Apixaban Side Effects: Muscle Weakness And Drowsiness Explained

can apixaban cause muscle weakness or drowsiness

Apixaban is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in people with AFib (atrial fibrillation). Apixaban can cause side effects, such as bleeding, bruising, and, in rare cases, bleeding in the brain. While muscle weakness is a known side effect, drowsiness is not. However, apixaban can make you feel tired and weak, and in rare cases, you may experience dizziness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, it is important to consult your doctor.

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Apixaban can cause muscle weakness, especially in the legs and feet

Apixaban is a blood-thinning medication that prevents blood clots from forming in the body. While it is highly beneficial for this purpose, it can also cause unwanted side effects. One of the most common adverse effects is increased bleeding. This is because, while taking apixaban, your blood will not clot as easily, so you may bleed more than normal. This type of bleeding is usually not dangerous and should stop by itself. However, if it bothers you or does not stop, you should inform your doctor.

In addition to bleeding, apixaban can cause muscle weakness, especially in the legs and feet. This is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels. These symptoms may indicate spinal or epidural blood clots, which can lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Other possible side effects of apixaban include dizziness, joint pain or swelling, nausea, and fatigue. Some people may also experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to consult a doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

It is worth noting that not everyone experiences side effects from apixaban, and the benefits of the medication often outweigh the risks. However, it is always advisable to be cautious and informed when taking any medication. If you are experiencing any unusual or bothersome symptoms while taking apixaban, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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Apixaban can cause drowsiness and dizziness

Apixaban is a blood-thinning medication that prevents blood clots from forming in the body. While it has enormous benefits, it can cause certain side effects, including drowsiness and dizziness.

Drowsiness

Apixaban can make you feel very tired and weak. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive to the hospital. Ask someone to drive you or call an ambulance. Bring all the medicines you take with you.

Dizziness

Apixaban can make you feel dizzy, especially when you stand up. If you feel dizzy, lie down to prevent fainting, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle, or operate tools or machinery until you feel okay. If the dizziness does not go away or keeps happening, speak to your doctor, who may arrange a blood test to check for anaemia.

Bleeding

Apixaban can cause bleeding, which is a common side effect of the medication. This is because, while taking apixaban, your blood will not clot as easily. You may bleed more than normal or bruise more easily. This type of bleeding is usually not dangerous and should stop by itself. However, if the bleeding bothers you or does not stop, inform your doctor.

Allergic reaction

In rare cases, you may experience a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to apixaban. Symptoms include swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, fast breathing or difficulty breathing, a tight throat, or your skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale. You may also experience confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

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Apixaban can cause bleeding and bruising

Apixaban is a medication that prevents blood from clotting normally. This means that if you are cut or injured, it may take longer than usual to stop bleeding. Apixaban can also cause you to bruise more easily. While this type of bleeding is usually not dangerous and should stop by itself, you should still inform your doctor, especially if the bleeding is severe or cannot be controlled.

Apixaban can also increase your risk of bleeding in the spine or epidural area, which may lead to long-term or permanent paralysis. This is more likely to occur if you have an epidural catheter placed in your back, are taking NSAIDs or blood-clotting medicine, have a history of repeated epidural punctures, or have had surgery on your spine. If you are taking apixaban and need to undergo a spinal or epidural procedure, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the medication beforehand to reduce this risk.

In addition to bleeding and bruising, apixaban can cause other side effects such as anemia, nausea, joint pain, and dizziness. These side effects may need medical attention, so it is important to consult your doctor if they occur. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have any bleeding problems, as this may affect your ability to take apixaban.

To reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising while taking apixaban, it is recommended to avoid activities that may cause injury, such as contact sports, and to be cautious when using sharp objects. It is also important to inform your doctor, dentist, or nurse that you are taking apixaban before any medical or dental procedures, including vaccinations and routine dental appointments.

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Apixaban can cause spinal or epidural blood clots

Apixaban is a medication that helps prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, increasing the chance of clots forming in the body and possibly causing strokes. Apixaban is also used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that usually forms in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot that occurs in the lung. It is also used to treat DVT and PE and may be continued to prevent them from reoccurring.

If you are taking Apixaban and require a spinal procedure, your doctor will closely monitor you for symptoms of blood clots. It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking Apixaban before undergoing any spinal or epidural procedures. Additionally, some time may need to pass between discontinuing Apixaban and undergoing these procedures to minimise the risk of bleeding.

The most common side effects of Apixaban are related to bleeding. This is because Apixaban prevents blood clots by reducing the blood's ability to clot, making bleeding more likely. Common adverse reactions include anemia, hemorrhage, and nausea. Other side effects include back pain, muscle spasms, joint pain or swelling, and dizziness.

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Apixaban can cause allergic reactions

Apixaban is a prescription medicine used to treat blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is also used to reduce the risk of clots forming in the legs and lungs of people who have recently had hip or knee replacement surgery.

Like all medicines, apixaban can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. While apixaban has enormous benefits, the downside is that it can make you bleed more than normal. This is because while you're taking apixaban, your blood will not clot as easily. It is usual to bleed more easily than normal while taking apixaban. This type of bleeding is typically not dangerous and should stop by itself.

However, in rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to apixaban. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, lips, throat, or tongue while taking apixaban. If you are struggling to breathe, you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air. Your skin, tongue, or lips may turn blue, grey, or pale. You may also become very confused, drowsy, or dizzy.

If you experience any signs of nerve problems, such as back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, paralysis, or loss of bladder or bowel control, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate bleeding in the brain, which is a very rare but serious side effect of apixaban.

Frequently asked questions

Apixaban is a blood-thinning medication that lowers the risk of blood clots forming in your body.

Apixaban can cause muscle weakness, especially in your legs and feet. It can also cause drowsiness, but this is a rare side effect.

If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking apixaban, including muscle weakness or drowsiness, you should contact your doctor immediately. They may advise you to stop taking the medication or adjust your dosage. It is important not to stop taking apixaban without consulting your doctor first.

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