Eliquis and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lin...
• August 5, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Been on Eliquis for a little over a month after having one Afib attack. 2.5 mg twice a day. Hate it and hate the metoprolol I am also taking. Both have the exact same side effects so it's hard to tell which causes me problems. I had ringing in the ears before these meds, but the meds make it way worse. Aches all over. Kidneys hurt. Headaches most of the time. Itching. Starting to lose hair. Tingling in legs and feet. I think the metoprolol causes the frequent urination, but I think Eliquis does too. When you get a printout from the doctor or pharmacy, you only get a few of the side effects. I use the Drugs.com site to find out ALL side effects of any med. I have been told through the years by different doctors how well I do with pain. I felt so bad today I just cried. This stuff is poison. 68-year-old female with no other health problems, until I started taking this poison. Might look into natural treatment before this stuff gets awful. So sick."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2021

For Pulmonary Embolism "I have had 3 PEs over the last few years, the first 2 after an outpatient surgery and general anesthesia, then a 3rd small one after stopping Eliquis. I have been taking Eliquis and over time I have been experiencing increasingly terrible side effects, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, GERD, muscle weakness, joint pain, weight gain while eating less, and headaches. I am planning to go to aspirin. Has anyone gone from Eliquis to aspirin successfully? Don't want another PE but can't live with these side effects."

• SGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2020

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "My sister was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and was prescribed Eliquis. After three weeks of constant headaches, which she reported to her doctor, they made her an appointment for a check-up. Three days before her appointment, she suffered a brain aneurysm and died. The doctor attending her said they had 'reports' of this 'common' problem. If you're prescribed a medication that makes you feel worse and your doctor doesn't respond immediately with a solution, go to someone who will respond. Check the warning on the medication website, it could save your life."

• RWi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Pulmonary Embolism "I have been on Eliquis for pulmonary embolism in both lungs. I was a healthy, active 42-year-old woman, and no reason for them. I had severe headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue for a few weeks. I started feeling a lot better and was doing well with my usual kickboxing workout until recently. I am now experiencing fatigue and severe back pain, as well as dizziness and shortness of breath. I'm hoping I can get off of the meds in March. Anyone else experience this?"

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "Cardiologist prescribed Eliquis 3 weeks ago for occasional Afib, and was ugly to me when I said 'that’s pretty strong to start out with'. I regret not discussing this with my primary care doctor because he agreed with me! Still, he wasn’t comfortable taking me off it since he didn’t prescribe it. I was lightheaded the first week and for the last week I have been experiencing the worst joint pain and headache ever!! I told my husband I cannot and will not live like this!! I will be in the cardiologist's office tomorrow for testing...I intend to find a way to get off this HORRIBLE 'poison'!!!"

• dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was on Eliquis for three weeks prior to a cardioversion. Made me feel tired, fatigued, no motivation. I would get a headache in the afternoon and wake up with a headache. Sometimes I felt woozy, almost dizzy. After the cardioversion, I went to 1/2 tablet for a week. The side effects were somewhat less, but still terrible. I didn't feel like doing anything, dishes piled up in the sink, house didn't get swept, I just felt like sitting. I stopped taking it, and the next day I felt great. Not doing this again."

• Sue...
• March 10, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I was diagnosed with afib about 6 years ago. Given flecainide and told to take 2 low-dose aspirin. Recently, the doctor told me aspirin was not sufficient to prevent a stroke. He prescribed Eliquis 5mg twice a day. I have been suffering from headaches. They feel like pressure on the top of my head. In addition, I am very tired and I don't feel as though I think as clearly. I will be seeing the doctor next week. I hope he takes me off this medication. I honestly do not feel well. I am 72 years of age."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2023

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Wanted to add my review because this drug started a month of unnecessary doctor appointments, ER visits, and just plain mysterious symptoms. No doctor told me it was Eliquis and that it was 'safe' to take, but it was too late. I already developed side effects that lasted over a month. Shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, numbness, and a weird feeling in my right and left sides, and I wasn't even on this medication long (about a week, 5mg x2). I can't imagine what it's doing to other folks who may or may not be sensitive to medications like this. I would suggest starting ANY meds on the lowest dose to check for tolerance first and go up from there. Do not make the same mistake as I did. I no longer trust my doctor who prescribed me this. Still suffering from weird symptoms even stopping for a month now. Eliquis is very dangerous for those who can't tolerate it. I was rather healthy before this."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2019

