Does Eliquis Make You Tired? Honest Talk on a Sneaky Side Effect

When Fatigue Won’t Quit

Let’s just jump right in, shall we? You’re on Eliquis, doing all the right things for your health… but man, you’re tired. Not just a little yawn-here-and-there tired, but a real, stubborn, bone-deep fatigue that catches you off guard at the worst times. Maybe you’re standing in the cereal aisle, squinting at boxes, and wondering why your legs feel like logs. Or you meant to walk the dog—instead you just melt into the sofa and stare at the ceiling. Ever catch yourself thinking… is it the meds? (You’re not alone, by the way.)

This is exactly what we’re getting into today. We’ll talk about why does eliquis make you tired is such a common Google search, what’s really going on inside your body, and some real-life ways to get your energy back—even if you’re feeling about as peppy as a sloth on a hot day.

Getting Real: Is Tiredness from Eliquis Even a Thing?

So… does Eliquis make you tired, or is something else going on?

Short answer: It can. But not always for the reasons you might expect. Let’s peel this onion together.

First off, here’s the clinical bit—Eliquis (generic name: apixaban) is a blood thinner. It’s a champion at lowering your risk of blood clots and strokes, especially if you’ve got atrial fibrillation or recently had surgery. But, like a lot of good things, there’s a flip side. According to the NHS, some folks notice tiredness, low energy, and even a little lightheadedness after starting Eliquis. The trick? That tired feeling is often tangled up with something called anemia, which is basically a fancy word for not having enough red blood cells to zip oxygen around your body.

Story time: Meet Tom (and his stubborn snooze button)

Let’s talk about Tom, 68, a retired firefighter. He started on Eliquis after his doctor spotted atrial fibrillation on his EKG (Tom said he barely noticed the flutter, but the doc was fussier). A few weeks in, something was off—he could barely keep his eyes open by lunchtime. Even his trusty black coffee betrayed him. Eventually, his doctor checked his bloodwork… and, voilà—his red blood cell count had dipped a bit. Tom’s not alone. It’s one of those “hidden” side effects that’s sneakier than spilled coffee on white pants.

So if you’re googling “does eliquis make you tired” because the nap monster keeps winning, you’re not crazy. It’s a thing. Not for everyone, but enough to make it worth a conversation.

The Anemia Connection (And Why That Matters)

Wait, what is anemia, anyway?

Think of your red blood cells as tiny delivery trucks, bringing oxygen to all your muscles and organs. Less fuel (oxygen) means, well, you feel tired. Sometimes even weak or short of breath or, if we want to get dramatic, a little pale around the gills. Eliquis, being a blood thinner, makes it a little easier for you to bruise or bleed (think nosebleeds, gums protesting when you brush, or bruises that appear like you lost a bar fight—been there?). Over time, even low-level bleeding can cut down your red blood cells, ushering in that heavy fatigue.

Side effects of Eliquis in the elderly sometimes show up as this sneaky tiredness, and it’s almost always tied up with mild anemia. Suddenly, that Sunday crossword seems like too much work. Yep, we’ve all been there.

How big of a deal is this?

It’s not super common, but it’s not rare either. In fact, medical reviews note that bruising, low energy, and anemia pop up in a noticeable chunk of folks, especially if you’re older, on higher doses, or just more sensitive to blood loss for any reason. The symptoms are usually mild, but if you suddenly notice you’re panting after a block’s walk, make a call to your doc.

Another story: Lisa and the trail of bruises

Lisa, 74, loves gardening but started noticing her arms looked like pin cushions after a few weeks on Eliquis. Her knees felt rubbery, and she was napping after breakfast (she swears she used to be a morning person). Her doctor wasn’t surprised: tests showed mild anemia from all those little bruises adding up. (Apparently, pruning rose bushes is a contact sport.) Quick iron boost, a little dose tweaking, and—presto!—Lisa was back to her old self in a month.

Which Dose Hits Hardest?

“I’m on 5mg twice a day…is that why I’m tired?”

Great question. Some people on the higher 5mg dose notice more of these energy dips, especially when starting. Here’s a simple breakdown to keep it real:

Dose	Who Usually Gets It	Possible Tiredness?	Side Effect Tips
2.5 mg	Lower risk, sometimes for elderly	Milder, less often	Stay hydrated, check with doctor if persistent
5 mg twice a day	Standard for most adults	More likely, especially first month	Check for anemia, maybe tweak diet

So if you’re nodding along to this “side effects of eliquis 5 mg twice a day” story, join the club. It’s not EVERYONE, but honestly, more than you’d think admit to it if you nudge them gently. And if you need more info specific to your dosage and how it hits, check out Side effects of Eliquis 5 mg twice a day—that guide kept popping up in my research for a reason.

