If I would like to reduce the amount of Zocor that I take (20mg) would it be better to split the pills (half per day) or take one every other day? I just would like to take less of it, my numbers are excellent now, and I have improved my diet significantly. Liver tests are always fine. Will follow the Chol numbers to see the effect of reducing the amount. Any thoughts?

I'm really not happy about doing something like this without check with your doctor. I don't really know which is safer but I guess you should try it one way first and if you feel OK stick with it. My friend is taking medication for high blood pressure but she started taking it every other day because it made her dissy. Her doctor said it was OK as long as it kept her blood pressure down.

Gatormom--Ideally, your goal should be to take the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired effects. You stated that you have improved your diet considerably, and that your numbers are excellent. That being the case, it makes perfect sense to determine if you can maintain these numbers with a lower dose. At least this way you will know where you stand. I would think that it would be better to split the pill in half and take it every day, rather than one 20mg pill every other day. But nevertheless, I would check with the doctor first, and allow him to advise you on how best to go about reducing the dose.

Gatormom...I am a firm believer in taking the dosage at the same time periods, but half the amount, if that's what you want to do. But that's just my opinion. I just started taking Zocor myself, and so far no side effects whatsoever. Hope it keeps up that way. Good luck.

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JeanneMarie

Thanks for the replies. Having checked with my health care provider, he is giving me a new RX for 15 mg Zocor (down from 20) and will recheck cholesterol levels in 60 days.
Thought this guidance might be useful to someone else who is thinking about how to reduce the amount they take.
The goal is to use as small a dose as possible to bring the numbers in line.