💊 Does Eliquis Cause Depression or Anxiety? Truth 2025

If you take Eliquis (apixaban) or know someone who does, you may have wondered: Does Eliquis cause depression or anxiety? It’s a common and confusing question because people sometimes notice mood changes after starting new medications.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between depression and anxiety, how Eliquis works, and whether it’s truly linked to these emotional changes. You’ll learn the meanings of each term, how to spot symptoms, and what to do if you feel low or anxious while on Eliquis.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, beginner-friendly explanation—with examples and easy tips—so you can feel more confident about understanding this topic.

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What Does Each Term Mean?

Before looking at the connection between Eliquis, depression, and anxiety, let’s first understand what these two emotional conditions actually mean.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a strong and lasting feeling of sadness or loss of interest. It’s not just “feeling sad.” It can affect how you sleep, eat, think, or even enjoy things you used to love.

Simple examples:

1. Feeling tired all day even after sleeping well.
2. Not wanting to hang out with friends anymore.
3. Crying easily without knowing why.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling of fear or worry that doesn’t go away, even when there’s no real danger. It’s like your body’s alarm system staying “on” all the time.

Simple examples:

1. Your heart races before talking to your teacher or boss.
2. You worry too much about small mistakes.
3. You can’t relax even during fun activities.

Both depression and anxiety are emotional health issues, not signs of weakness. They can affect anyone, and understanding them helps you take better care of yourself.

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What Is Eliquis and How Does It Work?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription medicine used to prevent blood clots and lower the risk of stroke. Doctors often give it to people with conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism.

It’s part of a group of drugs called anticoagulants (or “blood thinners”). These medicines help your blood flow more smoothly and reduce clot formation.

While Eliquis mainly affects the circulatory system, some people report changes in mood or energy after starting it—leading to questions like “Does Eliquis cause depression or anxiety?”

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The Key Difference Between Depression and Anxiety

Feature	Depression	Anxiety
Main Feeling	Sadness, hopelessness	Fear, worry, nervousness
Body Reaction	Low energy, poor sleep	Fast heartbeat, sweating, restlessness
Thought Pattern	“Nothing will get better.”	“Something bad might happen.”
Behavior	Withdraws from people	Tries to avoid scary situations
Example Sentence	“I don’t feel like getting out of bed.”	“I can’t stop worrying about tomorrow.”

Quick Tip:
If you feel mostly down or hopeless, it may be depression. If you feel mostly worried or restless, it may be anxiety. Sometimes, both can happen together.

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Does Eliquis Cause Depression or Anxiety?

Now to the main question: Does Eliquis cause depression or anxiety?
According to medical information and user reports, depression and anxiety are not listed as common side effects of Eliquis.

However, some people taking Eliquis have noticed changes in their mood, sleep, or overall energy. These effects can come from indirect factors, such as:

1. Physical stress: Managing a serious condition (like a blood clot or stroke risk) can increase emotional strain.
2. Medication anxiety: Worrying about side effects or bleeding risks can make a person more tense or fearful.
3. Lifestyle changes: Avoiding certain foods or activities while on medication may affect mood.

So while Eliquis itself may not directly cause depression or anxiety, the situation around using it might.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many people misunderstand their feelings when starting new medicine. Here are a few common mistakes:

❌ Mistake 1: Thinking any mood change means the medicine is bad.
✅ Fix: Talk to your doctor first. Sometimes, your body just needs time to adjust.

❌ Mistake 2: Stopping Eliquis suddenly because you feel “off.”
✅ Fix: Never stop a blood thinner on your own—it can be dangerous. Always check with your doctor.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring emotional symptoms completely.
✅ Fix: Write down how you feel each day and share it at your next appointment.

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When to Suspect Depression While Taking Eliquis

You might be experiencing depression if you notice these signs for more than two weeks:

• Feeling sad most of the day
• Losing interest in things you enjoy
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling tired or hopeless
• Having trouble focusing

Example sentences:

• “Ever since I started Eliquis, I just don’t feel like myself.”
• “I can’t focus on my work anymore.”
• “I used to enjoy walks, but now I don’t want to go.”

If you notice these symptoms, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either. Speak with your doctor or a mental health professional.

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When to Suspect Anxiety While Taking Eliquis

You might be feeling anxiety if you experience:

• Fast heartbeat or tight chest
• Constant worrying about your health
• Trouble sleeping due to overthinking
• Feeling nervous or restless

Example sentences:

• “I worry all night about what could go wrong.”
• “I keep checking my pulse or blood pressure.”
• “I feel scared without knowing why.”

If this sounds like you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help figure out whether it’s related to Eliquis, your condition, or something else.

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Quick Recap: Eliquis, Depression, and Anxiety

• Eliquis is a blood thinner that helps prevent blood clots.
• It doesn’t directly cause depression or anxiety in most people.
• Emotional changes can happen due to stress, illness, or lifestyle changes.
• Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
• Track your symptoms—it helps doctors see the full picture.

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Advanced Tips

• Origin note: “Eliquis” comes from “eliminate” and “liquid,” hinting at its role in blood flow.
• In formal writing or medical discussions, it’s better to say “possible emotional side effects” rather than “Eliquis causes depression.”
• In online discussions or forums, people often share personal experiences, but remember—each body reacts differently.

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Mini Quiz

Fill in the blanks to test your understanding:

1. Eliquis is used to prevent ________.
2. Depression mainly involves feelings of ________.
3. Anxiety mainly involves feelings of ________.
4. You should ________ stop taking Eliquis without a doctor’s advice.
5. True or False: Depression and anxiety are common side effects of Eliquis.

(Answers: 1. blood clots, 2. sadness, 3. fear or worry, 4. never, 5. False)

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FAQs

1. Can Eliquis make you feel depressed or anxious?
Not directly. Most emotional changes come from adjusting to medication or health-related stress.

2. What should I do if I feel anxious after starting Eliquis?
Talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dose, reassure you, or suggest relaxation techniques.

3. Are mood swings common with Eliquis?
Mood swings are not a listed side effect, but stress and body changes can sometimes cause them.

4. Can I take antidepressants with Eliquis?
Only under medical supervision. Some antidepressants can interact with blood thinners.

5. Is it safe to stop Eliquis if I feel emotional side effects?
No. Always consult your healthcare provider first to avoid serious health risks.

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Conclusion

Understanding the link between Eliquis, depression, and anxiety helps you take better care of both your body and mind. While Eliquis doesn’t usually cause emotional side effects directly, your overall health, lifestyle, and stress levels can influence how you feel.

Stay aware, stay kind to yourself, and talk openly with your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood. The more you know, the easier it becomes to manage your health confidently.