Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?

Posted by natejr @natejr, Dec 22, 2023

In June 2023, my physician prescribed Rosuvastatin Calcium 40 MG to lower my LDL below 70. In September 2023, I started to experience numbness and tingling in my fingertips so I was referred to a neurologist who ordered an EMG for carpal tunnel. The test results indicated that there was no Electrodiagnostic evidence of neuropathy in either upper extremity or of right cervical radiculopathy.
Based on that diagnosis, I was left with the conclusion that I did not have neuropathy and started to pursue other reasons this could be happening.

In the meantime, I noticed that when I took Doxepin 10 MG; a medication I had been prescribed for insomnia, the pain when away. So, I started taking 1 capsule of Doxepin each night and the pain subsided for the entire day so I continued taking them on a daily basis. Over time, the numbness and tingling in my fingertips stopped and that’s when I started experiencing what felt like I was being stabbed all over my body throughout the day. At this point, I was taking 1 Doxepin capsule twice a day and it helped manage the nerve pain.

In November 2023, I received the lipid panel results of being on Rosuvastatin. My LDL was reduced from 78 to 55.6; which achieved the desired results. On a positive note, my HbA1C remained at 5.4 but my Creatine Kinase increased to 300 (Normal Range: 60 – 270). Also, for the first time, I had protein in my urine with a value of 30 mg/dl; which is the highest level of normal. At this point, I stopped taking Rosuvastatin and started taking Atorvastatin Calcium 80 MG. In addition to this, I started taking Gabapentin 300 MG; one capsule three times a day. I have an appointment to see a neurologist to hopefully diagnosis what’s happening with me but that’s not until May 2024. In an attempt to better understand neuropathy and taking a statin I learned that the National Institutes of Health indicated that neuropathy was observed in a neurological examination performed within the first year in 50% of the Rosuvastatin users and 18% of those taking Atorvastatin. The severity of the polyneuropathy increased with the duration of the treatment in the Atorvastatin group (p=0.030).

Meanwhile, I continue taking the Gabapentin every eight hours but there are times when the pain is almost unbearable. My current schedule is: 7am – 3pm, 3pm – 11pm, and 11pm – 7am. The time frame that’s the most difficult for pain is 3pm – 11pm and for whatever reason, the medication’s effectiveness during this time frame only provides relief for and average of four hours versus eight hours during the other two periods.

Has anyone had any experience taking either of these statins and have been diagnosed with neuropathy? If so, are you aware of a statin that effectively lowers your LDL without causing neuropathy?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 24 2:30pm

In reply to @proteusx "look for at on pubmed." + (show)

That is the article from PubMed

NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 25 5:03am

@johnbishop - John, I too have raised the question with my PCP regarding statins. Zetia stopped and moved to Lipitor. Not sure statins are the actual cause of PN but could be a contributing factor for those with PN. For me, it comes down to how PN affects your life. My PCP agreed to reduce my dosage of statin provided I get a blood up every 6 months, and I modified my diet a little.

marilynredder2367 | @marilynredder2367 | Apr 25 7:35pm

In reply to @jeffrapp "I read the abstract of the article you posted. The message I got is that there..." + (show)

☝️

26sabrina | @26sabrina | Apr 26 10:50am

In reply to @njed "@johnbishop - John, I too have raised the question with my PCP regarding statins. Zetia stopped..." + (show)

There is much research suggesting that statins may cause PN. Why did the doctor stop the Zetia? If you need something else to lower your LDL, then ask for Repatha. It is a every other week injection that you give yourself. I started it 5 months ago and got great results.

blm47 | @blm47 | Apr 26 9:48pm

In reply to @26sabrina "There is much research suggesting that statins may cause PN. Why did the doctor stop the..." + (show)

Big B;
I read an article from info. on natural cures about a fruit called
Citrus Bergamot. It's a fruit grown in Spin, it's about the size of a lime but the color of a lemon. Anyways it's available as a supplement that supposedly will replace all and any Cholesterol medications with absolutely NO side effects.
I asked my doctor if she could get me a prescription for it but she told that I would have to see a Naturopathic doctor because a regular doctor can or aren't allowed to prescribe supplements. I think it's cause the big Farma has full control.
So I was just checking to see if anyone here has heard of this Citrus Burgamot and if you've ever tried it .
I've been on Atorvastatin for 5 years now and I don't like all the bad things it does to our bodies. I mean its bad enough getting old let alone having to deal with neuropathy, muscle pain and everything else that comes with it . Believe me if I could afford it I would get all my medications through Naturopathic doctor. All your stories and info. are greatly appreciated, thank you in advance for your response.
Big B.

aaron_az | @aaroncush | Apr 26 11:34pm

In reply to @blm47 "Big B; I read an article from info. on natural cures about a fruit called Citrus..." + (show)

Easy enough to buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nutricost-Citrus-Bergamot-Capsules-200mg/dp/B0CCT1381Z. Whether it helps to lower cholesterol, I have no clue. I take a different one that has Bergamot in it but cholesterol was not a high point in my last physical.

NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 27 5:44am

In reply to @26sabrina "There is much research suggesting that statins may cause PN. Why did the doctor stop the..." + (show)

Thanks for the info @26sabrina - I see my primary in July and will bring it up. The reason she switched over to Lipitor is because I was having some side effects on Zetia that I don't experience on Lipitor.

alcazabaencaba | @alcazabaencaba | Apr 28 10:06am

In reply to @26sabrina "There is much research suggesting that statins may cause PN. Why did the doctor stop the..." + (show)

Hola Qué interesante! Podrías compartir alguna de esas investigaciones sobre estatinas y Neuropatía Periférica? Me sería de gran utilidad leerlas Gracias!

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