Statin discontinued due to neuropathy. What are some alternatives?

Posted by Nazir Khan @nukhan, Jan 19, 2020

I have been using Lipitor since 2007 for lowering my cholesterol which is on the list of those medicines that are suspected to cause neuropathy. I am thinking of discontinuing this menace but before doing so want to check with those members who have discontinued using statin and what is their experience. What alternative methods have they since adopted for lowering their cholesterol .. diet, alternative medication, exercise or anything else ?

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elizabethaames | @elizabethaames | May 11, 2023

I've been taking Crestor/Rosuvastatin only since Oct '22 for a genetic high (330+) cholesterol risk despite active/regular exercise/lean dietary intake etc and it helped the cholesterol but has negatively impacted my mobility and lifestyle substantially...with pain, twitching, tingling, cramping, electrical type zaps in extremities etc. The prescribing doc just said, "discontinue and see" without providing an alternative (gee thanks) so I feel like a sitting duck...should I discontinue it and risk stroke or continue to put this horrid stuff in my body that's causing me to be a fall risk? Worried about permanent nerve damage and feeling like my foot's asleep constantly too...(driving hazard) Thoughts?

greeneagle | @greeneagle | May 11, 2023

In reply to @marymaurer "May I ask what brand and strength you are currently using??" + (show)

What I am trying CBD cream I am buying from a store in Santa Fe, NM
that glad to sell the product. No brand just a man that formulates in his home. As CBD is not regulated by the FDA, none of us know for sure what the label states- if true or not.
I would only suggest asking the person behind the counter of wherever you go to purchase- asking g him or her what product is the "best seller" and try it.

I also tried Australian Dream and Volteran. Any cream sold for pain is worth chancing that it may reduce symptoms.
I am 83 and have been on 40mg of Lipitor since I was 40. I have never had neuropathy until 3 years ago. I also have fibromyalgia and I take 75 mg of Lyrica twice a day. I previously tried Neurontan but it did not help with my muscle pains.
Unfortunately, we as we get older get symptoms of many afflictions. My doctor is my best friend and he has as well many problems. He favorite expression "growing old isn't for sissies"- is so true. I am not trying to belittle problems we all have. I just try things that other friends have told me to try.

marymaurer | @marymaurer | May 11, 2023

In reply to @greeneagle "What I am trying CBD cream I am buying from a store in Santa Fe, NM..." + (show)

thanks. Really appreciate your input. I stopped statins about 3 years ago and now take red yeast rice. It works.. but like with the cbd you have to research to find which brands actually .There’s wide variation in the effectiveness.

SteveSH | @steveny9 | May 12, 2023

In reply to @elizabethaames "I've been taking Crestor/Rosuvastatin only since Oct '22 for a genetic high (330+) cholesterol risk despite..." + (show)

I would look for alternatives. It caused permanent nerve damage after 10 years. Now I have a numb foot and fingers in the right hand. I stopped 20 mg of Simvastain. I did go on 5 mg of Rosuvastatin daily with niacin. The doctors want me to be 70 or below but I am not risking anymore neuropathy, so I am ok with 103. I recently had a CT-Coronary scan and got a score of 583. Reviewing where the plaque is has help determine my risk. In my case where is located is not so bad but enough worry to watch what I eat and take another test in 2 years to review how it has progressed.

It is a journey. Best of luck!

greeneagle | @greeneagle | May 12, 2023

In reply to @marymaurer "thanks. Really appreciate your input. I stopped statins about 3 years ago and now take red..." + (show)

This store in Santa Fe that sells it, the sticker say 1600 mg. As I said previously the FDA does not approve CBD products. It’s the old adage- buyer beware. You take your chances when you buy anything not approved to be effective by the FDA. Good luck but try it over at least a 690 mg strength.

marymaurer | @marymaurer | May 12, 2023

Took statins at highest dose for over 20 years. Neuropathy developed slowly beginning with socks under the toes feeling. Weird. Not painful but numb. Dc’d statin about 3 years ago and now take red yeast rice. Perhaps a little better.. not worse. Thank goodness. Statins are only cause I can think of. No other meds or physical problems.

1942marilyne. Marilyn McFarland | @1942marilyne | May 13, 2023

In reply to @greeneagle "What I am trying CBD cream I am buying from a store in Santa Fe, NM..." + (show)

I am trying lavender oil now. A friend suggested. I really have not found anything else. On prednisone 6 mg now 3 years. Have just had a c r p test. I see no getting better or worse.

greeneagle | @greeneagle | May 13, 2023

I do not have numb, only tingling and a bit of burning.
I have been on CBD for 3 years and 40mg of Lipitor for 40 years.
As I type this I can feel a bit of burning all over my body. But this feeling also could be fibromyalgia.

mecha | @mecha | May 13, 2023

In reply to @greeneagle "What I am trying CBD cream I am buying from a store in Santa Fe, NM..." + (show)

Tengo neuropatía perisferica y las gotas de CBD me han sido útiles para la espasticidad,mejor que thc.
El laboratorio Elea ( en algunos países)las ofrece, lo que da más seguridad por que se sabe fehacientemente la cantidad del principio activo que contienen.De lo contrario es al azar.

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