DB, assuming your heart passed the stress test to be approved for Multaq, Flecainide possibly works the same with different side effects. I have to say for the short time I was on it, it did keep my Tachycardia in check, however, I did have increase in PVCs. Also, depending on dosage, mine was 200mg per day, you may have increased tiredness and anxiety. Just curious as to the switch?

DB - I've been on Flecainide 50mg twice a day for the last 7 months since my last AF episode and so far, I have been AF-free. Side effects have been very minimal.

Flecainide seems to be often very effective and generally well-tolerated by many patients as my doctor has told me.

Flecainide's mechanism is as a sodium ion channel blocker - slows the inrush of sodium ions into the cardiac cells in the depolarization process and increases the refractory time. In hearts that have other health issues, Flecainide can potentially introduce new arrhythmias; however, if the cardiologist gives a nuclear stress test (myocardial perfusion study) and an echocardiogram and both pass muster, Flecainide is generally safe to use.

I've never used Multaq (whose generic name is Dronedarone). Its mechanism of action isn't well understood from what I've read. Most believe it is a potassium ion channel blocker slowing the outrush of potassium ions from the cardiac cells in the process of repolarization - also increases the refractory time. However, many believe it to be a "multi-channel blocker" implying it slows both sodium, potassium, and calcium ion flows. There is some tissue toxicity hazards, depending on the dose and length of use.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the responses. EP is taking me off Multaq because he feels it's pretty "whimpy" and not as safe and Flecainide will do a better job. I'm concerned about not taking anything for 7 days, but I've read Multaq stays in my system for quite a while. Hopefully, I will have no problems.

Now I'm wondering about starting Flecainide. I did recently have a nuclear stress test which proved it safe for me to take. I didn't really have side effects from the Multaq (well, anything in addition to tiredness and a low HR). Wondering what people experience from Flecainide? I know everyone is different, but I'm usually prone to some effects, and I'd love to know what I may experience.

Anyone taking Flecainide? Problems at the beginning of taking it? Side effects?

I really appreciate any information you can give me! I believe knowledge is power, and I'm trying to find out all I can.

Thanks!!!

I have been taking flecainide 75mg twice a day for about 3 years now. I really can't say that I have noticed any side effects. I was taking 200mg of metoprolol daily and my EP had me cut that in half when I started flecainide so I really felt better by cutting that dose. I was having 4-5 hour episodes of afib 2-3 times a week...it was really taking over my life before flec. The first year after flec I had a total of 3 breakthrough episodes. I take an extra 1/2 tab and usually convert within 1-2 hours. In the last 2 years I have been afib free.
I hope it works as well for you. There are a few of us here that have have great success with flecainide.

Thanks for the responses! So glad to hear some have good success with Flecainide! I've done some research, and it actually looks like it's somewhat safer than the Multaq I've been on for a few years. That's encouraging.

I've been off of the Multaq since Friday, and I haven't noticed too much change. Heart seems to be beating a bit faster, and sometimes a bit harder, but no A-fib. I am to start the Flec on Friday.

Any idea how long it will be before I know if I can tolerate it? How long until side effects show up?

Thanks, again, for your advice and knowledge. It is appreciated!!

DB, if you were fine on Multaq, you should be ok on Flec. I did 50 twice day no problem. I never did get to the 100mg twice a day cardio wanted , but were all different.

Thanks! Today's the day. So far so good....

I took my first ever Flec almost 3 hours ago. Trying to keep busy, so I don't let my imagination take over! No side effects as yet.

I so hope I'm one of those that Flecainide just keeps working and working! I'd love to be worry-free for once!!!

Thanks again for your responses.

PS....If anyone else has any Flec success stories, it'd make my day to hear some! Thanks!

Hoping things are going well for you with the Flecainide, DB!

You asked for success stories...I guess I have one....

I have no symptoms of afib, to the best of my knowledge, and only know I have it because of being in it a couple of times during surgery and resulting electrophysiology study. EP put me on it as he said I would be extremely uncomfortable should my heart choose to beat at 220bpm like it did during the study when I was driving or something. So I have been on it for about a year and a half.

Being asymptomatic, though, I would refuse to take any med that gave me side effects...my quality of life with afib is just fine, so why should I take something that would make me feel bad? Fortunately, the Flec doesn't give me any issues, and I am still asymptomatic and cardiologist has mentioned no problems from the holter monitor and other EKG's I've had.

Hope you have a similar experience, with all of the benefits and no problems!

Thanks, again, for your encouraging words.

Today is day 3. No side effects except I'm pretty wiped out and tired. This will go away after a few days, I hope! Anyone have any experience with that?

If I was going to have major side effects, though, would it have happened by now? Or does it take awhile before they start showing up?

Thanks for your insight!

DB, what is your dosage?

I'm taking 50mg every 12 hours. I pretty sure that's a low dose. So far, so good. I'm so hoping this is what I need to stay in NSR for a while!

Are side effects still to come?

Thanks!

DB, You must be a light weight. For my size, cardio wanted me on 200mg per day. I was fine at 100mg per day , very little side effects. exercised early before first dose of the day. Some tiredness and nauseous at times, but not horrible, and yes kept me in NSR, tho my episodes have never been too frequent. But when I increased to 200mg, the side effects were unbearable. Try to stay with 50 twice day, you should be fine with few side effects, YW

Thanks for calling me a light weight!! I'm far, far from it, but I have always been sensitive to meds so I'm hoping to stay on this low dose for as long as it works.

Today, day 4, seemed a bit better. Tired, but not wanting to be on the couch all day. Getting back to the classroom helped, I'm sure.

Maybe I'm on to something here......:-)

Hello everyone. I was diagnosed with Afib 1/11/15, 2 episodes since. One that went away after 2 1/2 hours with 2 30mg Cardizem. Second episode lasted 57 1/2 hours!!!!! Went to see cardiologist on day 2 and he upped my metropolol from 50mg 2x day to 100mg 2x per day for 5 days with Flecanide 50mg 2x per day. Tomorrow I drop the metroplol to 50mg 2x per day and up the Flecanide to 100mg 2x per day. Have stress test scheduled for 3/16. When I'm in Afib i'm so anxious and I've had trouble getting any doctor to prescribe Xanax. Will try again tomorrow at PCP visit. I hope to fine good support here!!!!

Cindy, welcome to the show. WOW, thats a load of meds to start with. (see DBinil dosage) Im guessing your back in NSR now? I ve never heard of prescribing that amount of Flec without a hospital stay or a stress test yet. Unless youve had other tests to show your heart is healthy enough to handle. Flec is a Class 1 med, and nothing to play around with. It can be fatal in cases where heart is not healthy. I dont mean to frighten you, but I would stick with the Class 4 med, Metrop, and lower dose of Flec until stress test.