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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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What muscle relaxer do you take and how much?
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.
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!!
What type of treatment are you getting?
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