Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is mexiletine. This medicine helps prevent and treat heart beat problems that are life-threatening, like 'sustained v-tach'. 

For the first few days, most patients stay in the hospital. Your doctor will find the right dose for you, and will follow you closely. 

Once you are home, you should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should take each dose with food.  It is important to not miss doses. If you do, just take your NEXT dose at the usual time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Most patients tolerate this medicine well. At first, common side effects include nausea or heartburn. You should ask if you should take an antacid to help prevent these. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Some patients feel a little dizzy, clumsy, nervous, or have blurry vision. You should call your doctor if these happen to you. Also, wait until you know how this medicine affects you, before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving. 

As with any medicine, more serious effects can occur. Mexiletine could cause new or worse heart beat problems. You should always get medical help right away if your heart problems seem worse instead of better. Also, get help right away if you have any unusual changes to your body. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. 

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. 

For best results, plan ahead for refills, and follow your doctor's advice for steps you can take to manage your condition.