Tapering off flecainide
I started taking flecainide in February because of frequent PACs, and it has worked well for me. In March, my cardiologist advised me to gradually taper off and possibly stop it, using it only as needed. I have been reducing the dose gradually, and although the tablets do not have a «line» for 4, only 2 pieces, I have been breaking them into quarters (approximately 25 mg) and taking one quarter daily.
Yesterday, I tried stopping it completely. My cardiologist had actually said I could do this back in March but I have been kinda afraid because it is hell when they start… I managed one day without it, but today, while I was in the shower, the PACs returned, occurring every 2–5 beats, and they did not stop. Because of this, I took a 50 mg tablet.
I am unsure whether I should try not taking any tablets again tomorrow and only use them as needed. I am a F26, and I have had these PACs for about a year. They went from none at all to being frequent throughout the entire day. As I mentioned, flecainide has been effective, but I do not want to stay on it any longer than necessary. I am also worried about what the future will look like, the effect and risk of the medication, also considering this is already happening at such a young age…