pduncan
07-22-2006, 10:43 AM
Hi all, new to this site.
I've been on Lipitor for about 18 months now. Didn't have much trouble with it up to now. Doctor started me on 40mg, but had to lower to 20 since my liver levels were elevated. For the last two months, I have started having very heavy fatigue, my arms and legs (all four) are tingling (almost constantly) am increasingly light headed, the muscles in my legs constantly ache, and it seems to be getting worse pretty quick.
Does anyone know if this sounds like signs of side effects of lipitor? SHOULD I STOP TAKING IT?? It did help my cholesterol (bad from 215 to 143, good from 15 to 30, tri from +/- 375 to 145).
If satins are not an option for me, what else is out there? I'm taking cinnamon to help with the triglycerides, which is working. I've heard that Niacin is good for cholesterol.
I'm a 43 yr old male.
I've been on Lipitor for about 18 months now. Didn't have much trouble with it up to now. Doctor started me on 40mg, but had to lower to 20 since my liver levels were elevated. For the last two months, I have started having very heavy fatigue, my arms and legs (all four) are tingling (almost constantly) am increasingly light headed, the muscles in my legs constantly ache, and it seems to be getting worse pretty quick.
Does anyone know if this sounds like signs of side effects of lipitor? SHOULD I STOP TAKING IT?? It did help my cholesterol (bad from 215 to 143, good from 15 to 30, tri from +/- 375 to 145).
If satins are not an option for me, what else is out there? I'm taking cinnamon to help with the triglycerides, which is working. I've heard that Niacin is good for cholesterol.
I'm a 43 yr old male.
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ARIZONA73
07-22-2006, 12:06 PM
pduncan,
The side-effects you are experiencing are most likely from the Lipitor, since these are the classic symptoms that people on these drugs complain about the most. You should not have to tolerate these adverse effects, since they can potentially lead to further problems down the road. You should immediately bring this to your doctor's attention, and discuss possible alternatives to Lipitor. Niacin can certainly be a good alternative; in fact, it may be the best one. I noticed that your HDL is quite low. When it comes to raising HDL levels, niacin is the champion. Also, niacin has been shown to not only lower LDL, but also to increase LDL particle size, rendering it less harmful. In addition to the niacin, you should also try to cut down on carbohydrates. A low carb diet can result in dramatically lower triglycerides, while contributing to a simultaneous increase in HDL.
The side-effects you are experiencing are most likely from the Lipitor, since these are the classic symptoms that people on these drugs complain about the most. You should not have to tolerate these adverse effects, since they can potentially lead to further problems down the road. You should immediately bring this to your doctor's attention, and discuss possible alternatives to Lipitor. Niacin can certainly be a good alternative; in fact, it may be the best one. I noticed that your HDL is quite low. When it comes to raising HDL levels, niacin is the champion. Also, niacin has been shown to not only lower LDL, but also to increase LDL particle size, rendering it less harmful. In addition to the niacin, you should also try to cut down on carbohydrates. A low carb diet can result in dramatically lower triglycerides, while contributing to a simultaneous increase in HDL.
pduncan
07-22-2006, 12:38 PM
Thanks Arizona...... I'll do that.
:)
:)
uneamie
07-22-2006, 02:56 PM
Since I refused to take any "Statin" drugs I lowered my numbers greatly by taking, Fish Oil, drinking one 6 oz glass of "red wine" every night, and 600mg of "Red Yeast Rice" tablets ( one must also take c0Q10 enzyme suppliment) if taking the "red yeast rice". Red Yeast Rice is a natural statin that you can get in a health food store. It has less side effects but it can still have some of the same ones that statins have.
Statins can cause muscle damage on some people due to the depletion of the C0Q10 enzyme....that is why one needs to take a suppliment of it.
My numbers came down dramaticly. Now I am going to try and wean myself off of the Red Yeast Rice and just keeping doing the fish oil, and red wine.
I also take 1200 mgs of cinnamin. You can substitute "flax seed" oil tablets for the fish oil as well.
Statins can cause muscle damage on some people due to the depletion of the C0Q10 enzyme....that is why one needs to take a suppliment of it.
My numbers came down dramaticly. Now I am going to try and wean myself off of the Red Yeast Rice and just keeping doing the fish oil, and red wine.
