Anticoagulants and fatigue

[Arnold1001]

Hi folks,

Anyone experienced fatigue that you put down to DOAC use?

I started Rivaroxaban a few months back and have been feeling a fair amount of fatigue. It could, of course, be unrelated - I have a demanding job, train several times a week and have two very energetic young Sons but thought I’d check the experience of others.

All thoughts much appreciated, as always.

Thanks...

[BobD Volunteer]

This is not normally a side effect of DOACs but it is from AF.

[Arnold1001 in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD,

Actually, I don’t have AF - the Rivaroxaban is due to an unprovoked DVT.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Arnold1001]

One tends to expect people posting on AF forum to have this.

[Suanna]

I have only ever had two episodes of AF, and the second, a few months ago now, was very short. After the first, I was given Apixaban and felt awful (probably due to the AF), but only for a few days as the doctor didn't think I needed anticoagulants long term. After seeing a cardiologist a few months later, he decided the opposite and I was given Rivaroxaban because of my age (and gender, I suppose). I noticed an effect on my energy levels straight away, so I know it was because of the drug as I had no AF. I had breathlessness gong up stairs, and by late afternoon each day I felt shattered - this was quite unlike the usual way I felt. I changed to Edoxaban a month ago and the symptoms are less, although they haven't gone away, so I guess I will have to learn to live with being able to do less now.

Perhaps you could try adjusting your lifestyle a bit - maybe reducing the training a bit until you find you are able to cope better with the things you must do. Good luck.

[Arnold1001 in reply to Suanna]

Thanks Suanna, that’s helpful.

All the best.

[Tikaneko in reply to Suanna]

Suzanna I am exactly the same. I am on Apixaban which is awful. The side effects for me are exhaustion, aching, headaches, indigestion and nausea. I had to stop taking them. Got appointment next week with GP to change them. Stopped them and everything is fine. Problem is I know I should be taking them which is a worry!

[Suanna in reply to Tikaneko]

Hi Tikaneko, headaches and stomach problems were a big thing for me on Apixaban, and to a lesser extent on Rivaroxaban; I get them rarely now, although I often get a muzzy head. You were given the Apixaban because the doctor wanted to prevent any risk of a stroke, and as they are mostly only effective while you have them in your system, it may not be a good idea to stop them without a replacement. I'm not a health professional but it seems to me that putting up with the side effects you are experiencing is worth it until you can get a replacement drug. Best of luck to you.

[consul]

I have taken it for years. Frankly I do get fatigued, but never sure if it is from Rivaroxaban aka Xarelto, or other tablets I am taking such as Ramipril or Bisoprolol. My gut feeling is it is not from the Rivaroxaban - but see what others have to say on this.

[Arnold1001 in reply to consul]

Thanks, consul - good to get your view.

All the best.