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

Posted by damari @damari, May 25, 2020

Just diagnosed. Doctor prescribed Eliquis and Metoprolol. I was wondering what side effects common. I read there is a rare side effect of hair thinning for metoprolol. (take 25 mg 2x day) Also read that Eliquis can sometimes cause some stomach discomfort. (5 mg 2x day) Can either medications be taken in lesser amounts?

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I take Eliquis and metropolol and started digoxin right before I had a cardio version back in July and all was well. At my follow up appointment, my dr. said to start taking the digoxin every other day, rather than daily. My Afib came back. He is now referring me to an electrophysiologist who is based in Nashville and only visits my town every other week. Anyone else had issues with digoxin?

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I've been on metoprolol since my triple bypass in 2022.
Aside from getting the initial dosage right near the beginning (my HR dropped too low when combined with the amiodarone I was on at the time), I've had no issues with it.
I was on Eliquis for post-surgical Afib, but was taken off it after a couple of months. No issues.
I've recently gone back on Eliquis when my Afib returned at the beginning of July this year.
Aside from a possible initial bout of constipation which resolved, I haven't noticed any ill effects.
I've had the same experience with Eliquis and generic apixaban.

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I’ve been taking both Eliquis and Metoprolol for almost 10 years and haven’t had any side effects myself. But everyone’s different, so it can really vary from person to person. If you’re worried about dose or side effects, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor before making any changes. Best of luck with your health.

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I did not do well with the metoprolol. My problem(s) were kind of stumbly when I walked which wasn't too bad, but the worst was the feeling in my legs below the knee. I felt like this portion of my legs were just along for the ride. Pain and some numbness but just a feeling of not really working. Also, my heart rate was low for me. Sometimes in the very low 50s, but consistently in the mid to low 60s. I went off metoprolol about 2 months ago and the change in the feeling in my legs was almost instant. I had a successful ablation (PFA at UC Health in Aurora, CO) on May 23, 2025, and continue on Eliquis. Not so much for a blood clot due to a return of Afib, but because I am over 75 (86 on 09/12/2025) and at a +2 on the CHA2DS2-VASc Score.

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Profile picture for pha2340840 @pha2340840

I have A-fib 5 years. Eliquis is doing the trick. To me Warfarin is too much maintenance. Was on Pradaxa for a while but it is so expensive. Ask your Cardiologist.

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Is that all you are taking?

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Profile picture for tuckie @tuckie

Hi
I am a little older.
Metoprolol could not control my H/R 198 with pauses at night on it. BBs are no longer recommended as 1st line for hypertension.

Changed to Bisoprolol 156 and again not much control of H.R even raised the dose to 10mfg.

Then went to a Private Cardiologist. Diliazem did the trick. Within 2 hours H/R went from the 156 to 51.

I have banned BBs from my meds. Bisoprolol was stopped when H/R went low.

cheri JOY

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Wouldn't it be great if all meds worked for all people.? I have had good luck with Meto but, like you, I know many others who are still looking for the right med. When I get a new med I try not follow up on it for a short while - otherwise I may develop issues based on what I read rather than on the good it is doing me. 'Mind over matter' for me, I guess.

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Profile picture for sacramento25 @sacramento25

READ a lot of stores and common is prescriptions that take out symptoms and not treat and support your hart. I received AFib after COVID-19 in 2021 . In 2023 i was recommended Metroproll and Eliques (2.5 2/day) But I have normal BP and HR (50-60) If I take this medicines all became low, I feel weakness. I had sleepy test and now use CPAP machine. For my hart I use Taurine and UbiQuinol and Magnesium Orotate .After 6 monthes my CAM Report show that for 14 days I have only 2 episodes and the longest was 1.1 minute ( in September it was7 episodes the longest was 57.8 m) My doctors know what I take,but couldn't recomend me that treatment. But I feel much better. Read more your body is your resposibility. I am 73,5 year old.

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Hi
I am a little older.
Metoprolol could not control my H/R 198 with pauses at night on it. BBs are no longer recommended as 1st line for hypertension.

Changed to Bisoprolol 156 and again not much control of H.R even raised the dose to 10mfg.

Then went to a Private Cardiologist. Diliazem did the trick. Within 2 hours H/R went from the 156 to 51.

I have banned BBs from my meds. Bisoprolol was stopped when H/R went low.

cheri JOY

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Profile picture for katydid77 @katydid77

@gator66, thank you for your post. I had not thought about bruising with deep massage. It certainly should be a concern.

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I get a lymph massage once a month and have no problem with bruising. It is a very light touch massage.

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Always take your meds with a light meal or snack , unless prescribed for empty stomach.

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Sorry, for mistakes , English is not my native .

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