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Complications with Statins
This may be of use to others taking statin drugs. I had a 5-way CABG in Sep 2015. Shortly after that, my cardiologist prescribed atorvastatin, 10 mg, once per day. My cholesterol numbers were all in the acceptable ranges, and they hadn't changed, and I resisted taking any at all, but I began the regimen. In August 2017, my PCP convinced me I should be on a higher dosage. I did argue against it again because in my post-CABG studies, so many reports, books, etc recommended against almost any at all, but I had had no difficulties with the lower dosage, I deferred to my doctor, and I began to take 40 mg/day. Early in 2018, a number of symptoms became evident: tiredness/fatigue, occasional shortness of breath, occasional lightheadedness, lower and thoracic back pain, itching (mostly from the chest up), frequent headaches (mild), and worst of all, eye difficulties--watery, blurry, darkening of vision, lots of floaters--so much so that reading became uncomfortable and at times difficult. These conditions continued to worsen. I thought about this constantly. I studied my diet, my schedule, my activities, none of which I had changed. I had always taken the drug before bedtime, and it dawned on me finally that since I felt worse in the mornings and better by the end of day, perhaps there was a connection. And since the only change I could see was the statin dosage, I decided to cut it back--at least to 20 mg. And almost immediately, my symptoms lessened. After 4 days, the improvement is dramatic. I almost feel normal again. Furthermore, perhaps rashly, I decided to return to the original 10 mg dosage. I will keep at this for a couple weeks to verify the conclusion, and I will discuss with both my PCP and my cardiologist. But I am convinced, especially with all the literature I've perused, that statins are not for me. I caution all on statins to research this thoroughly. By the way, the higher dosage did lower my cholesterol values, but other vitamin deficiencies are evident in my latest blood panel, and statins may also be the cause of those.
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I believe, like mariegroh, that meds are pushed on us when there sometimes is a better way, most of the time. Some people would rather take pills than eat healthy, exercise, monitor their life style. That’s their choice. Some of us are willing to work hard to avoid the need for lots of meds. One med begets another and another until a person is taking 18-20 meds a day. I take two. I’m going hard to try to get off of one of them. I do everything I can to naturally have good health. Not everyone wants to make the effort. That’s fine, take the pills. I want to make the effort and take less pills. It’s hard to find doctors that want to partner with you in finding healthy life style changes to avoid meds IF you can. Doctors move too fast. Pills are easier and there IS a lot of pressure to prescribe meds, particularly statins. Statins make me almost disabled. Yet, they were heavily pushed on me for decades. It’s too expensive to buy into the doctor groups that spend a little more time with you and offer alternates to meds. It’s only for the very rich. You have to be pro-active, do your homework and stand firm. I am NOT against life saving meds when necessary.
I had a reaction to Statins. Leg weakness and fatigue. Not taking anymore. No problems. I just try to not eat certain foods. My spouse had the same reaction.
If statins are recommended for you based on age and condition, then you should search for one that does not have side effects - there are a few different types. There are also injectable with far fewer side effects for some oeople.
Please don't ignore what is perhaps high LDL and triglycerides (you didn't mention your numbers or age).
I have been on Crestor for years and I've had no problems with it whatsoever. It has kept my cholesterol very low and my stents have no buildup at all.
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1 ReactionHow do you know that your stents have no build up? cardiac catheterization?
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1 ReactionAbout20 years ago I was put on statins because I had borderline high cholesterol and a very strong history of early cardiac death in my family. I was on them for 10 years. I decided to go off because I always had leg pain when I got up from sitting. My cholesterol remain low borderline to normal. I am very active and pretty good body weight. What was going on behind the scene in my body of course was unknown. At the age of 66 I decided to have a calcium score test done. It came out at 396. Fast forward to a CT angiogram. My LAD was over 70% blocked. I now have a stent. Had I stayed on the statin maybe I would not have a stent.
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4 ReactionsWhat was the amount you took?