I am 74 yo and I am starting my 4 year free of afib. I just did 30 miles on my bike. I take 50 mg Flecainide twice a day. No side effects and my resting heart rate is 50 beats per min. Thank you for all your video's the are a great source of info.
I want to thank my father went into severe Afib and was in ICU bcs he almost died. Dr. Gupta’s videos helped me when dealing. With my father’s care(which they didn’t like as they felt I was questioning them), but that questioning saved my father from getting worse! I will be forever grateful for your videos!!!!
@@bossladywesley228 he is better. He had aa cardioversion done and an additional ablation. He will be on Eliquis for the remainder of his life but he is with us. Equipping yourself with knowledge when dealing with doctors is a strong weapon. Not sure if a cardioversion has been done for you but after that was done thank god he has been in normal sinus rhythm but he had to be on amioredene after for awhile as a backup just in case it came back. Ps the medication I definitely screwed on the spelling.
Love that you are doing these videos explaining the roles and the benefits of antiarrhythmic medications in a way that patients can understand. No one is doing this on UA-cam and I commend you for taking on this role.
Thank you so much Man. I've been taking Flecainide (50mg twice a day) for a couple of years and I had no explanation from either my heart specialist or my GP. Now I'm much more informed. I wish I was somewhere close enough to be your patient.
I went into Aflutter the other day, 210 was my heart rate. Scared the hell out of me. I am on Flecanaide and Eliquis. I am age 58 and this is all new to me. 😔 Thanks for this information.
Thank you for this video. I have been on 150mg of Flecanaide morning & night for about 10 years & have never had any problems with it. Prior to that I was on Sotalol, but often had to go to hospital for treatment. Of course I'd rather not be taking tablets, but necessary I'm sure in my case. I had arrhythmia on & off from age 22, when at 65 it became Afib. Now at 77 I face a possible valve replacement, but will take each day as it comes😃 I do love listen to your informative videos.
I was just put on this medication 50 mg morning and night. My heart is skipping a beat and the doctor thinks that this medication will work. I’m just nervous because I’ve read all the side effects.
Im 63M in other wise good health. I’m in AFIB as I type this. I’m starting my Flecinide journey today. Found I have leaky Mitral Valve so a new valve down the road is happening, just like you So I feel you. Healing zen to you!
Just started this medication today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works. My AFib started about 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with Grave's disease. I had a thyroid ablation with RAI. But after I got COVID in January of 22, my AFib has increased substantially. I would go into AFib a few times a months. The last 2 weeks though, I have started going into it a few times a day. Usually brought on by ice cold beverages, eating a large meal, eating too fast or laying down flat. Wish me luck!! 😊
I'm actually doing great. The medication is working very well. I've only had 2 episodes since starting the medication, but both days I over indulged in caffeine drinks, so it was my own fault. The only downside is because I'm also on metoprolol for high blood pressure so my heart rate stays between 49 and 60. But I can live with that. Thank you for asking.
@@kirstenkk6493 Have you tried loading up on Magnesium and Potassium? I've been doing so and have not had another episode and my resting HR is down to about 51 or so, hardly goes above 70 unless I'm exerting. I'm not on Flecanide or any other drug although my doc rx'ed Eliquis. Still can't decide if I want to take it as my CHADS VASQ is 1, only for my age over 65.
Thank you for your videos ❤ I have learned so much about my Afib from you AND an understanding of my medicines! I’ve recently been having trouble with blurry vision and frequent headaches. You have brought to my attention to the drug Flecainide. I takes 100 MG 2 times a day and also take Metoprolol and Digoxin. Nock wood, I haven’t had any recurrence for the last 41/2 years. You are the only one who has given me the details of the side effects of Flecainide so I can now discuss this with my Cardiologist.
Getting ready to take 75mg. of Flecainide with small dose of Metoprolol. My Doctor explained the need to keep Flecainide in check with the Metoprolol. Your depth of explanation was a welcomed second opinion. Not a fan of Meds like these so I guess it's One Day at a Time. Note - I find everyone's comments comforting and helpful. Kind of feels like online Group Therapy .
Thank you for the information you’re providing us. I was on flecainide, after 4 months from the corner of my eyes I started saying things moving fast I thought maybe I’m having problem with my vision. I decided to see my optometrist but Before making an appointment I contacted my cardiologist and I mentioned the situation she asked me to stop taking it immediately it can cause hallucination. it’s a rare case she said, one in a million, just my luck!
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for your videos. I have taken meds for high blood pressure since I was 22. Now, at 66, I apparently have persistant AFib. I take my blood pressure twice a day but about half the time my blood pressure can't be recorded because of too many Afibs. I'm looking for ways to control/stop this problem and your videos have been extremely informative--not only for AFib but also my heart in general. I always go to you first to learn about my condition,. Thank you for teaching me about my heart so I can make informed decisions for living a long healthy life.
I have AFIB but I have no symptoms. My cardiologists has me on Xerelto, Lisinapril, and Bystolic. I have an enlarged heart and a leaky heart valve. The cost of Xerelto is riduculus. Your video was very informative.
I had 2 afib episodes about a month apart and the cardiologist at the hospital quickly gave me a 2 syringe dose of a heart pause drug. The third time I went to the hospital another cardiologist waited and watched. I chose to go to the second for a check up. I live in Texas in the US and am tired of some of the treatments that sound a little out of date. Doctors, nurses, emergency personnel always ask if I've taken an aspirin a day. Or when I call an ambulance they ALWAYS expect me to have chest pain. Research and heart studies in the US are almost always done on men. I understand it wasn't until 2016 that women were routinely included in heart attack research. So when I tell them I have other symptoms they pretty much dismiss me. And that is why I follow you. Than you, I think you are the voice of reason.
Thank you so much for making these informative videos to help us who are affected by afib and other heart related conditions. My husband was recently diagnosed with afib and started treatments with medications. We watch your videos to try to educate ourselves. Your videos help us to understand afib and its treatments. I can't thank you enough. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊
I had iv flecainide after a failed dc cardioversion. My heart did try to get into a normal rhythm but slipped back after a few hours. 40 minutes of slow motion conscious fainting. The worst experience of my life! Love the videos - really helpful and informative.
Thank you for these really informative videos. I am three days post-ablation and am beginning heavy duty study of AF. Have had paroxysmal AF for years but, as predicted, the episodes became much longer over time and really put me down due to lowered BP (77/52 last time). Also experienced intensity of light headedness. So, after many years of this I finally decided to have the ablation performed. So far so good. Thank you again.
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I usually never went beyond 120. My resting rate is around 55. I was acutely affected - didn't have it all the time. The reason I finally had the ablation done was the episodes (over the years) went from a duration of 20 minutes to a day or two without stopping. That was with Flecainide and Atenolol not really able to hold it off when it came.
Thank you for the information in this video. I had cardiac ablation the end of August 2018. Prior to that an echo showed both my atria enlarged (the left "grossly" enlarged). I have been on a twice daily dose of Flecainide - 100 mg - since then. A new echo showed vth the atria now reverted to normal size. Dr Natale now wants me to stop the drug - I hope I get some years being free of paroxsymal afib, but appreciate the information for using this as a PIP.
I found the video most useful and understand now why my Flecainide PIP has sometimes put me into flutter , but not always. I was told 300mg was the maximum dosage which is what I now take in one go on onset, previously the 100mg after onset of AF worked, then a second one after an hour and that also worked for a while then up to the 300mg. A major relief when it does work and I would give it the thumbs up!
Thank you Dr. Gupta. I learn so much from you and as a patient on flecainide I feel pretty confident that it is a good drug for me. I always feel that my cardiologist knows what she is doing!!!
Thank you for a very informative video. I'm an AFib patient and about to undergo Cardioversion to hopefully 'fix' the condition. I'll tune in for more videos from you.
I am educating myself from your videos to live healthy! I referred your channel to my family and friends. Extremely useful. Salute you! In your busy schedules, you are making videos for social consideration
Thank you, been using this medicine (slow release)together with Verapamil now for 5 months. No episodes anymore, after 12 years of Afib. No side effects, i am very happy for your information.