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I can't tell how effective Eliquis was as I was only able to take it for three days before stopping. It gave me terrible stomach and intestinal issues. Also, headache, blurry vision, weakness. Doc switched me to Xarelto which gave me worse side effects. Now on Coumadin as a last resort and having stomach issues from that as well. My doctor is understanding but I am preparing for an ablation and so need to be on a blood thinner for 1 month before and 1 month after. I am so sensitive to all meds and hoping I can tough it out."

• Sep...
• September 28, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis, Prophylaxis "Anyone who takes this drug should have their head examined. I plan to file a lawsuit for what this medicine did to me. Nausea, headache, bruising, stiff, painful joints, bleeding, and fatigue. You name it, this drug will do it to you. I quit this drug, and any doctor who suggests taking it again will get dismissed by me."

• Sur...
• April 12, 2017

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "This drug is dangerous. After a DVT, I was placed on the drug 5mg twice a day. After a week, my colon started to feel funny. A couple of days later, I developed significant rectal bleeding. I went to the ER where they diagnosed it was due to the Eliquis. I stopped the drug and the bleeding stopped within two days. I am now on 10mg Xarelto once a day. No bleeding after seven days. I have a friend who is now in intensive care with a brain bleed. He was also on Eliquis for atrial fibrillation. He had been on the drug for four months. His symptoms started with minor headaches. The FDA has it listed as a Black Box, which means it could be fatal. None of this was told to me at the ER for my DVT."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2023

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I was prescribed Eliquis 5 mg twice a day a week ago for 2 blood clots in my lower leg. I started having a gassy stomach and a full feeling even though I ate less, but I blamed that on eating more vegetables. My legs felt heavy in spite of my compression socks, but I blamed that on the socks. I had a headache and random itching, but I blamed that on my allergies. But after taking it for 5 days, my stomach hurt too much to eat. I drank some milk, which always helps my stomach, but I felt worse. I went ahead and took my usual dose that evening, then woke up at 2 a.m. with severe diarrhea. I had several more episodes that evening and the following day in spite of hardly eating anything. I had to skip work because I could not leave the house. I telephoned my doctor and left a message that I was not going to take Eliquis anymore, and I started taking a calcium antacid. That was yesterday. Today my stomach is still gassy and hurts, but the diarrhea, headache, and itching have stopped."

• mig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2017

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "The following problems occur when taking Eliquis: First, I want to mention that I am also on Sotalol since 2008 (taken alone, no side effects) 80 mg AM and 40 mg PM. It seems as if most drugs that I try out have an effect on the Sotalol, although the register says that there is no interaction between those drugs. Besides, it runs in the family that most of us (3) have a problem with almost any drug. Eliquis: headache, restless heartbeat, perspiring, dizziness, physical instability, general weakness, and shaky legs, etc. Generally, unhappy."

• Rai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Yes, so far I haven't had any bleeding experiences, nor have I had any further complications from my DVT. However, my leg pain and swelling are still present, and I've had a headache the entire time. I also just feel like my body hurts and my mouth hurts quite noticeably, gums swollen, but it's kept me from dying due to pulmonary embolism. I do not like this medicine, I would rather be on warfarin or heparin because I have taken them before and didn't experience these side effects."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2018

For Venous Thromboembolism "I've been using Eliquis for a month now, and it is horrible. I have tremors, headache, a lot of gas, body pain, and joint pain. I take it for the prevention of DVT. If the doctor doesn't find another way to treat me, I'll just have to change doctors because Eliquis side effects are bad, and they won't change it to something else. I think the doctor gets paid extra for prescribing this medicine because he is too obsessed with giving me this garbage."

• Eli...
• July 30, 2022

For Pulmonary Embolism "I feel worse than when I was diagnosed with a PE. Awful chest pain, extreme knee, lower leg, and foot pain. Feel flushed and sweaty. Mild to moderate headaches. Weight gain of 15 pounds in 5 weeks, with water retention. Very easy to use, but not every medication is meant for everyone. 10 mg twice a day, then 5 mg twice a day. It has only been 5 weeks, and Dr. wants me on it for a lifetime. I would rather not wake up at all if this is how I have to live, which I already have canceled many activities due to the wretched way I feel from this medication. Meyers Squibb needs to be more open about reporting side effects instead of just pushing medications out on the market. FDA FOOLS!!!"

