Lipitor and high bloodpressure

[fromojoe]

I have had mild hypertension for years. My bloodpressure reading usually is around 150/90 without medication. I have been taking a small dose of Toprol XL daily and also a minimum dose of the cholestorol lowering drug Mevacor for over a year with no bad side effects. Recently my doctor changed me from Mevacor to Lipitor. Within a few days, my pressure shot up 180/120 even with double doses of pressure medication. Even with addition of Altase 5 mg., pressure was stillout of control. I also developed what seemed to be sprain like pains in my hips and lower back below my kidneys and in my shoulders. I went off of Lipitor and within a couple of days, my pressure returned to normal and the pains subsided.

My doctor does not believe Lipitor is the cause, but can't give any other explanation. Has anyone else experienced this problem while taking Lipitor?

I also have mildly high blood pressure but take Atenolol so I can relate to you on that score.

On your other issue, my roommate took Lipitor for awhile and complained about the exact same aches and pains you are eluding too and the doctor finally had to take him off of it. I still remember him having this long, sad look on his face while he was standing outside and when I asked him what was wrong he replied "I don't feel well at all and I ache all over...I don't think I'm long for this world".

Finally, after some "detective work" we figured maybe it was the Lipitor and sure enough, once the doctor took him off of it, he was back to his old self again.

I can't comment, however, on wether or not it can drive your BP up but you may want to discuss this with your doctor pretty quick.

- Joe

[Radiohead]

The scenario you both describe I believe is "rhabdomyolysis" or severe muscle pain which is a common and serious side effect of anti cholesterol drugs. Anyone starting on any statin like drug should look for these symptoms of muscle pain.

[bassie]

I Also don't know about the blood pressure problem, but Statins are banned in this house. I saw the muscle wasting and wearines in my partner and even though no blood results showed the muscle disease, he improved out of sight when he went off them.

He is now trying a "natural" one made from sugar cane.

Read up about "Statins". Wow!!