@@ellenhiemstra7263 yes I know. But the verapamil is not the best calcium channel blocker. It does not cause much slowing of conduction in the Bundle of Hiss Verapamil is added to prevent atrial flutter and atrial flutter is prevented by slowing of conduction between atria and ventricles. Verapamil is mainly used for its effect in relaxing smooth muscle in arterioles and thereby lowering blood pressure
I've used it about a dozen times to stop AFIB. It works in slightly less than an hour every time. At that time, the heart temporarily stops and restarts in a normal sinus mode. At that time I feel like I'm passing out because the heart stops. But feel relieved when the heart starts beating again in a normal sinus rhythm at a rate just above a resting rate. It takes about another hour before the heart is completely relaxed. No obvious side effects, I can drive in traffic just fine, no (additional) vision problems.
Enjoy your UA-cam videos and kind personality in delivering such help to us lay people to understand more about our heart diagnosis. I was on Flecanide for only 4.5 days and stopped it. I did not do well on it. It created shortness of breath, a hard strong feeling of beating without AFib but felt awful. I also experienced intense brain fog and could not think straight. Upsetting as that is whats worse is my cardiologist seemed to think I was the only one in the world who had those symptoms and therefore it was all in my head. Honestly that is the worst feeling when a medical doctor does not believe you! Dr. Gupta I would like to know why some of us do experience side effects to medications and why the need for a medical doctor to feel its all in our heads?
I was prescribed flecainide before my ablation, but have to say I had dreadful side effects from it in terms of heightened anxiety the likes of which I’ve never experienced before. My cardiac nurse said I would be better off it after my ablation because of the potential side effects that the excellent Dr Gupta describes here. I did indeed come off all medication after my ablation and apart from some mild episodes months apart have been fine.
I have been on flecainaide since 2013 after two conversions and two ablations. I seem to tolerate it well and seems like this is the only think that put me back in rhythm. Thank you for the explanation.
Hello, I would like to know if you have experienced any side effects from taking flecainaide. If you don’t mind how old are you. I am 54 and with Paroxsymal Afib. Appreciate your input. Thanks!
Thank you doctors your vedios are sovaluble for us they give us the understanding of what were going through. Because a doctors has notice to explain about the diagnosis to a nonhealthcare person. So people get so scared about it.this chanl is so valuble to the wholworld.thank you again God bless you❤
Thank you for the information. I have been on a daily dose of 100mg Flec (50mg every 12 hours) since 2001, so 18 years with no side effects or problems. I do get the occasional AFib episode (around once per month) but I usually convert within a couple of hours, so I am assuming that the Flec is doing it's job.
Thank you Doctor for this great review . I too take this drug twice a day for Afib and it works very well. Again, thanks for all your videos. You are terrific.
This drug is being recommended to me by my Dr. I have Paroxsymal Afib for 5 yrs now. How long have you been taking this drug and have you noticed any side effects? Appreciate if you can share some info.
Can I ask why you need it after 2 ablations? I have also had 2 ablatiins, but now wake up with erratic heart, Cardiologist suggests scaring is causing nighttime arrythmia now, so now getting diagnosed flecainide
I was getting AFib only when I exercised hard, (I'm a 70 year old competitive cyclist) I have been on Flecainide for 12 months and haven't had an AF episode since, however the side affect is that I'm not able to exercise as hard as before, my aerobic capacity has decreased quite a bit and my stamina for riding long distances has also dropped. I'm taking 100mg of Flecainide twice per day.
@@simplydebes when I did speed sessions my HR gets up to 155 (my max) but it takes a few repeats before I go into AF and then it goes up to over 200 and I start to feel quite faint, I slow down and it goes away till next sprint, it varies from session to session. On a long weekend ride we'll ride 100k and I will go into AF late in the ride on hills that I put effort into. I drop out of AF when I back off the pace. I have gone into AF with HR as low as 140. When I do go into AF I have seen my HR go as high as 219bpm. Initially when I was on Beta Blockers I would go into AF at only 105bpm, I stopped those immediately. Now I'm on Flecainide and blood thinners and I haven't had an AF episode since.
@@SuperPa Thanks for the reply. It's nice to chat with someone of similar age and quite active. What you experience shows how different AF can be. The last time I got AF it was quite warm and I think the main cause was dehydration. I'm over in Perth and we have had the hottest summer on record. At its peak 38C felt cool after a few mid 40s. This time I was able to record it on my Apple Watch and from the print out my cardiologist is thinking I might have SVT rather than AF. Although, it may start off as AF for a few seconds than go into SVT. My HR was over 160bpm but regular. (I use Pill in Pocket method of control as I only get it every couple of months). I wonder if this is happening to you? The ride was very flat and I was taking it easy. Since then I have bought a Garmin HR monitor which has been helpful. Hopefully I will do a 660km gravel ride next month but leave the racing to the young folk. I'll do 100km a day and get a good sleep each night. But riding off-road by yourself hoping that its not going to be an AF day can spoil the fun.
@@simplydebes Interesting about your summer weather, here in Brisbane it's been the mildest summer that I can remember. I ride in the cool of the mornings at around 5am. One day last August at our track training day I opted in the previous 24 hours not to take my medication, I felt strong and powerful, I was taking my turns on the front, after the 3rd turn I started to feel weird and saw my HR go from 140 to 188 (my max is 150). The immediately slowed and coasted back to where my car was, after a couple of minutes my HR returned to normal and I took my medication and continued on riding at a slower pace. In recent weeks I have greatly increased my consumption of electrolyte and I have dieted and lost 7kg, I'm down to 70kg (I'm 170cm tall), both these have given me improvement in aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Good luck with your epic ride.
@@SuperPa I was a competitive cyclist for years, did the Grafton to Inverell and raced A grade at club level. AFib has stopped me in my tracks. I was prescribed Flecainide which only converted AFib into atrial flutter. I'm so angry and full of self pity. "why me" etc. Going to the doctors again this afternoon to discuss ablation
Thank you for your video's Dr Gupta. I have been on Flecainide every day for about 2 years, following a failed ablation that lasted a year. The flecainide is the only thing that terminates, and keeps my permanent AF at bay, and I have realised that I can go below the minimum dose and it still keeps me in sinus rhythm. Also intermittent fasting has really helped because it seems to drop my blood sugar level and insulin resistance, as well as giving a small amount of autophagy which appears to give a cell healing/replacement effect as noted in many studies. Update: After many months of intermittent fasting my arrhythmias/ectopic beats have improved by about 70 percent, and my heart feels a lot better. i think this due to it lowering inflammation in the body.
@@saturninocantillon7548 Hi Saturmino, I have had it for a few years, although the intermittent fasting has really helped but does take time. Intermittent fasting seems to drop my blood sugar level and insulin resistance, as well as giving a small amount of autophagy which appears to give a cell healing/replacement effect as noted in many studies.
I have no comorbidities cardiologist tried to take me off sotalol and tried this and set me off real bad only problem I've only had one afib attack then 4 months after being on sotalol tried this I had really bad increased heart rate and atrial flutter stopped taking immediately and took 3 days to come right. I thiink this medication should be treated with caution there's been a lot of problems with it and the excuses they made about the people that had other problems wasn't backed up with studies on ones who hadn't had other issues. Then I'm probably a bit jaded. Love your info and appreciate it by the way.
Just came across this video, and I had a poor experience with Flecainide. I had an echocardiograph that proved I had a structural normal heart but kept going into AF with repeat cardioversions (months or years apart). After one episode when I had been successfully cardioverted I was put on the tablet version of Flecainide. Months later I had another episode of AF, but at times felt very strange and after seeking medical support was found that I periodically would go into VT. Having these episodes of VT meant immediate cardioversion that returned me to normal sinus rhythm. The results of further investigation proved that it was the Flecainide that was causing the episodes of VT but only when I was in AF. Now in permanent AF being successfully rate controlled with medication and my medical records showing my allergic reaction to Flecainide.
Me too , I was not comfortable taking Flecainide but I didn’t know how to explain it to my cardiologist . My heart doing all kinds of weird beats . Luckily my cardiologist put in touch with an Electrophysiologist . Before I knew it I had an ablation . Now I’m only taking the blood thinners . No fib this past 10 months
@@QuantumOfSolace1 I take Verapamil and Digoxin for the Afib and Apixaban as a blood thinner. I've been on this medication for a number of years now and my Afib is well tolerated. Note I'm in permanent Afib and that's why I'm on these medications. The last cardioversion failed so of the choices I was given I chose medication and I'm happy with it as it doesn't stop me from doing anything I could do before, the downside is I'm on the medication for life.
Debbie van Dijk just get an ablation. It’s been proven to be more effective that antiarthymic drugs. Ablation offers a possible “cure”. Both are scary but I’d go for the more permanent treatment.
