Plavix or Aggrenox

[lmroswell]

This question is for my mother, 78 years of age, has had aortic valve replacement and triple bypass (3 yrs ago), has had history of hbp, currently has 50% blockage of each carotid artery and 70% blockage of vertebral artery.  Currently on Plavix and baby aspirin, Toprol XL, Foltex, and Lipitor.  She was hospitalized recently for possible stroke.  Her gait and stability while walking is not normal.  Her head at times feels heavy.  She has brain fog and thinks slower than normal.  There are days that she seems to be much better than others.  My question is this:  Her doctor (neurologist) wants her taken off Plavix and aspirin and wants to replace it with Aggrenox.  She was doing well with Plavix and aspirin, but after her brief hospitalization her neuro wants to switch her.  She was negative for a TIA and stroke, but her MRI showed significant periventricular white matter disease that the doctor said is more than just old age.  What do you think of the change in meds?  Thanks for the info...

[agnes123]

My question is about myself.  On February 1st, at 1pm the right side of my body began to go numb..first the forefinger and thumb, then the little finger, then my lips and a bit up the side of my face. I took an aspirin and called 911.  The paramedics came out and said since I had my strength and neurological symptoms were checked out, they said that I probably had hypertension and was hyperventilating, producing the numbness on my right side. They didn't take me in at that time.  By 7:30pm the symptoms were still there so I consulted with a Dr. that lived by me. He was alarmed and sent me to the ER. I was given an MRI, MRA, studies of the corotid arteries and it all showed that I had experienced a minor stroke. I was put on Aggrenox, Aspirin, Hydrochlorothyazide, and Simvastatin.  Since that time I have heard conflicting opinions about whether plavix would have been better that aggrenox.  I don't know what to believe. I'm worried if I'm on the right medication.  Help please.

[momhadstroke]

I would continue your research and review antiplatelet agents which are asprin, clopidogrel, bisulfate, dipyridamole.  Also look into stroke information and hopefully you can discover some good information that will help you make a good choice.  Get different opinions too.  My father was on Plavix and use to get a heavy feeling in his head where he said it was very unpleasant.  He passed away last year from an aneurism.  My father had 2 mini-strokes.  My mom just suffered a serious ishemic stroke.  The doctors could not reverse it in time with the t-pa medication.  Good Luck in Your Research!