Statins use??? - High Cholesterol Message Board

dak2005 · 06-02-2005, 09:44 PM

My Dad has has had diabetes now for 9 years. He has done well for quite sometime. 2 years ago his doctor put him on 20 mg of Zocor. He never really noticed any major side effects but my Mom did about 8 months following. Forgetfulnes, some memory loss, lost train of thought. His doctor blew it off as an "age " thing and a "male thing" so we believed him. But it has really effected my Dad the last year or and we are all obviously worried. He is 61 and has really been in great health for many years and was watching his diet for quite sometime until going on metformin right before the zocor.(approx. spring 2003) I have done so much research for my parents, trying to find the answers. I admit I am so worn out. I know I am not a doctor but also feel we need to take charge of our health!! He went to a neurologist in April of 2005 and nothing was conclusive. He has also had a sleep study done. (restless syndrome) I have also read of possible sleep problems for people on statins. I have read so much information in regards to the side effects of statins, especially the possible memory effects. Things are moving too slowly for myself and my family. This has also effected his job in construction. He had planned on retiring next year. Can anyone share their thoughts and opinions on statin use?? I am hoping that this is what is bringing the memory problems on and that with either going off zocor and trying a different statin or going on a lower dose his life with improve. From what I have read I think 20mg is too high for him. He has always maintained mild to moderate cholesterol levels. Thanks for you responses!!

concerned daughter

JJ · 06-02-2005, 10:05 PM

Have U or your mom asked the dr. to let him stop for awhile to see if things get better? I really hate it when drs. blame things on "age", especially at only 61. His problem could very well be the statin, as memory loss is a side effect. Seeing he does construction work, memory loss is definitely something he doesn't need, could be dangerous.

My hubby was on Lipitor for 7 years, had many side effects, especially muscle weakness and pain. We didn't have a computer at the time so I had no idea what some of these drugs can do, but sure do now. Due to his ailments he had to retire in 99, 3 years short of when he intended to. He no longer takes any statins, and both of us refuse to, although there are folks who do well on them, many don't.

Sounds like U are a very nice and concerned daughter, and think it is time for a talk with his dr. Seeing he is maintaining decent numbers, a lower dose may be just fine for him. My neighbors dad was on Lipitor and as soon as his dr. saw a decent improvement, he kept lowering the dose till everyone was happy, so it can be done.

I wish U and the family alot of luck, and hope it all turns out well...

Lenin · 06-03-2005, 08:14 AM

I think you might be overmanaging your father's heath. He obviously doesn't have Alzheimer's or he wouldn't be able to hold down a construction job at 61. I think the only job an Alzheimer sufferer can hold down is President of the U.S.

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He went to a neurologist a couple months ago and he found nothing and lots of 61 year olds don't sleep all that well.
Know well what the cardiac risks are to a diabetic man who has had diabetes at least 9 years and is overweight...suffice to say, there is probably no group more in need of tight cholesterol control.

I thank God daily for the invention of the statin drugs and I am definitely in your father's demographic...but no diabetes, only proven cardiac arterial disease.

In the highly unlikely case that he DOES develop Alzheimer's (God forbid) or Parkinson's, remember the diseases were quite prevalent in the elderly before anyone took the first dose of Mev@cor, Zocor or Lipitor in the 1990's.

dak,
Simvastatin (Zocor) is judged so safe that in the UK it is allowed to be sold in the 10 mg. dose without a prescription, almost unique among pharmaceuticals. Your father's 20 mg. dose is fairly small as well...most people take 40 mg.

JJ · 06-03-2005, 09:19 AM

I don't think she is trying to over manage her dad, just looking to get some answers. Just because he went to one dr. and nothing was conclusive, doesn't mean something else might not beable to be done.

Even if a million people take a certain drug with NO problem, doesn't mean the next person won't have a problem. I'm sure she is aware her dad needs meds. to control his diabetes and cholesterol, but the Zocor might not be for him. Discussing this with his dr. for either something else to try, or even stopping the stuff for awhile to see what happens isn't out of the question.

I know U love statins Lenin, but they aren't for everyone, and if her dad must take them, prehaps another kind would be in his best interest. At least having a good talk with the dr. might help all involved, as her mom did notice certain things 8 months into his taking them. Prehaps he might need some Co Q10, as we all know that statins do deplete the body of it.

To be honest, I think the gal is a very loving person to take an interest in her dad's health and want him to get even better. Yes at 61 there is going to be a few lil problems, but in todays world 61 isn't time to give up the ship. He should beable to not only have good health, but also a good QUALITY of life, and at present, it doesn't sound like his QUALITY is all that great!

janeslk · 06-03-2005, 09:46 AM

In my internet research on Lipitor I also read many posts concerning Zocar, a statin my father-in-law took until a month ago. I noticed many people reporting that Zocar, more so than Lipitor, seemed to be connected to memory loss and confusion. I would ask my father-in-law, but his short-term memory is almost completely gone.

Jane