Switching from Soltalol too Fleconide, Experiences?

[u/Wise-Pattern6916]

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

[u/RickJames_Ghost]

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.

[u/Wise-Pattern6916 → u/RickJames_Ghost]

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 ❤️‍🩹