Other Culprits (Because It’s Rarely Just One Thing…)

Could it be something else?

Maybe! Life loves a plot twist. Some medical issues—like heart trouble, thyroid blips, sleep apnea (especially if you snore), or just plain aging—can make you feel like you’re moving through syrup even without Eliquis. But if fatigue showed up right after starting Eliquis (or ramped up when your dose changed), there’s a decent chance the medication is playing a role. Especially if you get other classic side effects of Eliquis in the elderly, like dizziness or easy bruising. None of this is meant to scare you. The trick is noticing, not ignoring.

When tired is actually warning you

Now, if you start getting tired alongside other stuff—like shortness of breath, paler-than-usual skin, feeling your heart race for no reason, or actual bleeding that won’t quit (not just a nick shaving)—that’s when you should call your doctor. Like, today. It’s usually very treatable, but ignoring it is like ignoring your car’s oil light because you think it “looks fine today.” (Spoiler: it will catch up with you!)

Okay, What Helps? (Tired of Being Tired)

The everyday tweaks that actually work

All right, let’s get practical and ditch the guilt—being fatigued on Eliquis isn’t a character flaw. But there are ways to get your spark back:

• Check your labs. Most important. If tiredness is bugging you, ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check for anemia. You’d be amazed how often this one is the culprit.
• Dial in your diet. Lean into iron-rich foods: spinach, beans, chicken, fortified cereals. (I know, you were hoping for “eat more chocolate,” but hey, cocoa has some iron… let’s be creative!)
• Small, daily movement. Think gentle. Walk to the mailbox or do a lap around the kitchen. It actually boosts circulation and helps your energy rebound, even if it feels counterintuitive at first.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. (This is the tip we all roll our eyes at, but it matters. Your blood, cells, and energy all work better when you’re not running on E.)
• Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or herbal supplements that make bleeding worse. Even that innocent-looking turmeric latte can be a troublemaker if you’re already on Eliquis.
• Rest: but don’t fall into your bed for 12 hours at a time. Sometimes too much sleep can actually throw your body out of rhythm. Naps = yes! All-day hibernation = probably not so much.

Personal win: The spinach smoothie save

Maggie, 77, was ready to toss her Eliquis after three weeks of dragging herself out of bed. Her grandkids teased her (“Grandma, are you sleepwalking again?”), so she tried adding a daily spinach smoothie and a couple more walks with the dog. Within two weeks, she felt lighter—not marathon-ready, but happy enough to handle grocery shopping again. Sometimes, food actually is medicine (just wish it tasted like ice cream, am I right?).

The Bottom Line: Listen In, Don’t Shrug Off

When should you worry—really?

Fatigue alone is usually not an emergency. But if it keeps building… or gets worse when you increase your Eliquis (especially the side effects of Eliquis 5 mg twice a day dose)… or comes with shortness of breath, chest pain, or bleeding that just won’t stop… It’s time to call the doc. Better safe than sorry. They may check your blood, look for anemia, adjust your medicine, or just offer reassurance that will help you sleep a little easier (because worrying is the most exhausting thing of all).

It’s worth mentioning: Most people tolerate Eliquis well and don’t end up severely tired. For every Tom or Lisa or Maggie, there are dozens who go on with their lives, dodging blood clots and feeling grateful for the extra health protection. But if you’re not one of those “doesn’t affect me” unicorns, you’re still in good company.

Wrap It Up: Your Energy Matters Too

You’re here because something feels… off. That’s smart. Tiredness with Eliquis isn’t just in your head. It’s real, and it’s worth figuring out. It might be fixable with a simple blood test, a little diet hack, or a dose change. And if you start noticing more bruises than usual, or more trouble with energy at higher doses, check in with your doctor. Catching things early is always less drama in the end. Try a spinach smoothie (or just eat the salad—no pressure), get some fresh air, and stay curious about what your body’s telling you. Oh—and if you’re giggling now about “grandpa naps” or “garden bruises,” trust me: you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining things.

So don’t let that foggy tiredness win. You deserve real energy—whatever your age or medical history. Speak up, ask questions, and keep advocating for what makes you feel truly well. (And hey, tell us if you find a spinach smoothie recipe that actually tastes good.)