Stroke medications

[prlblue]

I suffer tiredness & dizziness after my stroke which after 9 months on medication appears to be linked to clopidogrel rather than astorvastatin .I am extending the periods between taking the medication by 12 hrs each day, so that means I tablet every 36 hrs rather than every 24hrs. Has anyone anything to add. I read a study suggesting it was possible to take clopidogrel every other day to minimise side effects following a trial of this idea.

[Troilus]

Just be careful. Clopidogrel is an anti platelet drug used to help prevent blood clots. If you feel the side effects are too much have a word with your GP, there are alternatives.

[prlblue in reply to Troilus]

Thank you.

[prlblue in reply to Troilus]

Thanks,I have asked the question. I have had problems with all drugs over the years from blood pressure meds, statins & now blood thinner still.

[Troilus in reply to prlblue]

I had trouble with atorvastatin. My dose was increased to 80mg and I was very tired all of the time. I’m now on Simvastatin. I had to increase the dose by 20 mg every month, starting on 20.

I now take 80 mg. Energy levels are normal.

[prlblue in reply to Troilus]

Yes it’s much weaker then Astorvastatin, I think it’s perhaps 50% the strength. It’s half life is less than 7hrs whereas Astorvastatin is 14 hrs. That means it takes about 77hrs to be eliminated from your body. I chart the half life effect on me, reducing the does by half every couple of days to minimise discomfort, or as my doctor said crack a 40 mg tablet for a day or two. When discharged from hospital I was on 80mg, after 8 weeks it was awful so I am on 40mg dropping to 30/20mg as & when necessary.

[2o2olockdown]

Hi

I had similar issues and changed to Ticagrelor, which has seemed to help.

At my cardio rehab sessions, there were a number of us with similar symptoms.

My GP was marvellous and tenacious, as I was taking a lot of other drugs at the time.

Good luck

[prlblue in reply to 2o2olockdown]

I can see why it’s much less potent than astorvastatin as it only has a 7hr half life Rather than 14hrs, it’s out of your system in around 37hrs rather than 77 hrs with astorvastatin.

I have asked my doctor for his advice.

[prlblue in reply to 2o2olockdown]

I am a 68 year old gym fiend, with more than 50 years use in me. I have got back to more or less where I was but, as is usually the case My tolerance of drugs reduces over time, causing increasing myopathy, or in the case of clopidogrel rubbery legs when I get of my rowing machine after 40 mins. On 12hr delayed ingestion I am much better.

[2o2olockdown in reply to prlblue]

It sounds great that you have got back to your previous levels. After my stroke I managed to do another triathlon before my heart attack stopped me training. I hope to start training again after the next stent procedure.

[prlblue in reply to 2o2olockdown]

Yes but as you know, it’s never enough. Onward & upward😂

[2o2olockdown in reply to prlblue]

Indeed my wife says all my problems are because I’ve worn out my body with all the sports 😂

[prlblue in reply to 2o2olockdown]

Well you can’t just die can you.😊

[Plastow48]

I had a stroke last September and afterwards suffered from stroke fatigue. This is a lot better now and some of my 'get up and go' has come back. I suffer more from no appetite and feeling sick.

Hope you feel better soon.