Clopidogrel withdrawal

[Bennydog42]

I have just stopped taking Clopidogrel, after having it once a day for eighteen months. I had two stents fitted a year ago last March. I think that I was supposed to stop taking the Clopidogrel, around the end the March. I continued because nobody told me any different. I have Aspergers, and need to be told very clearly, what to do, and the reason why. I also suffer from severe anxiety, and depression. I received a call from the GP surgery telling me to stop taking the Clopidogrel. Today is the second day without Clopidogrel. I have been feeling a very slight pain in my chest. This has raised my anxiety levels. 🙄 Can anyone tell me if I should expect any withdrawal symptoms? Thank you.

[Calliope153]

I did not have any side effects when I stopped Clopidogrel. I took it for one year but some doctors prescribe it for eighteen months after stents. You take it to reduce the likelihood of the stent blocking.

You do just stop taking it. You do not have to gradually reduce the dosage.

You will not bruise as easily.

Your clotting time will return to your normal clotting time after a few days (was told that it was after 5 days but not sure if that is correct).

Hope this helps.

[thetidders]

I stopped Clopidogrel in May just over a year after a triple bypass. I had no problems after either. It was written on my repeat prescription script to stop in May to remind me.

Jean

[Qualipop]

I had absolutely no side effects when I stopped clopidogrel apart from no longer getting awful stomach pain that it caused. I stopped it immediately; no need to reduce the dose. I now have far fewer bruises.

[jimmyq]

You should discuss it with your doctor and/or call the BHF Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 (office hours) and talk to a cardiac nurse about it.

[Bennydog42]

Knowing myself, as I do, I’m probably panicking about nothing. There wasn’t anything on my repeat prescription about stopping the medication. I think that it was an oversight at the surgery. I will contact BHF nurses. Thank you to everyone that replied. I’m really grateful. 👍