I am back on Lipitor... no matter how much I kick and scream I end up on it. Is one of the side effects depression? Whenever I take Lipitor I fall in depression.. nothing seems right, it's almost like a dark cloud is hanging over me. Can't be happy about anything. And as many times as I have been on and off Lipitor, I know I get this way when I am taking it. Does anybody else get this way??? Is there anything I can do??? Please help me if you have an answer or a solution..

Statins lower cholesterol and your brain uses cholesterol for its functions so I suppose it's reasonalble to assume it could be connected to your depression. Do some research on cholesterol and statins. Read the book "Statin Drugs Side Effects and the Misguided War on Cholesterol". Maybe that will help you. :)

What were your cholesterol numbers before going back on Lipitor? There are alternatives to statins.

CoQ10 should be taken if on a statin too, although I don't think that'd help with depression much.

Some Omega 3s (fish oil) may help with depression. But if Lipitor is the cause, I suggest asking your doctor for one of the alternatives (different statin or red yeast rice, Niaspan, Lovaza, diet, exercise).

I am back on Lipitor... no matter how much I kick and scream I end up on it. Is one of the side effects depression? Whenever I take Lipitor I fall in depression.. nothing seems right, it's almost like a dark cloud is hanging over me. Can't be happy about anything. And as many times as I have been on and off Lipitor, I know I get this way when I am taking it. Does anybody else get this way??? Is there anything I can do??? Please help me if you have an answer or a solution..

LIPITOR is a lipophilic drug which crosses the blood-brain barrier. Pravachol is hydrophilic and probably a better a choice because it does not cross the brain. Pravachol is a much weaker drug, but if your cholesterol numbers are not too bad it may be worth it to try. When I took Lipitor some years ago I developed terrible neck and joint pains and was constantly perspiring. My doctor then switched me to Pravachol. Another hydrophilic drug similar to Pravachol is Crestor. This drug is more potent than Lipitor. 5mg of Crestor is about the same as 10-15 mg of Lipitor and 20-30 mg of Pravachol. If you take Crestor do not exceed 10mg a day no matter what your doctor tells you. Crestor is known as the "Gorilla Statin".

Hey Ace,

If you take Crestor do not exceed 10mg a day no matter what your doctor tells you. Crestor is known as the "Gorilla Statin"

Are you serious? :confused: I was switched from Lipitor to Crestor recently and, as you say, have found that it works too well. My (previously normal) cholesterol levels have plummeted on 20mg of Crestor. I don't want to question my doctors' judgement, but I can't help feeling somewhat concerned. I just saw my GP and, even though he commented about other lab results that were out of range, my (now too low) cholesterol levels were not discussed. So, I guess they are still acceptable based on my CV risk profile. :dizzy: Thanks for this info.

FG

Hi Flowergirl,

Crestor is very effective even at low doses. The rule is to start low and then slowly increase over time if necessary. Crestor was the second statin after Baychol to almost be withdrawn from the AMerican market. Crestor was associated with higher levels of muscle breakdown, numerous kidney related problems (mainly hematuria/blood in urine)and terrible lab values reflecting muscle breakdown and glucose increases. The drug at 80 mg. a day caused serious side effects including death. The FDA cited the Manufacturer (Astra Zeneca) and restricted the dosage to 40 mg. day. That is why I made the comment to refrain from exceeding 5 - 10 mg a day. I think 2.5 mg a day would lower cholesterol to a comfortable level in most people. Keep in mind that this just my opinion from what I've read and this should not replace your MD recommendations.

Thanks for the info, ACE. It is much appreciated.

I was wondering how to get this type of unbiased information. Statins are statins -belonging to the same drug class- and the side effects do not vary much, especially with higher doses. I think my doctor tests for muscle damage. I doubt that aches and pains from statin use would affect the test results. Somehow I think the test shows only significant muscle damage, once it has ocurred. I'll have to look into it.

FG