Tinnitus pursatile make me more ansious..feel my heart beats all the time. Atrial fibrillation and on Flecanaide, but the filling constantly in my ears of the heart beating, some time, slow, some time to fast , make me crazy..and is supouse to be like that for the rest of my life.!!
Thank you, very helpful. My friend is currently going through AFib a second time and has just had a cardio version done. She’s been given Flecainide and is nervous to take it because of the side effect (heart attack and death). Thanks for this, it puts my mind at ease hearing that a Doctor only prescribes flecainide knowing that the heart is ok before taking it.
I had a very bad reaction to Flecanide which caused me to go into VTAC and phone an ambulance. My Doctor then tripled the dose and I had another attack. Both times I managed to self revert but the attacks were both debilitating and I took days to get my heart below 120. My Doc has me on Sotalol now and there's not been much change.
Thank you sir! I am 40 and have had 1 afib attack a year since I was 19 and never did anything about it till now, I saw your vid on Ablation and thankfully have chosen this route instead as a treatment. I’ll see how it works for me when I get a attack (or hopefully not) as I’m on 25ml of metropolol daily and feels like it helps.
Back in the day, as a representative, I launched and sold encainide, which worked quite well for ventricular tachycardia. But the FDA pulled it after some adverse adverse reactions occurred from being used in inappropriate patients with less severe arrhythmias.
I've had A-Fib for 13 years and was prescribed Flecainide in 2019...within hours I experienced serious heart failure and spent three days in hospital. The doctor took me off it without any comment on the harm it had done. I'm now on Amiodarone and Bisoprolol, which work fine.
Greetings. Great vid. Very informative. I'm on Flecainide and Concor and have not gotten any fast heart beats now going on 7 years. I'll like if you can post a vid like this on the effects of Concor so I can fully understand the role of each tablet. God is Great . Thanks .
I am wondering if other people have had extreme tiredness as well as brain fog with daily dose ? Down to 25mg twice a day and still experiencing these awful side effects. Thank you so much for your videos - being educated in this way is so beneficial. I am so grateful.
After I started flecanide at 50mg 2xs a day. Within 2 days I was with very brain fogged with tiredness. Also with shortness of breath and strong heartbeat...but not Afib that I was aware of. My BP climbed a bit and so did resting pulse. I went off it after day 4. My cardiologist seems to think because I had such symptoms that it is all in my head. Seriously? So I made this up? wow.
I definitely get fatigue and brain fog from flecanaide. I also take metoprolol tartrate. Both drugs have been lowered in dose - initially by cardiologist; now I listen to my body. Diagnosed 3 yrs ago with afib, age 65. Ridiculous; went from healthy, active, yoga, tennis, healthy eating to laying on the floor 12 hours a day from extreme fatigue. Weirdest feeling for me: after taking my mind-body for granted, I couldn’t even motivate or force my body to move/keep moving. Couldn’t think clearly and my bills started piling up! Told dr. I may as well be dead if this is going to be my new normal ‘quality of life.’ However, lowering the flecanaide dose (flecanaide went from 100 mg bid to 50 bid to 25 bid to 12.5 bid) definitely lessened the fatigue (Aldo lowered the metoprolol tartrate from 25 bid to 12.5 bid). Soon after the Covid pandemic started in the US I became extremely anxious, started feeling palps, flutters, and wanted my heart checked. The 1-week echocardiogram was normal and cardiologist said I had a “racing heart” - whatever that is because I received the info via an assistant by phone. Advised to increase flecanaide to 100 bid. Well, I went to 50 bid for several weeks, again mostly flattened out, this time in bed, but my heart did go back to feeling normal - don’t know if it’s bc I became less anxious about covid, probably “pandemic fatigue” - or from the double dose of flecanaide. However, I’ve been gradually & very slowly lowering the dose once again and so far I’m feeling more energy and heart feels fine. Haven’t read up on flecanaide recently but when I started it, I recall reading that fatigue was a side-effect. Also several ppl on afib forums called flecanaide a “dirty drug”, dangerous, and debilitating fatigue as one of several side effects. Gonna check again. Good to hear Dr. Gupta give it the ok; feel less worried about taking it. Also; the first 15-30 minutes after I take it - esp. in higher doses - I get the most incredible heart arrhythmia & pounding. Had told cardiologist bc it began soon after I started taking it, but he brushed it aside, naturally. Never found anything about this online. My next goal is to move to pill-in-pocket, maybe wait until after covid vaccine so my anxiety level remains low. Have read stress can bring on afib and that definitely seems to be my culprit. Sadly, I believe these heart meds have made me less physically active overall which concerns me bc imo a healthy heart (and body) needs to be exercised - as in movement; I’m not a tree!
Very informative video. I wish I had several of your videos before 2 unsuccessful ablation procedures which have left me with more frequent episodes now then prior. Flecainide is keeping me regular so far but have been apprehensive taking it after reading some bad info on the web. Feeling a bit more confident now, having seen this. Thank you!
So sorry to hear what happened but i am happy to hear that fleccanide has helped you. Are you still consuming fleccanide? Or have you got off it due to the info u have found online?
I read your comment where you say you wished you had known of Dr. Gupta's channel before your ablation. Would you mind sharing what you wish you had done differently? I am facing this decision right now.
@@amberj6760 Well.... keep in mind. I am NOT a Doctor. All I can tell you is my personal experience with treating Afib. I'll keep it as short as possible. My afib is symtomatic, meaning, it takes me out of commission and I'm heading to the hospital if it lasts more than an hour or so. Started in my mid 30's. Prior to ablations, I had only been hospitalized once. I could usually get myself out of afib, bearing down etc. @ 50 years old my Dr. thought it was best to "treat it". First Ablation. 5 years ago. Kept me out of afib for 1.5 years. I waited almost 3 years due to managing afib and pandemic. Second ablation. DISASTER. Went from afib 1 or twice every few months to once or twice a week. I was never told that this is a possible "side affect" of an unsuccessful ablation. (if I read correctly there is close to a 20% chance of this happening but due diligence on your part.) THIRD ablation 2 months later to try and correct whatever happened and it "worked" for about 2 months before afib raged back every few days. Was put on Flecanide which seemed to work for about 2 months. Afib came back despite being on highest does of Flec. Was changed to Soltalol. Fortunately I have been mostly afib free for almost 6 months now. I am on 40mg of Sotalol twice a day. Why was I not given the option of medication BEFORE ablation? It was never even discussed. There is so much I have learned AFTER my experience that would have made me seek every other possible option before ablation. Live and learn. Find a Dr. you trust who is open and honest and ASK QUESTIONS! If your DR. doesnt have the time or desire to answer all your concerns, find another until you are sure you are getting the care you need. Best of luck to you and God Bless!
My mom (88 yrs old) was on this drug for years ....for afib. Eventually it stopped working. For over a year she was in afib all the time. Her cardiologist asked her why she was taking it and then took her off the drug. Interestingly, she returned to sinus rhythm for about a month and now maintains about 50% of the time.
It depends on how stubborn your AFIB is. I was diagnosed in 2019 and we tried flecainide as well as other medications, none of which worked. Next it was a cardioversion, which did not take. At that point we did a medication cardioversion using amiodarone. That worked but it is extremely toxic and not a long term solution. As a result, several years later, the AFIB returned. We tried tripling the flecainide, which did not work, so we did another cardioversion, which has worked thus far. If the AFIB comes back, then we're doing a heart ablation.
Thank you Doctor. I have had paroxysmal afib since I was 20 (happened 1st on the soccer pitch). It used to come once every couple years and as I have aged, it has increased in regularity. I am now 59 and it is happening a couple times a week. I have been on Sotolol on ever increasing dosage and my cardiologist has just changed me over to flecainide with bisoprolol so see if this will be more effective. Fingers crossed 🙂
my heart hurts a few times after taking flecainde 50 since march twice a day and inget nausea and even fast heart beat metripolol addition does not help sometime i feel weak and very tired should i taje it just at night?
Please help. I live in the states. A few months ago I was sent to the emergency room during a routine doctor's visit after a PA noticed fluctuation in my heart rate I was given a AK zhi and sent to the emergency room by ambulance. During my two-day stay at the hospital I was given different medications I ended up leaving with a prescription for metoprolol and Eliquis. I was referred to a Cardiologist. He he took me off the Eliquis and had me take low-dose aspirin 4 my continual AFib. After my fourth visit he let me decide whether or not I would consider a cardioversion which I did. It worked for less than a week and my heart went back into AFib. He had me start back on the blood thinner Eliquis for 6 weeks and now has taken me off of it and I am back on low dose aspirin. I'm wondering if Flecainide would work for me ? I am not diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure or any heart defects other than the actual AFib. I like my doctor very much but I am wondering why he is against me trying the flecainide. Should I get a second opinion ?
