The doc will give you a score based on your age, sex, whether or not you have hypertension, and other risks for stroke before deciding you need anticoagulants. I have taken Coumadin in the past and regardless of all of the professionals saying fatigue isn’t a side effect of it, I was exhausted while I took it. I’m now on Eliquis for afib not related to a heart valve problem. I don’t think I have any side effects after 2 years of taking it. The chance of a major bleed is lower on Eliquis than Coumadin and there are no dietary restrictions with Eliquis. Make sure you do follow doctor’s orders on this very important issue.