flecainide

[kalgs]

I suffer with PAF with episodes that vary from a few weeks in between episodes. I’m currently taking Carvedilol twice a day . I also suffer from palpitations intermittently etc.

It has been suggested by my cardiac nurse that I try flecainide 50mg twice a day alongside my Carvedilol.

I would grateful for feedback from people actually using flecainide on side effects and benefits. I understand there are risks of atrial flutter and OT problems.

I’m fairly informed on the risks of AFIB/stroke so it’s flecainide real world use I’m keen to get feedback on .

Many thanks

[buddje]

Been on flec for 6 yrs.

High dose..but can lower it some days

Side effects preferable to P.A.F

[kalgs in reply to buddje]

Thanks . What side effects ??

[buddje in reply to kalgs]

Fatigue...light headed.....but if you remember its the flec and not you it is workable

[meadfoot]

I have taken flecainide in various ways and doses for over six years with no side effects. I was first given 100mg twice a day after a spectacularly dreadful af and svt episode which hospitalised me for five days.

Two years later after an EP study where i had to stops meds in advance of the study it was suggested by my EP that i recommence flecainide as a pill in the pocket so take it when an episode rears its head. I have found it very effective.

My EP has said if i feel i need it more frequently then to try 50mg twice a day and increase it to 100mg twice a day if i feel i need it. Its been an effective drug in my case, best wishes,

[kalgs in reply to meadfoot]

Many thanks. Did you take your first dose it hospital. Do you also take beta blockers. Importantly does it prevent svt etc

[kalgs in reply to meadfoot]

Why would you alter the dose ?

[meadfoot in reply to kalgs]

I was first given flecainide intaveneously in hospital after my most dreadful episode. I was then put on 50mg flecainide twice a day but the symptoms were breaking through so they raised it to 100mg twice a day. All this was while i was in for that particular five day hospital stay.

I have been on a beta blocker since 2009 and up to the first horrendous episode they had been my only medication. Flecainide stabilised my arrhythmias. I was eventually put on the ablation list after this episode.

I had reason to change hospital eventually and the new cardiac team decided to do an EP study and not go straight to ablation. I was required to stop all cardiac meds in the days before the study and afterwards i went back on my beta blocker and it was suggested after the team looked at my results to just remain on daily beta blocker to control my heart rate and use flecainide as an anti arrhythmic drug as soon as an episode reared its head. Obviously had it not worked for me then i would be put back on a regular daily flecainide regime.

One thing my consultant stressed was i should always be taking a beta blocker alongside flecainide and it was contra indicated to not do so. He also was clear that its wise to be on the least dose of a medication which is effective rather than stay on a large dose indefinitely which is not necessary. If i could manage on a lower maintenance dose or just take it when needed it would be better for me. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I've been on it for over a year after a partially successful ablation. I barely notice it - but I do take a lot of medications. I don't think I get any side effects from Flecainide - I take it twice a day 2 x 50mg and a beta blocker also and my heart is managed well right now. I didn't get any AF or other problems whatsoever. Good luck with it 🙂

[kalgs in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[TracyAdmin Partner ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Please visit the A F Association for information regarding flecainide heartrhythmalliance.org/afa... or contact our Arrhythmia Alliance helpline for advice 01789 867 501

[Noviegirl]

Hi. I take 50mg of flecainide twice a day. I just had an ablation on March 11th. I feel like I got kicked by a horse but all in all not overly terrible. I was on flecainide before my ablation and I was experiencing shortness of breath although I’m not sure it’s from the medicine or my job! 😊. I’m off work for the next 10 days so we will see if it’s the meds or work!!!

[jimpiggott]

Hi kalgs, i have been taking Flecaininde for a few years now, following 3 unsuccessful ablations (my heart heals without scarring) . I take nothing else other than a statin (which i mostly forget, My PAF is fully controlled, but because it works in a different way to Beta blockers i can train hard , and am not afraid of taking on any test marches or tests. My heart rate is slightly higher at rest ,but my max is up to 175bpm at 54 years of age. If your heart is healthy and with low calcium hardness its second only to a successful ablation.