1. < Neuropathy

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.

daj3333 | @daj3333 | May 2 9:14am
In reply to @smueller19 "Have you had nerve biopsies? Per my neurologist, large fiber neuropathy affects nerves affecting joints resulting..." + (show)
@smueller19

Have 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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What muscle relaxer do you take and how much?

REPLY
blm47 | @blm47 | May 2 9:10pm
In reply to @smueller19 "Have you had nerve biopsies? Per my neurologist, large fiber neuropathy affects nerves affecting joints resulting..." + (show)
@smueller19

Have 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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Hi smuggler 19,
Big B - here, I found it somewhat odd that ur dr. Is a chiropractor certified in neuropathy but thats a good thing I rekon, since u don't have anymore pain.
I'm just curious as to what the name of the medication is that he has prescribed. I find it very promising, would u mind letting us in on the name of the medication. Thank you.
Big B.

REPLY
1 reply
smueller19 | @smueller19 | May 2 11:08pm
In reply to @blm47 "Hi smuggler 19, Big B - here, I found it somewhat odd that ur dr. Is..." + (show)
@blm47

Hi smuggler 19,
Big B - here, I found it somewhat odd that ur dr. Is a chiropractor certified in neuropathy but thats a good thing I rekon, since u don't have anymore pain.
I'm just curious as to what the name of the medication is that he has prescribed. I find it very promising, would u mind letting us in on the name of the medication. Thank you.
Big B.

Jump to this post

I see the neurologist and a chiro certified in neuropathy. The neurologist prescribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer. It calms the “screaming” nerves. It masks the symptoms by preventing the pain signals from returning to the brain.

On the other hand, the chiropractor works on the root cause of neuropathy. His goal is to stop its progression and rebuild damaged nerves. This is achieved through 30 minutes of Rebuilder (electrical stimulation of my feet) and and 30 minutes of Anodyne (ultraviolet lights under my feet and behind the calves of my legs, morning and evening every day.

In addition, I drink two BluePrint supplements daily of Greensberry and VasoPro (adds nitric oxide to the bloodstream to provide oxygen to heal damaged nerves); and take InflammX (prevents inflammation) twice daily.

Diet is also important to avoid to food triggers. For the first 3 months I had two weekly office visits with Chiro consisting of spinal decompression, balance therapy and subluxation (adjustments). I now see the chiro weekly with monthly assessments.

So far, the neuropathy has not gotten worse and is trending in the right direction, albeit slowly. The chiropractor said upfront that depending on the extent of the damaged nerves, healing could take a long time.

Compared to the misery I was experiencing in August 2023, I feel so much better. I can walk normally again, can stand up from a sitting position much easier, more confident on stairs, and able to perform previous activities. Because of the severity of the pain in Aug 23, I mainly stayed home on the sofa and wore compression hose.

Because I feel better, I resumed my job again and got more involved in church again. I am a 75 years old retired civil servant and Realtor.

I hope that this is helpful to you and pray that you find something that helps you to cope. Yes, it is expensive, but I cannot take it with me. I am lucky that my husband is supportive. Best wishes and GodSpeed!!

REPLY
richard1951 | @richard1951 | May 3 3:15pm
In reply to @smueller19 "Have you had nerve biopsies? Per my neurologist, large fiber neuropathy affects nerves affecting joints resulting..." + (show)
@smueller19

Have 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.

Jump to this post

What type of treatment are you getting?

REPLY
marymaurer | @marymaurer | May 6 10:24am
In reply to @blm47 "Big B; I read an article from info. on natural cures about a fruit called Citrus..." + (show)
@blm47

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.

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I don’t think citrus bergamot can replace a statin but I do think it can add to the effectiveness of whatever you are taking.. ie red yeast rice( which I take) or a statin

REPLY
janieel | @janieel | 3 days ago

Has anyone gotten tingling/numbness in fingers and toes from Rosuvastatin? My primary has ordered bloodwork which was normal; a cervical MRI which had age related changes, but nothing significant; and Nerve Conduction study with EMG for which I’m waiting results. I read Rosuvastatin can cause neuropathy. My primary was not aware and only had heard of it maybe causing muscle cramps, but had me stop taking the statin it 3 weeks ago. I still have symptoms.
My symptoms started over the winter, and the only change I had in my lifestyle was changing my statin from Simvastatin to Rosuvastatin late fall of last year.
I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this or any thoughts. Thanks

REPLY
2 replies
celia16 | @celia16 | 3 days ago
In reply to @janieel "Has anyone gotten tingling/numbness in fingers and toes from Rosuvastatin? My primary has ordered bloodwork which..." + (show)
@janieel

Has anyone gotten tingling/numbness in fingers and toes from Rosuvastatin? My primary has ordered bloodwork which was normal; a cervical MRI which had age related changes, but nothing significant; and Nerve Conduction study with EMG for which I’m waiting results. I read Rosuvastatin can cause neuropathy. My primary was not aware and only had heard of it maybe causing muscle cramps, but had me stop taking the statin it 3 weeks ago. I still have symptoms.
My symptoms started over the winter, and the only change I had in my lifestyle was changing my statin from Simvastatin to Rosuvastatin late fall of last year.
I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this or any thoughts. Thanks

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Yes, my foot and hand tingling/numbness started right after I started Rosuvastin too. But, my Covid happened about the same time as well. Hmmm….interesting. Is it expected to change, since you stopped taking it?

REPLY
1 reply
janieel | @janieel | 3 days ago
In reply to @celia16 "Yes, my foot and hand tingling/numbness started right after I started Rosuvastin too. But, my Covid..." + (show)
@celia16

Yes, my foot and hand tingling/numbness started right after I started Rosuvastin too. But, my Covid happened about the same time as well. Hmmm….interesting. Is it expected to change, since you stopped taking it?

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I’m still waiting! I read where it can take 3-6 months after stopping taking the drug. I also read, unfortunately, that it could be longer.
Like I said, I’m still waiting for results if 2 more tests, but I have a feeling they’re not going to show anything that would tell me the cause.
I’ve always been very healthy. I’m 71 and very active. I skied 108 days this winter. I stopped when symptoms were getting worse and I hadn’t seen my primary care doctor about it yet. I walk, hike, bike as well. This has definitely thrown off my outdoor activities!
Are you going to stop taking rosuvastatin or ask your doctor about the possible connection?

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | 3 days ago
In reply to @janieel "Has anyone gotten tingling/numbness in fingers and toes from Rosuvastatin? My primary has ordered bloodwork which..." + (show)
@janieel

Has anyone gotten tingling/numbness in fingers and toes from Rosuvastatin? My primary has ordered bloodwork which was normal; a cervical MRI which had age related changes, but nothing significant; and Nerve Conduction study with EMG for which I’m waiting results. I read Rosuvastatin can cause neuropathy. My primary was not aware and only had heard of it maybe causing muscle cramps, but had me stop taking the statin it 3 weeks ago. I still have symptoms.
My symptoms started over the winter, and the only change I had in my lifestyle was changing my statin from Simvastatin to Rosuvastatin late fall of last year.
I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this or any thoughts. Thanks

Jump to this post

Hello @janieel, I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-my-statin-causing-peripheral-neuropathy/ so you could meet the many members talking about this topic and to read through their experiences as well.

REPLY
celia16 | @celia16 | 3 days ago
In reply to @janieel "I’m still waiting! I read where it can take 3-6 months after stopping taking the drug...." + (show)
@janieel

I’m still waiting! I read where it can take 3-6 months after stopping taking the drug. I also read, unfortunately, that it could be longer.
Like I said, I’m still waiting for results if 2 more tests, but I have a feeling they’re not going to show anything that would tell me the cause.
I’ve always been very healthy. I’m 71 and very active. I skied 108 days this winter. I stopped when symptoms were getting worse and I hadn’t seen my primary care doctor about it yet. I walk, hike, bike as well. This has definitely thrown off my outdoor activities!
Are you going to stop taking rosuvastatin or ask your doctor about the possible connection?

Jump to this post

Omg, that’s a difficult question to answer….I’ll have to think about it.

I only take a tiny little dose….so…also, just a couple of weeks ago, all the tingling and numbness had almost left! Just a tiny bit left in one foot. Then, it returned! So odd!

This is why I wonder if it’s something else like anxiety. Idk. I’m grasping at anything. What hits intermittently this way? It also coincided with particularly stressful life events. And, I recently reduced my blood glucose levels fairly rapidly. I’m type I. I’ve read doing that quickly can cause these symptoms. Sort of like things get worse, before they improve.

I can discuss it with my primary, but IDK. I value his opinion. I’ve discussed the tingling/numbness before and he suspected neuropathy. Referred me to a neurologist to confirm. After tests, neurologist says it’s not neuropathy. So, you see my dilemma……

It sounds like you are super active. Me too, but I don’t ski…yet. Lol. This is a huge mystery. That’s for sure. Please post what you find out and your progress.

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