• SLa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2019

For Deep Vein Thrombosis, Prophylaxis "I am totally blind in one eye due to taking Eliquis. My case is so bad the doctors at Emory have never seen one this bad and don't know what to do. I have lost weight and don't eat. I have a very severe headache as well. This is no life for anyone. I have not been outside the house for the last month except to go to the doctor. I have seen the doctors quite a few times during the last 30 days. They are just trying to keep me comfortable."

• BGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2021

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Absolutely despise this expensive drug with so many side effects. I experienced frequent urination (almost hourly at night), itchy red rashes on my forearm and upper arm, gas, easy bruising, and the onset of a mild headache for someone like me who NEVER got headaches. I was prescribed it for a lower leg DVT, initially 2-5 mg tablets twice a day for a week, then 1-5 mg tablet twice a day. After 6 weeks, I began a gradual tapering off (AMA, of course, against medical advice). My plan of action was to increase my daily water intake by 400% (used to just drink maybe 8 ounces, plus tea, juice, fruits, and veggies, which do count for water intake), reduce oily, fatty processed foods, and add additional speed walks throughout the day and early evening as my exercise regimen. I believe these changes will prevent any new blood clots. All side effects went away within 36 hours of stopping the medication."

• PGd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2022

For Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation "I've been taking Eliquis for nearly 2 months, and since taking it, have suffered from an almost permanent headache and the feeling similar to being kicked in the belly. Previously, I was on Warfarin for over 5 years without a problem. The two symptoms I mentioned came on within 2-3 days of taking Eliquis."

• RAL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I've been on Eliquis for a little over a month now. Started on the 7 days, 20 mg, and am now on the 10 mg dose until Oct. I sometimes feel dizzy or get mild headaches while on it. The headaches come and go. I can't wait to be off it."

• RAL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I've been on Eliquis for a little over a month now. Started on the 7 days, 20 mg, and am now on the 10 mg dose until Oct. I sometimes feel dizzy or get mild headaches while on it. The headaches come and go. I can't wait to be off it."

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 7, 2022

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I’ve been diagnosed with DVT and PE 2.5 years ago and have been taking Eliquis until this time. While reading some of the comments, I should say that those are common side effects (headache, body malaise, fatigue, low energy, hip and joint pains) that can also be triggered by other factors like your lifestyle and age. If you’re young and on Eliquis and you’re not eating and exercising, you can have issues. If you’re older, these side effects could be part of the aging process and other body issues that you have. A drug may work for some but not for all. I just want to say that what keeps you alive and does not put you in the graveyard is the considerable drug to take. If the drug hinders you from earning a living or keeps you bed-bound, then switch to another blood thinner. Research, and with the help of a doctor, do what’s best for your body."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2018

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "I used it once for DVT while in the hospital. Experienced severe dizziness and headache on the left side of my head all day and an overall ill feeling. I decided not to take it. I used Xarelto in the past for PE with no major side effects and will most likely go back to this."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2022

For Deep Vein Thrombosis "Been on Eliquis for about a month, and they found a blood clot in my vein leading to my ovary, which is now gone, but the side effects are horrible. I’ve been extremely tired, no energy, headaches, gaining weight, swollen ankles and legs, dizzy, can’t concentrate. Was taking 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg at night, which was even worse because I felt like passing out, blood pressure dropped real low, and I was really dizzy, so they cut it down to 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night, so side effects didn’t change much. I want off this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2021

"Ever since I started taking this medication, I have been in more pain, and I never know from one day to the next what I'm going to feel like. What really scared me this morning was that it was hard to breathe. I get rashes, headaches, nausea, and anxiety. I'm so fatigued all the time and have more pain. I feel better when I first wake up before I start taking medication. I take 5 mg twice a day. I thought about just stopping and not taking anymore as I feel like it's going to be the end of me anyway! I've never been the same since I had my stroke!"