Flecainide

Has anyone else had flecainide cause tremors? I have developed tremors over the past two years and I looked up flecainide and it appears to me that one of the side effects is tremors but my doctor disagrees. So I was just wondering...


7 Comments

Flecainide causing tremors

by AgentX86 - 2020-12-26 22:17:42

Maybe he/you can try something else other than flecainide to prove it one way or another.  There are other drugs that would work while the tremors dissappear (if they do).  If he's not willing to at least try another I'd get a second opinion, perhaps even from a neurologist.  Tell him that your cardiologist/EP doesn't think it's flecainide and you need to get to the bottom of the tremors.

 

 

Flecainide

by Keithwhelpley - 2020-12-26 22:18:01

I was on flecainide for a short time when my pacemaker was causing me ventricular tachycardias and  before we figured it out. It is a very powerful drug that caused difficulty breathing and many other symptoms. I don't recall tremors specifically but it is very possible. My pharmacist was very concerned over the dosages prescribed by my cardiologist. One weekend it slowed my heart to the point that I thought it would stop.  My point here is it is a very powerful drug and its use needs to be monitored by a doctor and in my case a pharmacist, who is more knowledable about drugs than docs. Once we figured out that my PM's rate response was on, thereby triggering the VTs, we turned it off and I was able to titrate off the drug. Flecainide is not meant to be a long term fix because of its power. My doctors didn't believe me either. That's when I sought answers like you are. Be aware of loading doses and maintenance doses. 

Tremors

by Persephone - 2020-12-26 22:33:49

Hi mbisoux - may I ask under what conditions your tremor is occurring...when you're at rest or when trying to do a task? 

It is a well-known side-effect !

by IAN MC - 2020-12-27 07:01:25

As you know , tremors CAN be caused by flecainide so I find it strange that your Dr is dismissing it as a likely cause  ( unless he/she has  a really good reason to suspect something else  )

I would have thought that the drug is the prime suspect until proven otherwise .

Drug side-effects don't necessarily occur immediately, they can take time to develop.

Ian

 

Tremors

by Mbisoux - 2020-12-27 17:19:51

Hi. My tremors come win I am moving around doing something or reaching for something or standing for too long

Side effects

by Persephone - 2020-12-27 18:55:28

Mbisoux, as Ian points out, shakiness / tremor is a potential side effect of your medication - I also see it listed on reputable websites - so why your doctor is dismissive about this issue is unclear. Please try to focus on your overall health and discuss available alternative medications with your doctor, rather than diving in deep on this one aspect. A tremor can be uncomfortable but hopefully you can tolerate it until you get some answers from your medical team.

Flecainide

by Mbisoux - 2020-12-27 19:26:33

Thank you all!

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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