Taking Eliquis and Metoprolol for A-fib: Concerned about side effects

To be sure. I left that dr. the day that comment was made. I am with another provider. Actually the third provider. The one I first switched to was awesome but she left the state thus requiring a change again. So am on my third cardiologist. Thanks for caring adn responding.

Martin - just curious why you are on Warfin? The old gold standard but high maintenance. Xarelto and Eliquis so much easier to maintain - no dietary restrictions. Both now with meds to neutralize if needed. Sure you have good reasons. Would you share your thinking ?

Hi @elwood. I get your question frequently -- why do I stick with Warfarin as my anticoagulant? My answer is simple and to the point. There is a readily available antidote for Warfarin, but not for most other anticoagulants. Almost all hospitals (but with a few stupid exceptions) have the Warfarin antidote (a Vitamin K solution) on hand for use when it's needed. I have two personal experiences that drive my choice of Warfarin.

Three years ago, a neighbor on Warfarin fell off a ladder in his garage. I called 911 and the EMTs came and hauled him off to a hospital emergency room a mile away. An hour later, a medical helicopter picked him up and flew him to another hospital 20 miles away. Within another hour, he was pronounced dead from a hemorhaggic stroke -- an uncontrolled brain bleed. The first hospital had no Warfarin antidote on hand. It's sister hospital 10 miles away could not rush it over either. So they called for the helicopter. The second hospital administered the proper antidote, but by that time, it was too late. I sang at his funeral a week later.

Another episode just last week involved a friend with A-fib who also takes an anticoagulant, but not Warfarin. I reminded him about my neighbor's fate. He called the doctor, asked about his medication, and was told it is a lot less trouble than Warfarin -- lab tests, some diet restrictions, etc. In our pandemic environment, that's a bigger problem than before, risking the coronavirus to go to a medical laboratory for a periodic blood test required to remain safe under Warfarin. Even so, he is now looking for a doctor who will include Warfarin in his range of therapies for A-fib.

I remain upset about the death of my neighbor as a result of his treatment in a hospital that had no antidote for Warfarin on hand. As a result, my first question of doctors when I was rushed to the emergency room last Fall was "Do you have an antidote for Warfarin on hand?" They did. I resolved that I'll always ask that question when under treatment at any clinic or hospital, regardless of which anticoagulant I am taking at that time. I hope this gives you some options to consider and discuss with your doctors, hospital, and EMT services. Martin

Afib raises risk of stroke, Eliquis the latest and considered most effective in prevention. Metoprotol slows heart rate in afib, does not correct afib. Makes people feel more comfortable with lower heart rate. I take both and metoprotol seems to be lowering my blood pressure too much. Taking a little less, though very careful to lower just alittle. I think Eliquis inflames my joints including my jaw though my cardiology person says inflammation of joints is not listed. There is alot not know about meds and the med people do not admit to much. In all fairness, those med heros are overwhelmed with covid19

I have been on Metoprolol for about 13 years with no detectable side affects. My daughter had major side affects on it. I just went on Eliquis a week ago (A-Fib) so I don't know how they interact. My Metoprolol morning dosage doubled at the same time I was diagnoses with A-Fib. I was losing my hair before Metoprolol so I cannot address that. Good Luck !

I'm on eliquis and metoprolol (12.5 mg am and 25mg pm) Read that side effects include hair thinning and can lead to dementia. Is this true? Rather scared. anybody have experience with either? I have noted hair shedding and wonder if long term cognition will be affected.

@damari, you'll notice that I moved your question to this existing discussion about side effects of eliquis and metoprolol. I saw on this webpage that hair thinning is listed as a rare side effect of metoprolol
- Metoprolol Succinate Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8814/metoprolol-succinate-oral/details/list-sideeffects

In this AARP article, beta-blockers are listed as a type of drug that can contribute to memory loss.
- These 10 Drugs Can Cause Memory Loss https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2017/caution-these-10-drugs-can-cause-memory-loss.html

If these potential side effects concern you, I highly recommend you talk with your cardiologist about your concern and discuss the pros and cons of the medication you're taking versus not taking them and talk about possible alternatives.

I take Eliquis ( for over two years now) and have no stomach issues. Hope this helps.

I had to come off metropolo. I had memory loss & confusion really bad & could not sleep.

For me I found it slowed my heart down so when I biked or briskly walked I was out of breath and it took a while to get it caught up after sitting down.