I was just told to stop taking this medication because I’m having reactions to it. I’m 27 I have had three episodes of AF once every month my heart is structurally normal and strong but sometimes I go into AF they don’t know why 🤷♂️. I think it’s all electrical or maybe stress-related
@@georgiayoung9124 I'm off of it now, they fixed the problem with surgery. But the 6 months I was on it, it was HEAVEN.. no attacks and no side effects... So grateful! Metropolol nearly killed me
I was on Flecainide. About six weeks after going on the drug, I was given a stress test, and that test resulted in an anomaly during the QR phase of my EKG. They took me off of Flecainide, and put me on Multaq.
Thank you for this video. Good work. What is maximum dosages of selekon zock to take safely with flecainide acetate. Your answer will be much appreciated. Thank you.
That's interesting. I take 50mg twice a day. They didn't say it can also stop an attack. They haven't told my anything, they just fill me up with pills and give me no advice. I wish he was my Cardiologist. I'm also on Bisoprolol. Headaches are appalling.
@@holysmoke8439 no it wasn't. It's your fault because soon as they prescribe you something get online and read as much about it as you can go in and look at reviews study the medication on Wikipedia before you take one tablet. See what pharmaceutical company makes it see how many recalls they have see what the contaminants were if they had it recalled and if it's made in China LOL good luck with that!
Thank you for the information. Doesn’t seem like most GPs take AF seriously enough……. If I had been prescribed flecainide when I was experiencing severe af attacks maybe I wouldn’t have gone on to have ventricular fibrillation. I’m not sure if sone GPs understand how debilitating and difficult it is to live a normal life when suffering from af. Thankfully 🤞. Having one had 2 heart procedures(ablations). I now have a much better quality of life. Keep saying this on these blogs. If you have persistent af. Push for a 7 day heart monitor because it was only after this, I was sent to a cardiologist My heart rate went down to 30 then rapidly up to 140. Take care 🌈💜
am a patient at yale hospital 800 i take flecanide 100mg one thing is that i be having a lot of anxiety attacks don't no if it is the medicine but when I was on metoprolo i never had anxiety
Have taken this med for over 25 years for ventricular tachycardia. No other meds taken. Have been to.d that stopping it could increase risk of stroke and would like to understand why and what I could do, in addition, to minimise risk
Thank you Sanjay for all your informative videos. Re Flecanide, can you comment on the use of a loading dose at the onset of A fib which some cardiologists recommend.
I had Flecainide for paroxysmal afib. It virtually cured me for about 3 years. I started to notice dizziness and strange heart episodes other than afib though. Turns out I was getting Broad Complex Arrhythmia due to the Flecainide. Put on Bisoprolol afterwards and went on to have ablation.
I have episodes of a fib now for 20 yrs . Sometimes I’ll go 4 yrs without an episode sometimes 2 months . My cardiologist said beer and nicotine and caffeine was my problem. I no longer drink beer or use tobacco, but I still have episodes. I’m taking sotolol 120 mg twice a day and 100 mg of losartan once a day .
Hello Sanjay, I had a cryoablation in 2021, and one of the reasons was that my doctor said that it was not safe to take flecainide permanently. I had been taking it for a few years. The ablation was not very successful and they want to do another one soon. In the meantime I am taking flecainide again , 100mg x 2 daily and it seems to be working very well. I would prefer not to have another ablation if flecainide is controlling my afib successfully now. Are there any dangers in taking it long term? I am 81 years old. Thank you. I love your videos, they are so reassuring. Janet.
I am on 100 mg daily and flecainide 50 morning 50 at night and has prevented me from having a fib for the last two years I do take 300 mg pocket pill when I do have a fib alas no longer than four hours and I’m converted back into normal rhythm flecainide has worked very well for me
Thank you for thw information Dr. I had a surgery (ablation)one year ago due to the atrial fibrilation and the unique medicine that has worked for me for stopping afib is Flecanide.
I take 3.75 mg of bisoprol every morning i dont know if it is helping me i have an episode every month or so sometimes every 2 or 3 months and its gone after a few hours sometimes it lasts all day,i take 1500 mg of magnesium every day 1000mg of taurine ,500mg of resveratrol ,500mg of natokinnase,1000mg of vitamin c ,little or no alcohol, a litre of water with a sandwich every day,its a constant battle ,first time it happened i ended up in hospital i wouldn't wish that on anyone im in Ireland, i would like to get off of bisoprolol and go natural,might be a mistake.
my afib got triggered after 6 years when i took pfyzer vaccine i took flacainide and ts a horrible medicine it made me like a vegetable i fell on my coach luckly i was not standing on hard floor i could have had a concussion i had no energy so weak where i could not get up to turn off my tv or brush my teath i only took it for a few days and it made me feel horrible dizziness weakness and still getting afib symptoms i am diagnosed with afib tachycardia 2.2 percent i started with eliquis which prevents stroke for three months along with motropolol and i saw blood in my toilet because eliquis causes bleeding in skull and stomach motropolol causes dizziness and i still get the symptoms of afib
I am 74 yo and I am starting my 4 year free of afib. I just did 30 miles on my bike. I take 50 mg Flecainide twice a day. No side effects and my resting heart rate is 50
beats per min. Thank you for all your video's the are a great source of info.
Was you afib permanent or paroxsymal? Thanks!
Ben exactly the same here
What does 50mg in the am and in the pm feel like?? I am doing the same but feel nothing new.
Ben, did you have an ablation or did the meds bring you back to nsr?
Having similar results at higher dosage
I want to thank my father went into severe Afib and was in ICU bcs he almost died. Dr. Gupta’s videos helped me when dealing. With my father’s care(which they didn’t like as they felt I was questioning them), but that questioning saved my father from getting worse! I will be forever grateful for your videos!!!!
How is your father? Afib person myself looking for solutions
@@bossladywesley228 he is better. He had aa cardioversion done and an additional ablation. He will be on Eliquis for the remainder of his life but he is with us. Equipping yourself with knowledge when dealing with doctors is a strong weapon. Not sure if a cardioversion has been done for you but after that was done thank god he has been in normal sinus rhythm but he had to be on amioredene after for awhile as a backup just in case it came back. Ps the medication I definitely screwed on the spelling.
Love that you are doing these videos explaining the roles and the benefits of antiarrhythmic medications in a way that patients can understand. No one is doing this on UA-cam and I commend you for taking on this role.
Amen! This man is a jewel.
You told me more about flecainide than my own Dr. Did. Thanks for your time sir.
Nonsense.
Thank you so much Man. I've been taking Flecainide (50mg twice a day) for a couple of years and I had no explanation from either my heart specialist or my GP. Now I'm much more informed. I wish I was somewhere close enough to be your patient.
I went into Aflutter the other day, 210 was my heart rate. Scared the hell out of me. I am on Flecanaide and Eliquis. I am age 58 and this is all new to me. 😔
Thanks for this information.
Thank you for this video. I have been on 150mg of Flecanaide morning & night for about 10 years & have never had any problems with it. Prior to that I was on Sotalol, but often had to go to hospital for treatment. Of course I'd rather not be taking tablets, but necessary I'm sure in my case. I had arrhythmia on & off from age 22, when at 65 it became Afib. Now at 77 I face a possible valve replacement, but will take each day as it comes😃
I do love listen to your informative videos.
I was just put on this medication 50 mg morning and night. My heart is skipping a beat and the doctor thinks that this medication will work. I’m just nervous because I’ve read all the side effects.
Im 63M in other wise good health.
I’m in AFIB as I type this. I’m starting my Flecinide journey today. Found I have leaky Mitral Valve so a new valve down the road is happening, just like you So I feel you.
Healing zen to you!
I have taken it for years. Thank you for the explanation of the second drug. I was MUCH happier with Flec alone.
Just started this medication today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works. My AFib started about 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with Grave's disease. I had a thyroid ablation with RAI. But after I got COVID in January of 22, my AFib has increased substantially. I would go into AFib a few times a months. The last 2 weeks though, I have started going into it a few times a day. Usually brought on by ice cold beverages, eating a large meal, eating too fast or laying down flat. Wish me luck!! 😊
How are you doing now?
