Eliquis and anxiety/ insomnia

[Walras]

I seem to be having a great deal of anxiety and trouble sleeping since starting Eliquis several months ago. Does anyone have similar experiences? Thank you.

[CDreamer]

Anxiety with AF for sure, Bisoprolol increases anxiety for some, never heard of that with just Apixaban.

Certainly insomnia is a common symptom for AFers but never connected it with Apixaban.

The only symptom I have ever heard of people complaining of as a direct result of Apixaban are muscle aches.

It’s really hard to distinguish which disease/Med are as a direct cause of a lot of symptoms, especially with very generalized symptoms which can be caused by numerous things.

nhs.uk/medicines/apixaban/s...

I can’t see any of above symptoms listed as side effects on this or any other drug list for Apixaban.

[Cholla3 in reply to CDreamer]

I also checked several places and found no mention of anxiety associated with Eliquis. Based on data, I asked my cardiologist to consider switching me from Xarelto to Eliquis. She said she preferred Eliquis, but it was expensive. It is more expensive in US than Xarelto but I decided the extra charge was worth it. She also said I could eat less food with Eliquis to make it effective. Here are some data: medicalnewstoday.com/articl.... Eliquis appears to be more effective than Xarelto, with two large retrospective studies (78,702 patients [Study 1] + 581,451 patients [study 2]) finding that Eliquis is preferable.

[CDreamer in reply to Cholla3]

Apixaban (Eliquis) is availalbe as a generic in Uk - I would assume that it is also in US - or would about to be. I’ve been taking the Teva version now for some months. I’ve been on Apixaban since 2016, I would choose it over Rivaroxaban any day for many reasons.

[Cholla3 in reply to CDreamer]

The internet says no generics for either anticoagulant.....but I gathered from the posts here and your post directly that that ain't so. Have on my list to talk to my cardiologist about when I see in May. And that it might be on the way to being available here in the US is a good point and I will keep checking. Thank you very much.

[CDreamer in reply to Cholla3]

Medical News Today - dated 23/01/23

Brand-name vs. generic drugsThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of Eliquis called apixaban. A generic drug is considered as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.However, the generic drug apixaban may not be available yet. Although the FDA has approved a generic version, the manufacturer of Eliquis has exclusive rights to make and sell apixaban as brand-name Eliquis. After these rights expire, apixaban will be available as an alternative to the brand-name drug.If your doctor prescribes Eliquis for you and you’re interested in using apixaban instead, talk with your doctor to find out when apixaban may become available. When generic apixaban becomes available, your doctor may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.To find out how the cost of this generic drug compares with the cost of Eliquis, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Keep in mind that there may not be cost information for generic apixaban. This is because this form of the drug may not be available yet.

Teva have FDA approval to launch.

[Cholla3 in reply to CDreamer]

You just saved me hours of research!! Going to check with my mail-order pharmacy and my cardiologist via email. As we say here in NM: muchas gracias!

[Cholla3 in reply to CDreamer]

Here is the response from the RN who works with my cardiologist: Eliquis has had the generic name for it for awhile now. It is still under patent and is not expected to be available it the generic form until April 2028. I looked into online pharmacies and concluded that they do not interact with insurance companies, the mailing time can be long, and it is possible to save a lot of money. Eliquis is 1,147.20 for a 3 mos supply of 2.5 dose twice a day. With my insurance, I pay 718.71. I could get from UK, Bristol Myers manufactured for $340. Generic was around 290 but from a country I wouldn't trust despite claims that it has been approved as safe. Primarily because my meds seem to change approx once a year, I have decided to bite the bullet and stay with my US RX. Oh yes, I also read something like: it is illegal for a US citizen to order from an international pharmacy but the US has never prosecuted anyone. I never believe people who say "never."😮

[champdoberman in reply to Cholla3]

Probably, because they get incentives for prescribing it.

I have been on Xarelto on and off for 7 years

[Cholla3 in reply to champdoberman]

My late husband was a pediatric neurologist. He prescribed drugs and never once received a kick back. Do you know Eliquis provides a kick back for sure?

[champdoberman in reply to Cholla3]

My former internist

abc15.com/news/region-phoen...

[Cholla3 in reply to champdoberman]

He broke several laws. Bad bad physician. But no proof of kickbacks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Not heard of that one before. AF generates anxiety of course but anticoagulants not normally.

[Desanthony]

Not had that with apixaban. Was very anxious and hardly sleeping for the first few months when first diagnosed but that was all around the diagnosis rather than the medication.

[mjames1]

We all react differently to drugs so possible. If continues, ask your doctor for a trial on a different anti-coagulant. I'm talking about anxiety as a side effect of the drug, not anxiety because you're on blood thinners. I have a bit of the latter.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mjames1]

Jim they are your best friend!

[Ppiman]

Bad luck. Anxiety can be a hidden and complex cause of health symptoms. Once it is removed, however, by whatever means, it can be astonishing then to notice what else improves and to realise just how insidious it can be.

Insomnia will increase anxiety levels and a vicious circle can result; and it can worsen heart issues. It is difficult to treat with the first step needing relaxation techniques such as meditation and CBT, helped by devices such as the Dodow, or a mobile phone app. Next, if that fails, come careful use of drugs for short term relief, such as zolpidem and zopiclone. I would avoid such as SSRI drugs, myself, as their mode of action is unknown, their initial side effects can be harsh, and they can be hard to stop. Some find an antihistamine / antidepressant drug called mirtazapine to be helpful, but for me it created a zombie-like daytime experience.

Steve

[DIB69 in reply to Ppiman]

The anxiety and physical symptoms connection you mention is spot on. I'm still trying to find a way/ways to deal with it this long standing problem myself.

[Ppiman in reply to DIB69]

Those who get through life without much in the way of anxiety impeding their progress don’t know how lucky they are!

Steve

[hausjac]

Not from Eliquis but statins cause me sleep problems but I just put up with that

[Tapanac]

I haven’t had any problems that way. Maybe are you worried that you are taking medication for your af??

[Petaca]

I had both anxiety and insomnia as a side effect of Eloquis. Was definitely the drug