I also take 1200 mgs of cinnamin. You can substitute "flax seed" oil tablets for the fish oil as well.
pduncan
07-25-2006, 04:53 PM
pduncan,
The side-effects you are experiencing are most likely from the Lipitor, since these are the classic symptoms that people on these drugs complain about the most. You should not have to tolerate these adverse effects, since they can potentially lead to further problems down the road. You should immediately bring this to your doctor's attention, and discuss possible alternatives to Lipitor. Niacin can certainly be a good alternative; in fact, it may be the best one. I noticed that your HDL is quite low. When it comes to raising HDL levels, niacin is the champion. Also, niacin has been shown to not only lower LDL, but also to increase LDL particle size, rendering it less harmful. In addition to the niacin, you should also try to cut down on carbohydrates. A low carb diet can result in dramatically lower triglycerides, while contributing to a simultaneous increase in HDL.
What dose of Niacin would you consider safe, and is the type you can get at "Wal-Mart" the right type or is there some more effective?
The side-effects you are experiencing are most likely from the Lipitor, since these are the classic symptoms that people on these drugs complain about the most. You should not have to tolerate these adverse effects, since they can potentially lead to further problems down the road. You should immediately bring this to your doctor's attention, and discuss possible alternatives to Lipitor. Niacin can certainly be a good alternative; in fact, it may be the best one. I noticed that your HDL is quite low. When it comes to raising HDL levels, niacin is the champion. Also, niacin has been shown to not only lower LDL, but also to increase LDL particle size, rendering it less harmful. In addition to the niacin, you should also try to cut down on carbohydrates. A low carb diet can result in dramatically lower triglycerides, while contributing to a simultaneous increase in HDL.
What dose of Niacin would you consider safe, and is the type you can get at "Wal-Mart" the right type or is there some more effective?
BioAdoptMom3
07-25-2006, 11:08 PM
I have heard so many people on lipitor complain of side effects, but almost all of them are on 20 mg. or higher. My cholesterol dropped from 289 to 189 in six weeks on just 10 mg. of lipitor every other day. I am basically only getting 5 mg. per day and it is helping greatly. I have had no side effects at all.
Nancy
Nancy
Zimm
07-25-2006, 11:48 PM
Nancy,
Did you start taking your Lipitor every other day by yourself or did the doctor tell you this? I too was on 10 mg of Lipitor every day for several years
before I started getting muscle cramps in my feet and legs,it progressed to my back,chest and my arms. The pain became truly unbearable,the doctors performed all kinds of tests,took out my gallbladder,put a stent in my heart arterie,I actually had 3 blockages but 1 had formed it's own collaterals and the other was at 40%. This was all done before my doctor said it was Lipitor. After 1 month off Lipitor he put me on Ze:blob_fire tia which just tore up my stomach and constant headaches, well it's been 6 weeks off both and 4 months off Lipitor so he gives me 20 mg Zocor,after just 4 days of stomach problems the muscle pain is coming back. I decided after talking to the pharmacist to make sure the Zocor could do this after only 4 days,to just take my chances on dying or living with pain. There just doesn't seem any solution.
Sorry this is so long,but I had to vent,I'm at the depressed stage!
Good luck!!
Did you start taking your Lipitor every other day by yourself or did the doctor tell you this? I too was on 10 mg of Lipitor every day for several years
before I started getting muscle cramps in my feet and legs,it progressed to my back,chest and my arms. The pain became truly unbearable,the doctors performed all kinds of tests,took out my gallbladder,put a stent in my heart arterie,I actually had 3 blockages but 1 had formed it's own collaterals and the other was at 40%. This was all done before my doctor said it was Lipitor. After 1 month off Lipitor he put me on Ze:blob_fire tia which just tore up my stomach and constant headaches, well it's been 6 weeks off both and 4 months off Lipitor so he gives me 20 mg Zocor,after just 4 days of stomach problems the muscle pain is coming back. I decided after talking to the pharmacist to make sure the Zocor could do this after only 4 days,to just take my chances on dying or living with pain. There just doesn't seem any solution.
Sorry this is so long,but I had to vent,I'm at the depressed stage!
Good luck!!