Did you ever get the ablation?
I'm actually doing great. The medication is working very well. I've only had 2 episodes since starting the medication, but both days I over indulged in caffeine drinks, so it was my own fault. The only downside is because I'm also on metoprolol for high blood pressure so my heart rate stays between 49 and 60. But I can live with that. Thank you for asking.
@@kirstenkk6493 did you get the ablation or just medication? And what 2 medications are you on ?
@@kirstenkk6493 Have you tried loading up on Magnesium and Potassium? I've been doing so and have not had another episode and my resting HR is down to about 51 or so, hardly goes above 70 unless I'm exerting. I'm not on Flecanide or any other drug although my doc rx'ed Eliquis. Still can't decide if I want to take it as my CHADS VASQ is 1, only for my age over 65.
Thank you for your videos ❤ I have learned so much about my Afib from you AND an understanding of my medicines! I’ve recently been having trouble with blurry vision and frequent headaches. You have brought to my attention to the drug Flecainide. I takes 100 MG 2 times a day and also take Metoprolol and Digoxin. Nock wood, I haven’t had any recurrence for the last 41/2 years. You are the only one who has given me the details of the side effects of Flecainide so I can now discuss this with my Cardiologist.
Getting ready to take 75mg. of Flecainide with small dose of Metoprolol. My Doctor explained the need to keep Flecainide in check with the Metoprolol. Your depth of explanation was a welcomed second opinion. Not a fan of Meds like these so I guess it's One Day at a Time. Note - I find everyone's comments comforting and helpful. Kind of feels like online Group Therapy .
Thank you for the information you’re providing us. I was on flecainide, after 4 months from the corner of my eyes I started saying things moving fast I thought maybe I’m having problem with my vision. I decided to see my optometrist but Before making an appointment I contacted my cardiologist and I mentioned the situation she asked me to stop taking it immediately it can cause hallucination. it’s a rare case she said, one in a million, just my luck!
Thank you, Dr. Gupta, for your videos. I have taken meds for high blood pressure since I was 22. Now, at 66, I apparently have persistant AFib. I take my blood pressure twice a day but about half the time my blood pressure can't be recorded because of too many Afibs. I'm looking for ways to control/stop this problem and your videos have been extremely informative--not only for AFib but also my heart in general. I always go to you first to learn about my condition,. Thank you for teaching me about my heart so I can make informed decisions for living a long healthy life.
That's ridiculous apparently what you're doing IS NOT WORKING. TAKE MEDS,
I had ablation (pulmonary vein antrum isolation) to fix A-fib at NYU Langone Heart Rhythm Center in 2005. I haven’t had A-fib since then.
I have AFIB but I have no symptoms. My cardiologists has me on Xerelto, Lisinapril, and Bystolic. I have an enlarged heart and a leaky heart valve. The cost of Xerelto is riduculus. Your video was very informative.
Yes Xarelto without Medicare D is $4,000 for 90 day supply. Had to pay $400 (instead of $120) last week because of the "donut hole".
I had 2 afib episodes about a month apart and the cardiologist at the hospital quickly gave me a 2 syringe dose of a heart pause drug. The third time I went to the hospital another cardiologist waited and watched. I chose to go to the second for a check up. I live in Texas in the US and am tired of some of the treatments that sound a little out of date. Doctors, nurses, emergency personnel always ask if I've taken an aspirin a day. Or when I call an ambulance they ALWAYS expect me to have chest pain. Research and heart studies in the US are almost always done on men. I understand it wasn't until 2016 that women were routinely included in heart attack research. So when I tell them I have other symptoms they pretty much dismiss me. And that is why I follow you. Than you, I think you are the voice of reason.
Thank you so much for making these informative videos to help us who are affected by afib and other heart related conditions. My husband was recently diagnosed with afib and started treatments with medications. We watch your videos to try to educate ourselves. Your videos help us to understand afib and its treatments. I can't thank you enough. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊
I had iv flecainide after a failed dc cardioversion. My heart did try to get into a normal rhythm but slipped back after a few hours. 40 minutes of slow motion conscious fainting. The worst experience of my life!
Love the videos - really helpful and informative.
Thank you for these really informative videos. I am three days post-ablation and am beginning heavy duty study of AF. Have had paroxysmal AF for years but, as predicted, the episodes became much longer over time and really put me down due to lowered BP (77/52 last time). Also experienced intensity of light headedness. So, after many years of this I finally decided to have the ablation performed. So far so good. Thank you again.
May I ask if you always had low blood pressure, or just when you went into Afib?🤔
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 Just when I went into A fib...Pulse was in the low 100's.
@@Rogijimbex One more question, please. When you went into AFib what was your usual heart rate? Mine was around 160 beats per minute.
@@gloriamaryhaywood2217 I usually never went beyond 120. My resting rate is around 55. I was acutely affected - didn't have it all the time. The reason I finally had the ablation done was the episodes (over the years) went from a duration of 20 minutes to a day or two without stopping. That was with Flecainide and Atenolol not really able to hold it off when it came.
Rocky beck , how are you doing 1 year later?
Thank you for the information in this video. I had cardiac ablation the end of August 2018. Prior to that an echo showed both my atria enlarged (the left "grossly" enlarged). I have been on a twice daily dose of Flecainide - 100 mg - since then. A new echo showed vth the atria now reverted to normal size.
Dr Natale now wants me to stop the drug - I hope I get some years being free of paroxsymal afib, but appreciate the information for using this as a PIP.
Bless you!
I go into AFib about once a year then get electrically cardioverted.
It's so so good to hear you've been cured thanks to ablation.
I found the video most useful and understand now why my Flecainide PIP has sometimes put me into flutter , but not always. I was told 300mg was the maximum dosage which is what I now take in one go on onset, previously the 100mg after onset of AF worked, then a second one after an hour and that also worked for a while then up to the 300mg. A major relief when it does work and I would give it the thumbs up!
Thank you Dr. Gupta. I learn so much from you and as a patient on flecainide I feel pretty confident that it is a good drug for me. I always feel that my cardiologist knows what she is doing!!!
Thank you for a very informative video. I'm an AFib patient and about to undergo Cardioversion to hopefully 'fix' the condition. I'll tune in for more videos from you.
Edwin Gary how did your Cardiversion help you?
I am educating myself from your videos to live healthy! I referred your channel to my family and friends. Extremely useful.
Salute you! In your busy schedules, you are making videos for social consideration
Clear exposition , well done. Lung may be affected by chronic flecainide use. Worth mentioning
How??
Thank you so much for the care and concern and your time. I was on this drug but did not work for me after a while. Appreciate you!
Thank you, been using this medicine (slow release)together with Verapamil now for 5 months. No episodes anymore, after 12 years of Afib. No side effects, i am very happy for your information.
Verapamil is not the drug of choice for slowing conduction
@@bensilverstern4156 I use Flecainide and Verapamil
@@ellenhiemstra7263 yes I know. But the verapamil is not the best calcium channel blocker. It does not cause much slowing of conduction in the Bundle of Hiss Verapamil is added to prevent atrial flutter and atrial flutter is prevented by slowing of conduction between atria and ventricles. Verapamil is mainly used for its effect in relaxing smooth muscle in arterioles and thereby lowering blood pressure
Ooops, I remembered wrongly. Please ignore
@@bensilverstern4156 thanks for being alert anyways
I've used it about a dozen times to stop AFIB. It works in slightly less than an hour every time. At that time, the heart temporarily stops and restarts in a normal sinus mode. At that time I feel like I'm passing out because the heart stops. But feel relieved when the heart starts beating again in a normal sinus rhythm at a rate just above a resting rate. It takes about another hour before the heart is completely relaxed. No obvious side effects, I can drive in traffic just fine, no (additional) vision problems.
It stops? I can't find any info supporting this. I'm not calling you a liar, I'm just trying to educate myself before I start taking this medication
heart stopping ! - that sounds scary ,
There's a BETTER MED...TYCOSIN
Had two cardioversions never stopped my heart it just shocked it back into its original rhythm no side effects for me,,,,,
Ticosyn is Over $1000 for a 30 day prescription. @graceburrell8800
Could you PLEASE speak more about ATRIAL FLUTTER, perhaps a complete session about it and how to control it without APIXABAN or ablation.
I really wish you were my Doctor. You are so knowledgeable.
So reassuring, thank you. Your videos are immensely helpful .
Enjoy your UA-cam videos and kind personality in delivering such help to us lay people to understand more about our heart diagnosis.
