Flecainide side effects

[ffmedic11]

Hi everyone...

I have been on flecainide for a couple of months.  I also take Acebutolol.  Just wondering what types of side effects people have experienced while being on these meds?  Since being on them I notice that I am much more tired than usual.  I also notice my muscles and joints ache and get fatigued very easily...i went from running 3 or 4 miles, to getting tired walking up the stairs...the medicine keeps my heart rate in check, but with consequences

I really feel that the medicine is to blame...sometimes I think Atrial Tach would be easier to deal with than the side effects...

Just wondering if others have had the same difficulties with these meds.

Thanks

[SooZeeATL]

Wow - that's a lot of flecainide for your size, but I think it also has to do with how your body metabolizes the drug. I'm 130 (5'6") and the 100mg BID about put me under. I simply couldn't function. It was just too much. Good luck to you and hopefully your EP can fine tune your flecainide so that you can function. I did really great on my dose and worked out every day and was very active. You just have to find that fine balance. - Keep us posted! - SooZee

[ffmedic11]

Thanks....

I am currently taking 150mg twice a day...I have an appointment in a week and am hoping they can make some adjustments.  I work full time as a firefighter and am getting concerned that I will not be able to do my job effectively because of the fatigue.  Over 50 pounds of gear that I have to wear on my 140 pound body is alot, but with the added fatigue it makes it seem like functioning with all my gear on will be an impossible task...keep your fingers crossed that my dose can be adjusted...I want my active lifestyle back :)

Thanks again for writing

[SooZeeATL]

I was on Flecainide for about 2 years to control my afib and aflutter. Yes, it does cause fatigue if your dose is too high. I worked with my EP to find the best dose for me which turned out to be 50mg three times a day (every 8 hours).

Other than that, my only other side effects were wild, vivid dreams all night, every night and some slight constipation.

There are also some really good posts about Flecainide on this message board so try to search for the word Flecainide.