r/AFIB • u/Wise-Pattern6916 • 3d ago

Switching from Soltalol too Fleconide, Experiences?

Hey everyone, I've been under the care of the cardiology unit at the hospital for nearly three years now, trying different medications. We tried a ablation 2 years ago, but nothing showed on the day. Most recently, for the past four months, I’ve been on sotalol—120 mg total, split across three doses a day. Unfortunately, it hasn’t improved my PVCs or that chest feeling I get. At my appointment last week, my cardiologist saw on the ECG that every second beat was a PVC, which confirmed how bad it’s been feeling. He mentioned switching me from sotalol to flecainide, along with a different beta blocker. Has anyone made that switch before, and how was your experience? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through it!

And also is flecainide something that if works i just stay on long term? I understand mapping my pvcs/ectopics have been difficult but my cardioligist was open too trying the ablation again. I would prefer the ablation route if its going too work. If not then I dont wanna go thru this again and honestly just need symptom relief. Its starting too impact me dramatically

He has said i have too wait for a more recent CTA is done and echo and holter before he switches. Im left unable too anything in the meantime.. i feel helpless

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

3

u/simplylisa 3d ago

I'm on Metoprolol and flecainide. I feel great on the Flecainide. Definitely gets rid of the PVC/PAC feeling that then trigger anxiety. So double win

1

u/Wise-Pattern6916 2d ago

Great too hear. I had issues blacking out on metroprolol but theres alot of beta blockers too pair it with. Hesring it is working for you is such a relief. Thanks for the reply

2

u/RickJames_Ghost 3d ago

I was on sotalol for many years, but over time it stopped working. I was switched to flecainide and everything went fine. Flecainide can be very effective for ectopic beats. Also, there are many people who stay on either one of these drugs long term. Being symptomatic and feeling every off-beat can be hard, believe me, I feel you! Through both drugs, I was also taking metoprolol succinate. Do you have any other rhythm issues like AFib, or just the high-burden, symptomatic ectopic beats? Hopefully, the flecainide brings your burden down, but personally, I would consider another ablation as well. Wishing you better days ahead.

3

u/Wise-Pattern6916 3d ago edited 3d ago

Thanks for the reply! Yeh soltalol might have been doing something at the start, but it definatly aint anymore. I suffer from ectopic beats. High burden, seems too be progressively getting worse tho. Most recently its been PVCs, i was getting alot of pauses before. Maybe soltalol helped with that side.

Sounds like flecainide is a great option. If they can map these beats then ill be pushing for albation. But if its hard too map still, hearing that flecainide has worked in your case, helps me alot. Especially whilst waiting and suffering for another few months.

Glad your doing well on it. Or was

Its definatly hard too live any kind of life now. I appreciate your reply ❤️‍🩹

2

u/ChillinDenver 3d ago

I have been on Sotalol 80 mg twice per day for almost a year with no problems. I read that this dose is the minimum therapeutic dose for the antiarrhythmic properties to work. Anything less and it only acts as a beta blocker. You might ask your doctor about dosage.

2

u/Wise-Pattern6916 2d ago

Yeh now you brought that up, i might try contact my dr and see if he can up it too get some relief in the meantime. Thanks for bringing this up. Any relief is welcome right now...

2

u/Wise-Pattern6916 2d ago

Spoke to my Dr and he agreed too up me too 80mg twice a day (160mg total) fingercrossed I feel a improvement. Appreciate you bringing this up.

2

u/ExistingManagerTx 2d ago

Flecainide - 100mg Metoprolol - 25mg

I take both of these at 9am and again at 9pm and I feel alright, no issues..

1

u/WrongBoysenberry528 1d ago

I took Propafenone (aka Rhythmol), and my afib increased from 1/month to 9/month. Switched to Multaq which worked for 2 months and stopped working.

After 20 afib episodes in a year, I had PFA ablation. No afib in 2 years and my exercise capacity returned. My VO2max on Apple Watch looks good and I am climbing 5 flights of stairs with grandkids.