I was on Flecanide for only 4.5 days and stopped it. I did not do well on it. It created shortness of breath, a hard strong feeling of beating without AFib but felt awful. I also experienced intense brain fog and could not think straight. Upsetting as that is whats worse is my cardiologist seemed to think I was the only one in the world who had those symptoms and therefore it was all in my head. Honestly that is the worst feeling when a medical doctor does not believe you! Dr. Gupta I would like to know why some of us do experience side effects to medications and why the need for a medical doctor to feel its all in our heads?
My cardiologist sounds like yours too. I'm asking for medication for afib .he said I don't need it .dizziness, shortness of breath. Low energy
@@saturninocantillon7548 have you been diagnosed with afib?
I was prescribed flecainide before my ablation, but have to say I had dreadful side effects from it in terms of heightened anxiety the likes of which I’ve never experienced before. My cardiac nurse said I would be better off it after my ablation because of the potential side effects that the excellent Dr Gupta describes here.
I did indeed come off all medication after my ablation and apart from some mild episodes months apart have been fine.
Was the ablation successful? I had it done and it lasted about 3 months, then afib returned.
I have been on flecainaide since 2013 after two conversions and two ablations. I seem to tolerate it well and seems like this is the only think that put me back in rhythm. Thank you for the explanation.
Hello, I would like to know if you have experienced any side effects from taking flecainaide. If you don’t mind how old are you. I am 54 and with Paroxsymal Afib. Appreciate your input. Thanks!
Dizziness, short of breath, swelling, constipation. Just a bad drug for me. Doesn't help my afib or aflutter either. Sadly.
Im 81
@@junebrown2260 my goodness!You don't look 81 in that picture!!!!!
I learned a lot, Dr. Gupta. Thank you!
Thank you for the explanation. Informative as always.
Thank you doctors your vedios are sovaluble for us they give us the understanding of what were going through. Because a doctors has notice to explain about the diagnosis to a nonhealthcare person. So people get so scared about it.this chanl is so valuble to the wholworld.thank you again God bless you❤
Very helpful info. You are a great teacher! Thank you!
I really enjoy hearing your talks thank you - very bright.
Thank you for the information. I have been on a daily dose of 100mg Flec (50mg every 12 hours) since 2001, so 18 years with no side effects or problems. I do get the occasional AFib episode (around once per month) but I usually convert within a couple of hours, so I am assuming that the Flec is doing it's job.
Nicee
Have you ever had an Ablation ?
I just started it and have been up all night after the night time dose
Thank you Doctor for this great review . I too take this drug twice a day for Afib and it works very well. Again, thanks for all your videos. You are terrific.
This drug is being recommended to me by my Dr. I have Paroxsymal Afib for 5 yrs now. How long have you been taking this drug and have you noticed any side effects? Appreciate if you can share some info.
I take this medicine twice daily after having two Heart ablation, and I'm doing well so far, thanks for the information
Can I ask why you need it after 2 ablations? I have also had 2 ablatiins, but now wake up with erratic heart, Cardiologist suggests scaring is causing nighttime arrythmia now, so now getting diagnosed flecainide
I was getting AFib only when I exercised hard, (I'm a 70 year old competitive cyclist) I have been on Flecainide for 12 months and haven't had an AF episode since, however the side affect is that I'm not able to exercise as hard as before, my aerobic capacity has decreased quite a bit and my stamina for riding long distances has also dropped. I'm taking 100mg of Flecainide twice per day.
Interesting! Im 68 yrs and ultra distance cyclist with paroxysmal AF. When you say exercise hard, what HR put you into AF?
@@simplydebes when I did speed sessions my HR gets up to 155 (my max) but it takes a few repeats before I go into AF and then it goes up to over 200 and I start to feel quite faint, I slow down and it goes away till next sprint, it varies from session to session. On a long weekend ride we'll ride 100k and I will go into AF late in the ride on hills that I put effort into. I drop out of AF when I back off the pace. I have gone into AF with HR as low as 140. When I do go into AF I have seen my HR go as high as 219bpm. Initially when I was on Beta Blockers I would go into AF at only 105bpm, I stopped those immediately.
Now I'm on Flecainide and blood thinners and I haven't had an AF episode since.
@@SuperPa Thanks for the reply. It's nice to chat with someone of similar age and quite active. What you experience shows how different AF can be. The last time I got AF it was quite warm and I think the main cause was dehydration. I'm over in Perth and we have had the hottest summer on record. At its peak 38C felt cool after a few mid 40s. This time I was able to record it on my Apple Watch and from the print out my cardiologist is thinking I might have SVT rather than AF. Although, it may start off as AF for a few seconds than go into SVT. My HR was over 160bpm but regular. (I use Pill in Pocket method of control as I only get it every couple of months). I wonder if this is happening to you? The ride was very flat and I was taking it easy. Since then I have bought a Garmin HR monitor which has been helpful.
Hopefully I will do a 660km gravel ride next month but leave the racing to the young folk. I'll do 100km a day and get a good sleep each night. But riding off-road by yourself hoping that its not going to be an AF day can spoil the fun.
@@simplydebes Interesting about your summer weather, here in Brisbane it's been the mildest summer that I can remember. I ride in the cool of the mornings at around 5am. One day last August at our track training day I opted in the previous 24 hours not to take my medication, I felt strong and powerful, I was taking my turns on the front, after the 3rd turn I started to feel weird and saw my HR go from 140 to 188 (my max is 150). The immediately slowed and coasted back to where my car was, after a couple of minutes my HR returned to normal and I took my medication and continued on riding at a slower pace. In recent weeks I have greatly increased my consumption of electrolyte and I have dieted and lost 7kg, I'm down to 70kg (I'm 170cm tall), both these have given me improvement in aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
Good luck with your epic ride.
@@SuperPa I was a competitive cyclist for years, did the Grafton to Inverell and raced A grade at club level. AFib has stopped me in my tracks. I was prescribed Flecainide which only converted AFib into atrial flutter. I'm so angry and full of self pity. "why me" etc. Going to the doctors again this afternoon to discuss ablation
Thank you for your video's Dr Gupta. I have been on Flecainide every day for about 2 years, following a failed ablation that lasted a year. The flecainide is the only thing that terminates, and keeps my permanent AF at bay, and I have realised that I can go below the minimum dose and it still keeps me in sinus rhythm. Also intermittent fasting has really helped because it seems to drop my blood sugar level and insulin resistance, as well as giving a small amount of autophagy which appears to give a cell healing/replacement effect as noted in many studies.
Update: After many months of intermittent fasting my arrhythmias/ectopic beats have improved by about 70 percent, and my heart feels a lot better. i think this due to it lowering inflammation in the body.
Hi !! How long u been afib. . I'm afib too and diabetic.. dizziness, shortness of breath pulse rate 150bpm
@@saturninocantillon7548 Hi Saturmino, I have had it for a few years, although the intermittent fasting has really helped but does take time. Intermittent fasting seems to drop my blood sugar level and insulin resistance, as well as giving a small amount of autophagy which appears to give a cell healing/replacement effect as noted in many studies.
@@smokey11a1 when you intermittent fast what is your schedule of eating. Thank you
I appreciate your information given so that I can understand. Thank-you so much!
I have no comorbidities cardiologist tried to take me off sotalol and tried this and set me off real bad only problem I've only had one afib attack then 4 months after being on sotalol tried this I had really bad increased heart rate and atrial flutter stopped taking immediately and took 3 days to come right. I thiink this medication should be treated with caution there's been a lot of problems with it and the excuses they made about the people that had other problems wasn't backed up with studies on ones who hadn't had other issues. Then I'm probably a bit jaded. Love your info and appreciate it by the way.
This is another really Amazing video … plenty of thanks to Dr Gupta for his supportive & enlightening works 😍🌷👍🙏❤️
Just came across this video, and I had a poor experience with Flecainide. I had an echocardiograph that proved I had a structural normal heart but kept going into AF with repeat cardioversions (months or years apart). After one episode when I had been successfully cardioverted I was put on the tablet version of Flecainide. Months later I had another episode of AF, but at times felt very strange and after seeking medical support was found that I periodically would go into VT. Having these episodes of VT meant immediate cardioversion that returned me to normal sinus rhythm. The results of further investigation proved that it was the Flecainide that was causing the episodes of VT but only when I was in AF. Now in permanent AF being successfully rate controlled with medication and my medical records showing my allergic reaction to Flecainide.
