Clopidogrel-extreme fatigue

When I was put on clopidogrel I was fine for a few days. I then had heart racing. Then lost my appetite and was extremely tired all the time. Then started having extreme anxiety. My cardio and pharmacist insisted it was not the drug and to hang in there. They suggested I see a psychologist. I lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks. I could not eat. They said hang in there. Your side effects are not from the clopidrogrel. This went on for a month and I believed them as I would have some not so bad days. Then one evening the palms of my hands started to get itchy, then I started having chest pain. We called an ambulance. By the time i was in ER I had a stomach rash and vomited. To make a long story short and a whole lot of tests later they decided it was the medication and I was switched to Berlinta. My life got back to normal and I have 6 weeks left and I can go off the Berlinta as it will be a year since the stents were placed. Moral of the story, you know your body, trust your gut.

Swilkins1974, thank you for your affirmation and support. I just got done talking on the phone to my cardiology dept. and it’s kinda like you experienced, they make me feel like it’s psychosomatic and in all in my head.
You mentioned that you’re on this new med for a few more weeks. I guess I was under the impression that I’ll be on praluent or a statin for the remainder of my life. Did you have an event such as a stroke or heart attack?

I fully agree with you when you said that we know our own bodies we know if there’s something wrong yet you try and tell the doctor and they disagree with you. They tell you the meds don’t have side effects.
Which is a bunch of baloney

I had a heart attack three months ago and when I was discharged, I was given five different meds to take, One is the Clopidogrel 75 mg and another is Rosuvastatin 20 mg
I seemed okay for the first month but then I started getting fluid buildup in my foot and my legs became very stiff when trying to walk…still very difficult walking. I felt a lot stronger when I first came home from the hospital…I feel tired all the time, not much energy. When I mentioned it to my doctor she said none of my meds would have any side effects.
After my husband had a stroke a few years ago, they automatically put him on the cholesterol med, even though his cholesterol was very good before the stroke. he started with the same stiffness and soreness in his legs, and he mentioned it to his cardiologist, a different doctor than mine, and he told him there was no way the cholesterol med would cause the issue, but we were able to convince him to take him off the cholesterol for a month, and my husband noticed his legs started feeling better not completely but a lot better.. I don’t understand why the doctors don’t believe side effects in certain meds yet you can look it up on the Internet and every medication has a long list of side effects that could happen..
I don’t know how long I have to be on all the meds I’m taking…I’m on Lasix (40 mg) and also spironolactone 12.5 mg plus Eliquis twice a day ( very expensive med)
I was also subscribed a safe vest to wear, which I have worn now for three months (Wearable defibrillator)
But I’m at the limit, I can’t wear it Much longer it’s driving me crazy..

@ruth36 The angioplasty I had was a very positive experience. Everyone from the receptionist to the surgeon and nurses were so kind and helpful. After being discharged and dealing with the cardiology department in the clinic, it has been a very negative experience. I call with questions and they don’t get back to me for two to three days. When they do they are highly skeptical of your claims. I called about the clopidogrel today and the doctor wanted me to go to the emergency room right away and get checked for internal bleeding or sepsis. I have an appt tomorrow morning with my primary and I will wait for that rather than spend all that money and time in the ER for two conditions I highly doubt I’m suffering from.
I’m sorry for your condition and experience with the medical field. I wish you improved health and happiness. It’s very difficult staying positive in circumstances such as yours.

I did not have any event. My calcium score was 397. But it was almost all in my LAD so I required 2 stents. I will be on a statin and low dose aspirin for the rest of my life but the Berlinta is only for one year. I bleed and bruise extremely easy (which is normal) so I look forward to coming off of it.

I’m glad the angioplasty went well, along with the consideration and friendliness from the surgeon and nurses…. sorry for the frustration you received after you were discharged at the clinic. I think a lot of times regardless of what their titles are doctors or nurses or Receptionist, they need to be trained on to be a little more passionate, especially With older people. I think a little compassion shown helps ease the worries and stress the older people have with their health.
I don’t blame you for not wanting to go to the ER. I don’t even know why they call it the “emergency room” because you could sit there for hours and hours.
I hope your appointment with the primary goes well and you get some answers. I guess we both have to take it day by day and hopefully there’ll be a solution and things will get better for both of us.

I take Atorvastatin for high cholesterol. Three months ago, I started having chest pressure and pain, and extreme fatigue. Also, I have Aortic Stenosis. My pcp has not addressed the Stenosis and has attributed my symptoms to anxiety. My symptoms are now much worse, but still my pcp does not investigate further or check my medications' side-effects or risks. I wonder now if, like other people, the Atorvastatin is causing my life-changing symptoms.

You should get a second opinion. Your aortic stenosis need to be cared for aggressively. I jut had my aortic valve replaced. Learned so much. One was don’t let the tenuous linger. Good luck to you !!

Uhg @robert91. My initial thought is maybe ask your doctor to help you rule out the medicine you take as a contributing factor. Mostly, to talk to your doctor (find a new one if you need to) who will transparently work with you to address your concerns. I agree with @swaimm1 that you should take the information you know seriously and don’t accept anxiety as the reason. You are worth it!