ARIZONA73
07-26-2006, 12:00 AM
What dose of Niacin would you consider safe, and is the type you can get at "Wal-Mart" the right type or is there some more effective?
I take 250mg of immediate-release niacin (Puritan's Pride brand) four times a day, for a total of 1000mg. I would hesitate to go much beyond that unless I was under a doctor's care. But that dosage has resulted in a significant increase in my HDL. However, your situation is different than mine. You have multiple issues. You have a very low HDL, combined with an elevated LDL and high triglycerides. So, in your case, it would be best to talk this over with your doctor, and see what he would recommend. Perhaps an extended-release niacin would be best in your case, such as Niaspan, which is available by prescription. This form of niacin may be better for lowering LDL, and at the same time increasing HDL. Also, if you are taking a statin, don't ever start self-administering niacin without first consulting with your doctor.
I take 250mg of immediate-release niacin (Puritan's Pride brand) four times a day, for a total of 1000mg. I would hesitate to go much beyond that unless I was under a doctor's care. But that dosage has resulted in a significant increase in my HDL. However, your situation is different than mine. You have multiple issues. You have a very low HDL, combined with an elevated LDL and high triglycerides. So, in your case, it would be best to talk this over with your doctor, and see what he would recommend. Perhaps an extended-release niacin would be best in your case, such as Niaspan, which is available by prescription. This form of niacin may be better for lowering LDL, and at the same time increasing HDL. Also, if you are taking a statin, don't ever start self-administering niacin without first consulting with your doctor.
BioAdoptMom3
07-27-2006, 12:06 AM
As far as your question about my dosage, my doctor (it was my GYN actually who put me on it) told me to start with 5 mg. per day. Since it doesn't come in 5 mg. and my insurance doesn't cover anything lower than 20 mg. (who knows why) I had to get the 20mg. and cut it into fourths. However it was a disaster trying to that, so I started cutting them in half and taking them every other day after calling the pharmacy where I get them filled. He said it should be fine. My last cholesterol test showed great results just as the others have. You may still have side effects from a lower dose, but it could be worth a try. If it doesn't work there are still lots of other meds out there doctors can try and some of the remedies suggested by the other posters may work well too. I have heard that working out at least five times per week can help lower cholesterol very well.
Hang in there!
Nancy
Hang in there!
Nancy
pduncan
07-27-2006, 10:14 AM
Well,
The doctor took me off of the Lipitor and put me on niacin, 500 mg at bed time. Gonna check in 6 weeks how it's doing. Also taking cinnamon.
The doctor took me off of the Lipitor and put me on niacin, 500 mg at bed time. Gonna check in 6 weeks how it's doing. Also taking cinnamon.
NHone
07-27-2006, 02:22 PM
You might try thera tears. Use the soft gels, and not the drops. I did another post here on Thera tears nutrition and lowered cholesterol.
mattsmom32
07-27-2006, 11:21 PM
thera tears? For cholesterol? I'm :confused:
NHone
07-27-2006, 11:26 PM
Look at my thread on this board titled: "Thera Tears Nutrition for lowered cholesterol". By looking at the ingredients in the formula, its makes sense why it works for lowering cholesterol. I guess people thought the thread was really off the wall, that's why no one has responded.
mattsmom32
07-27-2006, 11:32 PM
I went and looked it up and it does make sense. It's just weird that they used the name TheraTears. LOL! When I get through with all the capsules of fish oil, EPO and whatever else is in it, I might grab a bottle.
NHone
07-28-2006, 12:22 AM
It was originally made for dry eyes. They found out that the ingredients are what dry eyes are lacking. Interesting how they are what you need to lower cholesterol also, and reduce inflammation. They also said it could be used for dry mouth. It is a patent pending formulation.
John39840
07-28-2006, 08:39 AM
My mom experienced muscle pain, and lost her memory due to Lipitor. A major side effect of Lipitor is the depletion of CoQ10 in the brain. One day she just started forgetting everything, and walked around like an aimless zombie... very similar to global amnesia. She still had her long term memory intact, but very little short term memory.
There's been a recent lawsuit to this effect against Pfizer. They even have a separate patent that includes pharmaceutical grade CoQ10 in the formulation. Just like with Fosamax and Vitamin D, when one patent expires, they can corner the market on a more effective formula. Except in this case, the results can be a lot more potentially damaging and possibly fatal. Which probably demonstrates just how important the daily intake of CoQ10 should be for anyone still on Lipitor.