Me too , I was not comfortable taking Flecainide but I didn’t know how to explain it to my cardiologist . My heart doing all kinds of weird beats . Luckily my cardiologist put in touch with an Electrophysiologist . Before I knew it I had an ablation . Now I’m only taking the blood thinners . No fib this past 10 months
What is the other medication you are using in place of Flecainide?
@@QuantumOfSolace1 I take Verapamil and Digoxin for the Afib and Apixaban as a blood thinner. I've been on this medication for a number of years now and my Afib is well tolerated. Note I'm in permanent Afib and that's why I'm on these medications. The last cardioversion failed so of the choices I was given I chose medication and I'm happy with it as it doesn't stop me from doing anything I could do before, the downside is I'm on the medication for life.
This is going to be a good series. Thank you for info.
I am afraid of that drug! Does it work for NSVT??
Debbie van Dijk just get an ablation. It’s been proven to be more effective that antiarthymic drugs. Ablation offers a possible “cure”. Both are scary but I’d go for the more permanent treatment.
Tinnitus pursatile make me more ansious..feel my heart beats all the time. Atrial fibrillation and on Flecanaide, but the filling constantly in my ears of the heart beating, some time, slow, some time to fast , make me crazy..and is supouse to be like that for the rest of my life.!!
@Miguel Thanks!!
I have the same thing!
Thank you, very helpful. My friend is currently going through AFib a second time and has just had a cardio version done. She’s been given Flecainide and is nervous to take it because of the side effect (heart attack and death). Thanks for this, it puts my mind at ease hearing that a Doctor only prescribes flecainide knowing that the heart is ok before taking it.
I had a very bad reaction to Flecanide which caused me to go into VTAC and phone an ambulance. My Doctor then tripled the dose and I had another attack. Both times I managed to self revert but the attacks were both debilitating and I took days to get my heart below 120. My Doc has me on Sotalol now and there's not been much change.
Can you do a video on other medications, such as Metoprolol ER Succinate? I love your videos!
Thank you sir! I am 40 and have had 1 afib attack a year since I was 19 and never did anything about it till now, I saw your vid on Ablation and thankfully have chosen this route instead as a treatment. I’ll see how it works for me when I get a attack (or hopefully not) as I’m on 25ml of metropolol daily and feels like it helps.
Any updates?
Back in the day, as a representative, I launched and sold encainide, which worked quite well for ventricular tachycardia. But the FDA pulled it after some adverse adverse reactions occurred from being used in inappropriate patients with less severe arrhythmias.
I've had A-Fib for 13 years and was prescribed Flecainide in 2019...within hours I experienced serious heart failure and spent three days in hospital. The doctor took me off it without any comment on the harm it had done. I'm now on Amiodarone and Bisoprolol, which work fine.
Very informative and your lecture is good and clear understanding
Absolutely Awesome Docter
Fantastic video you must be a great Doctor .
Greetings. Great vid. Very informative. I'm on Flecainide and Concor and have not gotten any fast heart beats now going on 7 years. I'll like if you can post a vid like this on the effects of Concor so I can fully understand the role of each tablet. God is Great . Thanks .
I like this guy, wish he did a few more videos
I am wondering if other people have had extreme tiredness as well as brain fog with daily dose ? Down to 25mg twice a day and still experiencing these awful side effects.
Thank you so much for your videos - being educated in this way is so beneficial. I am so grateful.
I have not had those issues until Metoprolol was added. Switched to Atenolol instead and that seems to have helped.
After I started flecanide at 50mg 2xs a day. Within 2 days I was with very brain fogged with tiredness. Also with shortness of breath and strong heartbeat...but not Afib that I was aware of. My BP climbed a bit and so did resting pulse. I went off it after day 4. My cardiologist seems to think because I had such symptoms that it is all in my head. Seriously? So I made this up? wow.
I definitely get fatigue and brain fog from flecanaide. I also take metoprolol tartrate. Both drugs have been lowered in dose - initially by cardiologist; now I listen to my body. Diagnosed 3 yrs ago with afib, age 65. Ridiculous; went from healthy, active, yoga, tennis, healthy eating to laying on the floor 12 hours a day from extreme fatigue. Weirdest feeling for me: after taking my mind-body for granted, I couldn’t even motivate or force my body to move/keep moving. Couldn’t think clearly and my bills started piling up! Told dr. I may as well be dead if this is going to be my new normal ‘quality of life.’ However, lowering the flecanaide dose (flecanaide went from 100 mg bid to 50 bid to 25 bid to 12.5 bid) definitely lessened the fatigue (Aldo lowered the metoprolol tartrate from 25 bid to 12.5 bid). Soon after the Covid pandemic started in the US I became extremely anxious, started feeling palps, flutters, and wanted my heart checked. The 1-week echocardiogram was normal and cardiologist said I had a “racing heart” - whatever that is because I received the info via an assistant by phone. Advised to increase flecanaide to 100 bid. Well, I went to 50 bid for several weeks, again mostly flattened out, this time in bed, but my heart did go back to feeling normal - don’t know if it’s bc I became less anxious about covid, probably “pandemic fatigue” - or from the double dose of flecanaide. However, I’ve been gradually & very slowly lowering the dose once again and so far I’m feeling more energy and heart feels fine. Haven’t read up on flecanaide recently but when I started it, I recall reading that fatigue was a side-effect. Also several ppl on afib forums called flecanaide a “dirty drug”, dangerous, and debilitating fatigue as one of several side effects. Gonna check again. Good to hear Dr. Gupta give it the ok; feel less worried about taking it. Also; the first 15-30 minutes after I take it - esp. in higher doses - I get the most incredible heart arrhythmia & pounding. Had told cardiologist bc it began soon after I started taking it, but he brushed it aside, naturally. Never found anything about this online. My next goal is to move to pill-in-pocket, maybe wait until after covid vaccine so my anxiety level remains low. Have read stress can bring on afib and that definitely seems to be my culprit. Sadly, I believe these heart meds have made me less physically active overall which concerns me bc imo a healthy heart (and body) needs to be exercised - as in movement; I’m not a tree!
@@Faffy58 What do you mean by brain Fog? Heaviness of head, headache or confusion with lack of concentration? Please i hope you reply.
Thank you. Please come back.
All of your videos are Excellent+ Thank You.
Very informative video. I wish I had several of your videos before 2 unsuccessful ablation procedures which have left me with more frequent episodes now then prior. Flecainide is keeping me regular so far but have been apprehensive taking it after reading some bad info on the web. Feeling a bit more confident now, having seen this. Thank you!
So sorry to hear what happened but i am happy to hear that fleccanide has helped you. Are you still consuming fleccanide? Or have you got off it due to the info u have found online?
I read your comment where you say you wished you had known of Dr. Gupta's channel before your ablation. Would you mind sharing what you wish you had done differently? I am facing this decision right now.
@@amberj6760 Well.... keep in mind. I am NOT a Doctor. All I can tell you is my personal experience with treating Afib. I'll keep it as short as possible. My afib is symtomatic, meaning, it takes me out of commission and I'm heading to the hospital if it lasts more than an hour or so. Started in my mid 30's. Prior to ablations, I had only been hospitalized once. I could usually get myself out of afib, bearing down etc. @ 50 years old my Dr. thought it was best to "treat it". First Ablation. 5 years ago. Kept me out of afib for 1.5 years. I waited almost 3 years due to managing afib and pandemic. Second ablation. DISASTER. Went from afib 1 or twice every few months to once or twice a week. I was never told that this is a possible "side affect" of an unsuccessful ablation. (if I read correctly there is close to a 20% chance of this happening but due diligence on your part.) THIRD ablation 2 months later to try and correct whatever happened and it "worked" for about 2 months before afib raged back every few days. Was put on Flecanide which seemed to work for about 2 months. Afib came back despite being on highest does of Flec. Was changed to Soltalol. Fortunately I have been mostly afib free for almost 6 months now. I am on 40mg of Sotalol twice a day. Why was I not given the option of medication BEFORE ablation? It was never even discussed. There is so much I have learned AFTER my experience that would have made me seek every other possible option before ablation. Live and learn. Find a Dr. you trust who is open and honest and ASK QUESTIONS! If your DR. doesnt have the time or desire to answer all your concerns, find another until you are sure you are getting the care you need. Best of luck to you and God Bless!
Excellent presentation.
love your work great public service thank you!
Do you have more videos on the other anti arrhythmic medications? Please let me know.
Very grateful for your videos!
