Flecainide Concern
A cardiologist switched me from a beta blocker to ditilazem for PVC and PAT. I’ve been on it for several months and it hasn’t really helped my symptoms. The first cardiologist left the practice so I went to see another one who had me do a stress test. I was told the stress test was normal, however in my hospital portal, it stated I had an incomplete right bundle branch block which was not mentioned when the assistant called me with the results. The doctor wants to put me on Flecainide. When I read the side effects it scared me to death. I also read it should not be taken if you have a bundle branch block. I don’t want to second guess the doctor, but I’m afraid to take this medicine. I’m 72 and in good health otherwise.
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Hi Mike, just a thought..Cardiologist did a stress test on me and they shut it down within 3 min for ? Afib...started me on ELIQUIS, also...but he did run the results by a cardiac electrophysiologist, and after a few months of no episodes if AFIB...just svt, psvt, rythm issues, i was offered flecanide which has been great...plus i could start taking nsaids for arthritis again.
If you have electrical issues ,rythm issues request the specialist ...electrophysiologist...could make a difference
@ness125 Hi, I've been on Flec about 18 months now, even after an ablation. I've been on the daily max dose of 300, 200 and now I'm on 150 and so for so good with remaining in NSR. I'd ask if a lower dose to start could be tried. They make 50 mg tablets so that low of dose must work for some people.
Have been on Flecainide for about 10 years now - and one of the lucky ones who has no side effects. I have atrial fibrillation, and am not a candidate for ablation. Flecainide pulled my heart rate from bursts of 185 down to normal rate. Not everyone is this lucky, but I would listen to your doctor and give it a try, requesting that your doctor (or most likely his or her nurse) check in on you frequently at first.
I have had 2 ablations and after my las afib/flutter episode I went on Flecainide at 50 mg I don't like to take a lot of meds because I do a lot of exercise and have changed my lifestyle for sure! I was told by my ablation doctor that this is the very best medicine for heart issues they have at this time. So, I have stuck with it with great success. Maybe I am lucky, not sure but it is great not to have afib/ flutter and am hoping for at least 1-2 years+ of staying on this dose by trying to keep healthy and strong with a good heart diet. Hope that helps!
@dee2468 Thank you for your sharing your experience! I also exercise faithfully 6 days a week and am trying to eat healthier. I’m glad you are doing well on the Flecainide. That’s probably the reason my cardiologist prescribed it. I would love to not feel every heart flutter. I really hope this works for me.
@mbixler That’s great that you have no side effects. I’m hoping this will be the case for me. Chances are, I will be fine since I have no heart disease or any other chronic health conditions. Thank you for sharing your experience with Flecainide.
@buffyo Thank you for your input. I’m glad Flec is working for you. My doctor is starting me on 50mg twice daily. It’s good to hear from people that don’t have side effects from the medication.
@sup7401 Thank you for sharing. The cardiologist had me wear the monitor for 3 weeks. When the report came back showing I had 1 episode of paroxysmal AFib and 1 episode of tachycardia, I was sent to an electrophysiologist right away. He is the one who prescribed the Eliquis and Flecainide. I did have a nuclear stress test a few weeks ago and all checked out "fine." From what the docs have explained, the Eliquis is to keep the blood thinner so there is less chance of a blood clot forming in the heart and causing a stroke (I did have a brief TIA... less than 5 minutes... that preceded all this). And the Flecainide (they said) was to help with the Tachycardia. I've noticed no side effects from either med...... the only drawback is not being able to take anything for pain other than Tylenol. I don't know what they would do if I ever had to have surgery. Extra-strength Tylenol, perhaps?? 😉 Best wishes.... Mike
Oh, that is good to hear, Mike
They have meds to give for pain should that happen...no worries.
Take Care