simvastatin side effects? - High Cholesterol Message Board

mrhypo · 09-10-2006, 06:38 AM

Hi - new here. I have been diagnosed with high cholesterol and trigglycerides and am on simvastatin 20mg a day. I am 58 years old.
I am also on amlopidine 5mg a day for high blood pressure.
Have been taking these drugs for about 4 weeks now.
Am feeling terribly weak, nauseous, tired, and giddy. Also abdominal discomfort, loose stools and some constipation alternately, and an embarrassing amount of flatulence!
Can this be the drugs?
I have had these symptoms before but never as bad as this!

Lenin · 09-10-2006, 07:53 AM

mrhypo,

Most of those side effects seems more likely due to the Norvasc than the simvastatin whose usual complaint is muscle pain.

Best way to find out is to stop the amlodipine for a week and see if most of the symptoms go away.

I had a MISERABLE time trying to take Norvasc for a month...I was wired tighter than a spring, my ankles swelled up, couldn't sleep, etc.

If the symptoms continue after a week WITHOUT the Norvasc, then go back on it and go a week without the simvastatin (Zocor) and see what that does.

chj · 09-10-2006, 03:40 PM

It is always very difficult, when starting new medication, to know what reaction you will have. My own experiences with Zocor has been muscle ache, weakness also nauseous some times. I also experienced some feelings of not quite being there if you know what I mean, panic attacks with palpitaions which might not have been blamed on Zocor, I just don´t know. I think Lenins advice is wise, try what he suggests and see how you feel. I have now stopped taking Zocor and feel really great and can move much better, not so stiff any more and feel more "with it". These are just personal experiences and decisions I have personally taken ,for better or worse, and might not be suitable for anybody else. Personally I feel there are too many question marks regarding statin drugs that I don´t feel comfortable with. Always consult with your doctor and/or get another opinion before making any desicions.

vipergg22 · 09-10-2006, 05:18 PM

statins can cause bad digestive problems as you describe. A lot of foods would run right thru me when I was taking statins . I know of other people that quit statins for the same reason . These problems completely went away after discontinueing statins.

20withacne · 09-18-2006, 09:29 PM

If you are on Norvasc and a statin, ask your DR for Caduet. Caduet is Norvasc and Lipitor in one pill. It is one less pill for you to take and also saves you a copay (1 for Caduet vs. 2 for Norvasc and generic Zocor). Plus generics only have to be 80% effective as per the FDA