Suggest Dosage For Eliquis For Atypical Atrial Flutter

Posted on Mon, 18 Jan 2016

Question: I am on 5 mg. of eliquis 2x/day for atypical A-fib (lower than usual HR. and BP for A-fib). As long as I've taken the eliquis within 5 hours I feel good. I feel that I could use 1 more dose in the mid day. In the middle of the night I awaken and feel my heart trembling, difficult to return to sleep. Am I on a strong enough dose? Feel that it wears off fast.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

First of all you are taking the right doses of Eliquis 5 mg 2x/day. By increasing the dose of Eliquis will increase the risk of major bleeding, without gaining any significant improvement of your symptoms.

Secondly, increased stress and anxiety levels may contribute in triggering or worsening your symptoms. This is why reducing the stress levels will have a beneficial effect on your symptoms.

If you were my patient I would recommend as follows:
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Reduce stress levels by avoiding unnecessary stress.
- Increase physical activity and recreational activities.
- Use chamomile tea.
- Increase zoloft dose if necessary.
- Discuss with your doctor about adding betablockers in your therapy.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Ok, I think I can live with this answer. I certainly have had to reduce stress, as my body, indeed, tells me to hourly. I also, understand alchohol,caffeine reduction and do not ingest either. My main concern is falling asleep feeling rested and not anxious at all. I will awaken each night at aprox 3:30-4:00 feeling wide awakened by my chest as though I need another dose of Eliquis. I usually take a 325 ASA and feel better shortly enough to get back to bed within a couple of hours. Is this ok?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Adding 325 mg ASA is of help, however I would recommend to use baby aspirin (81 mg ASA). This will reduce the risk of major bleeding.

Moreover my opinion is that your symptoms are related to enhanced nervous sympathetic system and adrenaline release in the early hours of the morning. This is why i insist to add betablocker on your therapy.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (4 minutes later)

Alright, thank you very much!

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You are most welcome!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar