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Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?
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?
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Hi there… I too have had similar issues with statins.. Lipitor raised my liver enzymes into the triple digits after only 6 weeks… I was on rostuvostatin and Zetia, but I believed my SFN was getting worse. My doc switched me to Praluent inj. And I developed nystagmus. So I went back to the rostuvostatin.
Now I’m seeing a neurologist… it never ends
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1 ReactionA doctor can suggest supplements but can't prescribe them because supplements aren't regulated by the FDA. They are not prescription medications and aren't tested. Big Pharma is not involved.
I have chemo induced neuropathy. Because of high cholesterol counts my doctor wanted to put me on statins, but I refused because I'd read several articles on statins and neuropathy. So my doctor suggested red yeast rice. A comment on Amazon led me to research its active ingredient which is the same active ingredient used in statins. As I had already purchased it I used in for a few days but felt it worsened my neuropathy and discontinued it. Instead I started taking citrus bergamot which I've been on for over a year. At my most recent appointment my doctor found that my bad cholesterol was down slightly but my good cholesterol was up significantly. As I have good blood pressure, not diabetic or have other risks he felt overall I was in really good health. I am currently taking Letrozole to prevent a reoccurrence of breast cancer. One of its many side effects is higher lipid levels, so I'm hoping cholesterol levels improve once I discontinue it.
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1 ReactionI had been on simvistatin for years and was switched to rosuvastatin 5 mg which Dr said she gets good results with. Still have the neuropathy and need to recheck blood work as the LDL and triglycerides are creeping back up. It seems that the statins side effects, neuropathy is medicines dirty secret, unless I dicontinue and watch lipids climb back up. Ugh, not sure what to advise, neither choice is a great one. Neuropathy seems to be progressing and I am taking lots of supplements to counteract nerve damage.
Big B, to dlmdinia
I'm sorry but I was under the impression that Big Pharma was in full control of the global pharmaceutical industry and indirectly had control over the FDA as well as the entire medical system. True or false it sure seems that way to me and whole lot of other people out there.
I'm sure glad to hear that someone has heard of and actually tried that Citrus Bergamot. I'm really curious about whether it comes as 💊 or a powder, and where you ordered it from.
I lost that article and don't remember the details. I'd really appreciate it if you could send it on your next reply. Thank you very much .
Big B.
"Big Pharma" consists of pharmaceutical companies which develope and distribute prescription medications. Supplements are unregulated, do not require a prescription and any testing is up to the manufacturers. About the only time the FDA gets involved is if the supplement manufacturer makes health claims they can't prove. They are two separate industries. The FDA has final approval of putting new prescription drugs on the market based on sufficient testing and trials. So I say False.
There are many articles suggesting citrus bergamot is effective in improving cholesterol levels. Here is one of many.
https://www.healthline.com/health/cholesterol/can-bergamot-lower-cholesterol
I use capsules which I purchase on Amazon. As they seem to be working for me, that's all that matters to me.
I have been diagnosed with neuropathy. I had it for 2 1/2 years. Finally I was diagnosed with LUPUS which damaged my nerves. I have nerve damage all over my body.
I have good days and bad days. Put it this way - the more I move my toes- the worse it is.
I will have this for the rest of my life - I was diagnosed at the age of 70. It also gave arthritis.
Good Luck to all those who suffer from neuropathy.
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1 ReactionHave you had nerve biopsies? Per my neurologist, large fiber neuropathy affects nerves affecting joints resulting in arthritis and autoimmune disease. I just learn that I have small fiber neuropathy, Dr ordered a muscle relaxer to calm the nerves, and I am walking normally again and don’t feel the pain. And why it took me about 3 years to get a diagnoses and medicine is beyond comprehension. When the neurologist told me I had neuropathy, he said it was nothing he could do for me. However, I found a chiropractor certified in neuropathy who is treating me with the goal of rebuilding the damaged nerves. So far, since Aug 2023, it stopped the progression and is trending in the right direction, albeit small progress. And with the medication, I don’t feel any pain right now.
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