My mom (88 yrs old) was on this drug for years ....for afib. Eventually it stopped working. For over a year she was in afib all the time. Her cardiologist asked her why she was taking it and then took her off the drug. Interestingly, she returned to sinus rhythm for about a month and now maintains about 50% of the time.
I was put on this drug and I made me much worse
My electrophysiologist offered me flexanide for very frequent PVCs which have recurred after two ablations. Please do a video for that scenario.
It depends on how stubborn your AFIB is. I was diagnosed in 2019 and we tried flecainide as well as other medications, none of which worked. Next it was a cardioversion, which did not take. At that point we did a medication cardioversion using amiodarone. That worked but it is extremely toxic and not a long term solution. As a result, several years later, the AFIB returned. We tried tripling the flecainide, which did not work, so we did another cardioversion, which has worked thus far. If the AFIB comes back, then we're doing a heart ablation.
Thank you Doctor. I have had paroxysmal afib since I was 20 (happened 1st on the soccer pitch). It used to come once every couple years and as I have aged, it has increased in regularity. I am now 59 and it is happening a couple times a week. I have been on Sotolol on ever increasing dosage and my cardiologist has just changed me over to flecainide with bisoprolol so see if this will be more effective. Fingers crossed 🙂
my heart hurts a few times after taking flecainde 50 since march twice a day and inget nausea and even fast heart beat metripolol addition does not help sometime i feel weak and very tired should i taje it just at night?
Please help. I live in the states. A few months ago I was sent to the emergency room during a routine doctor's visit after a PA noticed fluctuation in my heart rate I was given a AK zhi and sent to the emergency room by ambulance. During my two-day stay at the hospital I was given different medications I ended up leaving with a prescription for metoprolol and Eliquis. I was referred to a Cardiologist. He he took me off the Eliquis and had me take low-dose aspirin 4 my continual AFib. After my fourth visit he let me decide whether or not I would consider a cardioversion which I did. It worked for less than a week and my heart went back into AFib. He had me start back on the blood thinner Eliquis for 6 weeks and now has taken me off of it and I am back on low dose aspirin. I'm wondering if Flecainide would work for me ? I am not diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure or any heart defects other than the actual AFib. I like my doctor very much but I am wondering why he is against me trying the flecainide. Should I get a second opinion ?
What about if you’re calcium score is 800 but everything else is good
I was just told to stop taking this medication because I’m having reactions to it. I’m 27 I have had three episodes of AF once every month my heart is structurally normal and strong but sometimes I go into AF they don’t know why 🤷♂️. I think it’s all electrical or maybe stress-related
Love these informative vids!
Doctor just switched me from metropolol to flecanide. Metropolol lowered my HR too much. Tonight I take the first dose
How is it working for you?
How do you feel? Some guy on here says stops the heart? 😮
@@georgiayoung9124 I'm off of it now, they fixed the problem with surgery. But the 6 months I was on it, it was HEAVEN.. no attacks and no side effects... So grateful! Metropolol nearly killed me
@ really ok I’m just anxious about starting many scary stories. Same here. Had mild MI many yrs ago. Atrial fib infrequent but metropolol same deal
How commonly are people taking a beta blocker with the Flecainide?
I was on Flecainide. About six weeks after going on the drug, I was given a stress test, and that test resulted in an anomaly during the QR phase of my EKG. They took me off of Flecainide, and put me on Multaq.
Thank you for this video. Good work. What is maximum dosages of selekon zock to take safely with flecainide acetate. Your answer will be much appreciated. Thank you.
That's interesting. I take 50mg twice a day. They didn't say it can also stop an attack. They haven't told my anything, they just fill me up with pills and give me no advice. I wish he was my Cardiologist. I'm also on Bisoprolol. Headaches are appalling.
I was on it. Then issue happened started Zoloft have not looked back.
Do as much research about medications on the heart and your condition is possible and that will spark questions it's not all the doctor's fault
@@reggiepalmer6157 in that case it was
@@holysmoke8439 no it wasn't. It's your fault because soon as they prescribe you something get online and read as much about it as you can go in and look at reviews study the medication on Wikipedia before you take one tablet. See what pharmaceutical company makes it see how many recalls they have see what the contaminants were if they had it recalled and if it's made in China LOL good luck with that!
@@battletv777Zoloft? How does that help? Hate the heart med side effects
Thank you for the information. Doesn’t seem like most GPs take AF seriously enough……. If I had been prescribed flecainide when I was experiencing severe af attacks maybe I wouldn’t have gone on to have ventricular fibrillation. I’m not sure if sone GPs understand how debilitating and difficult it is to live a normal life when suffering from af. Thankfully 🤞. Having one had 2 heart procedures(ablations). I now have a much better quality of life. Keep saying this on these blogs. If you have persistent af. Push for a 7 day heart monitor because it was only after this, I was sent to a cardiologist My heart rate went down to 30 then rapidly up to 140. Take care 🌈💜
am a patient at yale hospital 800 i take flecanide 100mg one thing is that i be having a lot of anxiety attacks don't no if it is the medicine but when I was on metoprolo i never had anxiety
Have taken this med for over 25 years for ventricular tachycardia. No other meds taken. Have been to.d that stopping it could increase risk of stroke and would like to understand why and what I could do, in addition, to minimise risk
Any major side effects in the last 25 yrs of taking it. Blurred vision, swelling etc.
Thank you Sanjay for all your informative videos. Re Flecanide, can you comment on the use of a loading dose at the onset of A fib which some cardiologists recommend.
I had Flecainide for paroxysmal afib. It virtually cured me for about 3 years. I started to notice dizziness and strange heart episodes other than afib though. Turns out I was getting Broad Complex Arrhythmia due to the Flecainide. Put on Bisoprolol afterwards and went on to have ablation.
Great. Could you do a similar for all the different rate control and rhythm control drugs
Hello Dr Gupta! Hows it going sir! Thank you for sharing. Very informative! God Bless! Appreciate you so much!
I have episodes of a fib now for 20 yrs . Sometimes I’ll go 4 yrs without an episode sometimes 2 months . My cardiologist said beer and nicotine and caffeine was my problem. I no longer drink beer or use tobacco, but I still have episodes. I’m taking sotolol 120 mg twice a day and 100 mg of losartan once a day .
Hello Sanjay, I had a cryoablation in 2021, and one of the reasons was that my doctor said that it was not safe to take flecainide permanently. I had been taking it for a few years. The ablation was not very successful and they want to do another one soon. In the meantime I am taking flecainide again , 100mg x 2 daily and it seems to be working very well. I would prefer not to have another ablation if flecainide is controlling my afib successfully now. Are there any dangers in taking it long term? I am 81 years old. Thank you. I love your videos, they are so reassuring. Janet.
Very good information. I’m taking flecainide along with cardizem and they help a lot.
me too
I wish we could have you as our doctor!
Thank you Dr Gupta
I am on 100 mg daily and flecainide 50 morning 50 at night and has prevented me from having a fib for the last two years I do take 300 mg pocket pill when I do have a fib alas no longer than four hours and I’m converted back into normal rhythm flecainide has worked very well for me
Very educative and informative.
Is an athlete's heart with dilated left atrium considered a "structurally normal" heart?
Thank you for thw information Dr. I had a surgery (ablation)one year ago due to the atrial fibrilation and the unique medicine that has worked for me for stopping afib is Flecanide.
I take 3.75 mg of bisoprol every morning i dont know if it is helping me i have an episode every month or so sometimes every 2 or 3 months and its gone after a few hours sometimes it lasts all day,i take 1500 mg of magnesium every day 1000mg of taurine ,500mg of resveratrol ,500mg of natokinnase,1000mg of vitamin c ,little or no alcohol, a litre of water with a sandwich every day,its a constant battle ,first time it happened i ended up in hospital i wouldn't wish that on anyone im in Ireland, i would like to get off of bisoprolol and go natural,might be a mistake.
my afib got triggered after 6 years when i took pfyzer vaccine i took flacainide and ts a horrible medicine it made me like a vegetable i fell on my coach luckly i was not standing on hard floor i could have had a concussion i had no energy so weak where i could not get up to turn off my tv or brush my teath i only took it for a few days and it made me feel horrible dizziness weakness and still getting afib symptoms i am diagnosed with afib tachycardia 2.2 percent i started with eliquis which prevents stroke for three months along with motropolol and i saw blood in my toilet because eliquis causes bleeding in skull and stomach motropolol causes dizziness and i still get the symptoms of afib