine, dark chocolate, nicotine, alcohol, some medications (including asthma relievers, antihistamines, and decongestants), recreational substances, insufficient sleep, stress and anxiety. That’s in addition to well known, frequently reported anecdotal factors like spicy food and hormonal factors. Tyramine, primarily found in fermented foods and bananas, is also now thought to be a trigger. If you search for ectopics on here, you’ll find posts with fuller explanations of the things we know can be a factor, including body position and even eating, via irritation of the vagus nerve.
I have been taking Catalan for quite a few years for my AF and I have had no side effects but I tried different pills that left me like a zombie before I took these. I hope it works out for you too
It's scary taking new meds I was scared at first too if your gona do any research make sure it's always from a reliable source when I looked up about verapamil I was really anxious about it but I decided I would be better of with it and I'm so glad i decided that because without lighthead, short of breath and endless amounts of ectopics its awful. Hope this helps!
Hopefully your able to take your meds it's definitely for the best ❤️
I've been on Flecainide Acetate for several years and even now after having a Pacemaker fitted. My problem was AF rather than SVT - I don't know whether that makes a difference, but I've experienced no problems at all.
I took verapimil for 2 years before my ablation as beta blockers made me feel as if I couldn't get a deep breath in and chest felt tight.No probs on verapimil and it worked beautifully.
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