Flecainide side effects

[ScottH]

Hi -

I have seen several mentions of the bad side effects of flecainide but no details on what they are. I am taking this medication to control ventricular arrhythmias. It makes me a little dizzy and nauseous sometimes, but otherwise nothing obvious. Could you elaborate on the side effects ? Is there something that is/will happen down the road ?

Thank you.

[papawoowoo]

A related discussion, flecanide was started.

[mjoshi]

A related discussion, Flecainide and lip swelling was started.

[Momto3]

I'm glad to hear that you have an ICD to help with any unexpected VT.  Hopefully, it doesn't get set off, but it's nice to know it's there for insurance.  

Sorry to hear that the rhythmol lost its effectiveness.  I had really good luck with that particular medicine.  The side effects were pretty non-existent and it really helped to keep the ectopics at bay.  For the most part, flecainide also kept the rhythm in check.  I just didn't like the side effects I was having.  

I hear ya on the low heart rate.  On quiet days, it was fine.  But, when I needed to be "up and running" I felt so sluggish.

I hope the flecainide works out for you and that the nausea and dizziness subside quickly.  I experienced the dizziness with lisinopril.  Like you, I tolerated it for the most part, but it sure didn't feel too great.  It took a little over 4 months for the dizziness to go away completely.  Over the 4 months, it occurred less and less often, until finally it subsided.  I hope you have the same good fortune that the dizziness will disappear altogether.  Fingers crossed that it subsides quickly!  Keep us posted!  

Have a great weekend!

[ScottH]

Thank you CCFheartMD for the information. And thank you for this forum.

I have pvc's and exercise-induced VT. In addition to meds (flecainide and mexitil), I have an ICD. I took rythmol for about four years, and it started to lose its effectiveness, so my Dr. switched to flec. I've been taking it for about five years, 200 mg twice a day. I get my blood level check about one a year. I have a slow resting heart rate (low 40's), and have never been able to tolerate any beta blocker; I think I've tried them all ! They immediately lower my heart rate into the 30's, and I can't function.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dizziness occurs in up to 30% of patients on Flec.  The second most common symptom is visual disturbance which can occur in up to 10 to 15% of patients, followed by headaches, nausea and other gastrointestinal problems.  Tremors and weakness are less frequent, and occur in up to 5% of patients.  Finally, some patients may develop rashes on their skin( 1 - 3%).  The more severe side-effect related to slow heart rates or ventricular arrhythmias occure in less than 1% of patients.  Therefore, the side-effects you are experiencing are very common and relatively benign.  It's hard to say whether you may experience any other side effects.  Probably not, but as you know, all of these medications are somehow metabolized by our body, in the case of Flec it is mostly the liver and partially the kidney, therefore, any other medications or foods that you may start taking in the future may affect the levels of Flec in your body, predisposing you to any of the other side-effects.  Also, developing liver or renal disease may bring on side-effects as well.      

[Momto3]

I took flecainide for ventricular arrythmias also.  I was on them for about 4 months before my doctor switched me to propafenone (rhythmol).

For me, side effects were mainly related to my central nervous system.  I had hand tremors, shakiness and was having VERY weird dreams. I noticed the side effects pretty quickly, not the first couple of days, but within a short time.

How long have you been on the medication?  Are you taking it for frequent pvcs?  Have you even been on beta blockers?