From the Guidelines
If you experience head rushes after taking Eliquis (apixaban), you should contact your healthcare provider promptly as this could indicate a potential side effect requiring medical attention. While not among the most common side effects of Eliquis, head rushes or dizziness upon standing could suggest your blood pressure is dropping too low or could be related to the medication's anticoagulant effects, as apixaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor that prevents clot formation by inhibiting Factor Xa in the blood clotting cascade 1. Continue taking your prescribed dose unless directed otherwise by your doctor, but document when these episodes occur, their severity, and any associated symptoms like lightheadedness or fainting. When rising from sitting or lying positions, do so slowly to minimize these sensations. Some key points to consider:
- Stay adequately hydrated and avoid alcohol, which can worsen dizziness.
- Eliquis works by inhibiting Factor Xa in the blood clotting cascade to prevent clot formation, but this mechanism can sometimes affect blood pressure regulation or cerebral blood flow in some individuals, as noted in studies such as the ARISTOTLE trial 1.
- Never stop taking Eliquis suddenly without medical supervision, as this could increase your risk of stroke or other clotting events, a concern also highlighted in guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation 1. It's essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider, as they can assess your individual situation and provide personalized advice, taking into account the latest evidence and guidelines for the use of apixaban and other anticoagulants 1.
From the Research
Head Rushes After Taking Eliquis (Apixaban)
- The provided studies do not directly address the issue of head rushes after taking Eliquis (apixaban) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that apixaban can cause various side effects, including bleeding events, as reported in the ARISTOTLE trial 2.
- A case report also described a patient experiencing a rash after taking apixaban, which was believed to be a hypersensitivity reaction 3.
- Another study compared the safety of apixaban with warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and advanced chronic kidney disease, finding that apixaban caused less major bleeding 4.
- A possible drug-drug interaction between apixaban and amiodarone was also reported, resulting in hemopericardium 5.
- A large-scale study evaluated the safety and efficacy of apixaban for thrombus prevention following bariatric surgery, finding that it was safe and effective with minimal side effects 6.
Potential Causes and Considerations
- The exact cause of head rushes after taking Eliquis (apixaban) is unclear and may require further investigation.
- It is possible that the head rushes could be related to a change in blood pressure or a side effect of the medication, but this is speculative and not supported by the provided evidence.
- Patients experiencing head rushes after taking apixaban should consult their healthcare provider to discuss potential causes and appropriate management strategies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.