After much research, I immediately had her change doctors, stop Lipitor, and started her on 150mg. of CoQ10 daily. The doctor actually felt that some of the memory loss was caused by her having mini-strokes. But the change on this new regimen was as immediate, as it was drastic. My moms memory returned almost 100 percent. But get this: her hearing improved drastically as well (no longer did she turn the television up to intolerably high levels, and ask people to repeat themselves) and her eyesight also improved (suddenly she was able to read without glasses in low light conditions.) Coincidence? I think not.
I also started her on a daily regimen of 1000mg. of Puritan's Pride Flush Free Niacin (inositol hexanicotinate,) 1000mg of fish oil, and 2tbl of psyllium husk. And how about just eating healthy? I had her incorporate salads and fishes into her diet at least three times a week. Six months later, and her lipid profile actually improved (slightly lower LDL, much higher HDL) over her last test, taken while on Lipitor. Impressive.
What's also great about Niacin is the extra added benefit of the natural release of small amounts of HGH. This only happens if taken on an empty stomach, in absence of any oils. Of course, there are also harmful factors to consider with Niacin. As it can lower your platelet count, especially in combination with fish oil and a daily regimen of aspirin. And it also has the rare potential for increased liver toxicity in amounts above 1000-1500mg.
[removed]
There's been a recent lawsuit to this effect against Pfizer. They even have a separate patent that includes pharmaceutical grade CoQ10 in the formulation. Just like with Fosamax and Vitamin D, when one patent expires, they can corner the market on a more effective formula. Except in this case, the results can be a lot more potentially damaging and possibly fatal. Which probably demonstrates just how important the daily intake of CoQ10 should be for anyone still on Lipitor.
After much research, I immediately had her change doctors, stop Lipitor, and started her on 150mg. of CoQ10 daily. The doctor actually felt that some of the memory loss was caused by her having mini-strokes. But the change on this new regimen was as immediate, as it was drastic. My moms memory returned almost 100 percent. But get this: her hearing improved drastically as well (no longer did she turn the television up to intolerably high levels, and ask people to repeat themselves) and her eyesight also improved (suddenly she was able to read without glasses in low light conditions.) Coincidence? I think not.
I also started her on a daily regimen of 1000mg. of Puritan's Pride Flush Free Niacin (inositol hexanicotinate,) 1000mg of fish oil, and 2tbl of psyllium husk. And how about just eating healthy? I had her incorporate salads and fishes into her diet at least three times a week. Six months later, and her lipid profile actually improved (slightly lower LDL, much higher HDL) over her last test, taken while on Lipitor. Impressive.
What's also great about Niacin is the extra added benefit of the natural release of small amounts of HGH. This only happens if taken on an empty stomach, in absence of any oils. Of course, there are also harmful factors to consider with Niacin. As it can lower your platelet count, especially in combination with fish oil and a daily regimen of aspirin. And it also has the rare potential for increased liver toxicity in amounts above 1000-1500mg.
[removed]
janeslk
07-28-2006, 11:44 PM
returned almost 100 percent. But get this: her hearing improved drastically as well (no longer did she turn the television up to intolerably high levels, and ask people to repeat themselves) and her eyesight also improved (suddenly she was able to read without glasses in low light conditions.) Coincidence? I think not.
[removed]
In my neverending research on statins, several people have reported their eyesight worsened while on statins such as Lipitor and Zocar. The reason is the statins weaken the muscles in the eyes. I have no idea why her hearing would be affected, but am happy she was able to recover fully.
Jane
[removed]
In my neverending research on statins, several people have reported their eyesight worsened while on statins such as Lipitor and Zocar. The reason is the statins weaken the muscles in the eyes. I have no idea why her hearing would be affected, but am happy she was able to recover fully.
Jane
NHone
07-29-2006, 07:49 PM
My mothers hearing got worse on Lipitor and zetia also, and got much better after started the Coq10. From what I understand from one of her doctors, it had something to do with the extreme inner ear and part of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is very sensitive to Coq10. ALso there is some possibliity, that the hair folicles were damaged by the cholesterol lowering medicine.