Experience with Rythmol (propafenone)?

[JeffC]

I am 62 years old and live in Mexico. A stress test (Bruce protocol) yesterday revealed frequent AASV, and one occurrence of "AAV Lown IVA" when my heart rate was at the max during the test. I could not determine what "AAV Lown IVA" is in English. It consisted of 4 heart beats in very quick succession.  (No arterial blockage was detected.)

The cardiologist here prescribed a daily dose, to be taken each morning, of 300mg of Rythmol (propafenone), and asked to see me again in a month.

I am concerned, because a review of online info about the drug tells me that this med should start in the hospital, is usually taken at 8 hour intervals, and is not recommended where there is a problem with low heart rate, which I have been diagnosed with a borderline case of recently (pulse of 60).

I plan to get a second and possibly third opinion before starting the Rythmol, but i would appreciate your thoughts on this and I would like to hear your experience with this drug.

BTW, I have no history of heart disease, so I am not yet familiar with the terminology

Jeff

[JeffC]

Thanks for your responses.

I saw another cardiologist - the one who administered my stress test. He told me that my condition was mild and prescribed a low dose of a med that's called Betapace in English. I'll see how it goes.

Jeff

[twinbee]

I was in the hospital when my EP started me on Rythmol. All I can say is Thank God I was. I had a rare, severe reaction to Rythmol. I spent the next few days in the CCU. So as you can see, I am a firm believer in starting a new heart med in the hospital for monitoring. I did not have any previous heart problems either, except for the a-fib.
However, I know of many people who have been on Rythmol, or who are still taking it and have had wonderful results. Good Luck. Wishing you well, and wishing you enough...

[Jerry_NJ]

I have taken Propafenon (not slow release) 225 mg three times a day (8 hours) to hold normal sinus rhythm (NSR) following conversion from AFib.  I worked for me without any noted side-effects.  I did, however, revert back to AFib after about 18 months.

I have also taken Rythmol 425 SR twice a day to try to convert me to NSR.  This was done at home, but I was wearing a heart monitor during the first week on the drug.  It did not convert me, I no longer take it.  I did not notice any troubling side effects.