What Causes Nightmares After Taking Eliquis, Namenda XR And Donepezil?

Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 20 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband is taking Eliquis for AFIB and various other drugs for his heart. He is also taking Namenda XR 28
and Donzepril HC1-10mg for his memory. Could his bad nightly nightmares be caused by the mixing of these drugs?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
donepezil may cause nightmares

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

you haven't mentioned the complete list of drugs but donepezil may cause nightmares. It is a relatively common side effect. Please note though that various drugs for the heart, like the beta blockers, may also cause bad dreams, so you've got to remember when when the problem started to occur. If it occurred after adding donepezil then this would be the most likely cause.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)

My husband has also tried warfarin for AFIB. If he takes the dosage to keep his ratio between 2-3 he bleeds excessively an is very tired.. Even picking up a grocery bag causes bleeding. If he takes a 5mg tab once each day, he feels better, but his ratio is less than 2.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
INR less than 2 is not an option

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

if he decides to take warfarin or similar drugs then the INR should be close to 2.5 (range from 2.0 to 3.5). Less than 2.0 will make the formation of blood clots inside the heart more probable.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar