Low Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

[MKG50]

Hello All. Does anyone have any advice on this?

My EP agreed I could come off Flecainide and just use it as PIP. However, he said I should stay on Apixaban. I had thought it was Flecainide causing the unpleasant side effects of dizziness, breathlessness and lightheadedness as well as stiff aching legs. Well I've been off it now since Monday and nothing much has changed yet. Infact, in the mornings soon after I have taken the Apixaban (5mg 2 x daily) my blood pressure drops, my heart rate is low and the breathlessness and weakness is quite debilitating until it starts to slowly climb back to normal by around lunchtime.Today BP was 101 and heart rate 51. I really thought I was going to pass out in the supermarket ! I am awaiting a CT angiogram at the beginning of August but I am really struggling at the moment. I think it must be the medication. If so the cure is far worse than the illness!

I changed from Edoxaban to Apixaban and I know that most of you get on well with Apixaban but I am very drug sensitive. Could it have been the anticoagulant causing me the problems all along and are there any other types of drugs (other than the DOACs) that can be prescribed for antigoagulation? Any advice/ideas?

Thank you

[BenHall1]

hate to go back to the dark ages ....have you ever used Warfarin ?

[BobD Volunteer]

Please read my post of today on hydration. I have conluded that mornings are probably worse for de hydration following a night of not drinking water. Try a pint or two of water with breakfast. This weather needs care.

[mav7]

soon after I have taken the Apixaban (5mg 2 x daily) my blood pressure drops, my heart rate is low

Sage advice by BobD on hydration. Also, include diet that is nutritious, insure enough protein. And try to stay active, active meaning not necessarily exercise, but don't sit too long, walk around the house.

Best to discuss with your EP. Is there a possibility you are in afib after discontinuing Flecainide ? And do you have a device to monitor ?

Best to you in managing your health.

[RoyMacDonald]

Unless you take a lot more water with your Apixaban than I do you are not taking anywhere near enough fluid to restore your blood pressure to a normal range in the morning. I just take enough to enable me to swallow the tablet.

All the best.

Roy

[Florence-Nightingale]

I have been on Apixaban since 2011 with no problems. I do have to agree with Bob regarding dehydration. I drink a good glass of water when taking mine. I also drink a large glass before bed to help stop dehydration overnight as well as several glasses during the day especially in this hot weather. Really important. Are you on any other drugs like Bisoprolol which may be causing your symptoms?. I do wish you well.

[scout70]

I have been on apixaban for about a year and have had no noticeable side effects at all. I do drink lots of water and I have told my doctor I would like to avoid warfarin.

[DegTeg]

I’ve been on Apixaban for six years and it has given me no problems. I can’t say the same about bisiporolol and flecanide , the latter of which i take as a pip.

[Moongold7]

Doesn't sound like the 'usual' side-effects of Apixaban which are described as mainly bleeding signs, e.g. nosebleeds. I'd be seeing your doctor to check on this.