taking Tambucor?

[mhardin07]

Is anyone else taking Tambucor (flecainide-generic) for PVC's? My cardiologist put me on this a few years ago when my beta blocker stopped working, but many Dr's always ask why. They find is weird that I am on this medication that can cause problems when PVC's are not dangerous. I have a lot of them, though. I am still taking Inderal, just because my heart did not like it when I tried to take it off.

[Momto3]

I also took Tambacor for frequent pvcs.  Prior to the Tambacor, I took Inderal on/off for many years.  However, the Inderal had stopped being effective for the pvcs.  The doctor put me on Tambacor, but it was not really considered until I had a drop in my ejection fraction (b/c of the frequent pvcs).  She felt that it was a good medicine for me.  It really knocked the pvcs out!  I also continued to take Inderal for breakthrough episodes of pvcs.  I don't think sodium channel blockers are first line treatment, but in some cases they are prescribed.  

Have you found the Tambacor to be effective?

[fearfactor]

Hi!  Have you found any kind of meds for PVCs like beta blockers or calcium channel blockers to cause weight gain? I have heard Inderal can cause it and I"m on that - I am trying to take off the last bit of baby weight and it's tough, so I'm wondering if Inderal is making it harder to lose.  Since you've tried some of these meds, how do you think they are weight-wise?

[mhardin07]

that is the thing. It helps, but not that much. I take 160mg of Inderal LA once a day and 50mg of Tambucor twice a day. I could not tolerate the 100 mg twice/day of Tambucor they originally wanted me to take. The Inderal worked amazingly for 7 years. Then, one day...it just stopped. I take both every day. My Dr said taking Inderal is like changing the oil on time in a car....it just makes things run better....so there is no need to take me off. Plus, my heart gets all wacked out when I try to get off of it. I just hate that I take 2 meds every day, high does, and I still have so many PVC's. Especially since Tambucor can have not sp good side effects.

[mhardin07]

I have never heard of Inderal causing weight gain. I have been on it for 10 years now. I have 2 kids and am now overweight, but because of that. I lost the baby weight with my son really fast and was on Inderal.

[Momto3]

Maybe the Tambacor will take a little longer to kick in.  I think I was also taking 50mg twice a day.  I was only taking 80mg Inderal and an occasional 10 or 20mg tablet on BAD days.  Give the Tambacor a little time...maybe that's all it needs to be more effective.  I don't know if this would help, but I found Rhythmol easier to tolerate (less side effects) than Tambacor. So maybe if the T doesn't work, your doctor will consider Rhythmol....just a thought.

I know what you mean about the Inderal....It has somewhat of an anti-anxiety effect and I think that's why I found it so beneficial.  Still do, on occasion : )

fearfactor,

I had NO weight gain with Inderal.....Don't give up, it will come off.  Wait till you're chasing the baby around : )  I took the Inderal before, some during and after the 2nd and 3rd pregnancies and other than baby weight, no weight gain.  Now, after 40.....that's an entirely different story.  I'm not overweight, but I'm not used to gaining either.  All things change after 40....some for the better : )