Symptoms after stopping a statin

@lynnelliott7

Leg muscle pain and balance problems is why I stopped taking statins. This gradually left me over the next few weeks. I have been off a few years now .. and cannot remember any immediate after effects.

ZeeGee

I have experienced heavy legs and being off balance for a year now, however, my Neurologist said it could take up to 18 months for them to go back to normal. I have had MRI's, an EMG and numerous blood work and nothing indicates a problem. My problems started the day after I stopped taking the statin. Hoping and praying for a good outcome.

I personally cannot take statins period however I am trying Praluent 75mg injections every other week. It's a monoclonal antibody of some kind that reduces the bad cholesterol in the body. So far I've had no issues and I did go off it for 5 months after my knee replacement and recently started it back. However it required a prior authorization from my insurance company stating I cannot take the usual statin drugs. Just a thought I thought I would throw out there to you if you worry about your levels going back up.

@cindymattern Hi and thank you for a possible alternative (Praluent)! More research, from everything I've read there's much more harm than good with statins. Many of the awful side effects can linger or just show up after being on the med for years. I don't want to take them—instead of staring at the bottle think I'll try altering my diet first. High cholesterol runs in my family 🙁
I'm thin, have osteoporosis and a few other health issues including balance— the thought of another drug which could possibly/probably will interfere is frightening.

My cholesteral was just borderline when my pcp thought I would benefit by taking a statin. I took the statin for 3 weeks when I developed a rash and my doctor thought I was having an allergic reaction and told me to discontinue it. After the next day or two, I developed heavy legs and became off balance when getting up or standing for awhile. Has anyone had a similiar exprience?

I also have osteoarthritis all over it seems. I get really sore but I've found an occasional Aleve really helps. I can't take them every day as I can't really tolerate nsaids well. The Praluent can have some of the same side effects however it works differently and I've had no issues taking it. I went back on it as when I mow grass of exert myself I have to watch my heart rate as it goes up to 190-210! I need to call someone and ask why this is as my resting heart rate is 70. I know it goes up when exercising or exertion but that is a bit excessive. Good luck in finding just the right combination so you feel your very best.

@lynnelliott7 So very sorry to hear about your experience. May I ask if those side effects have stayed with you? While researching I found a number of people 'kept' their side effects after going off of the medication—horrible! I have balance problems to begin with, I can't imagine. My PCP also prescribed them but never take anything without research, I've learned the hard way how important it is. Hoping things are better for you.

@cindymattern No problems with nsaids on this end but I have a bleeding disorder to watch out for with meds. Can't take anything like aspirin, causes a whole new problem. That's scary about your heart rate going up so high—I'd consider that very excessive and hope you find answers. Thanks for your good thoughts, I've found people are very supportive here. The exchange of information is helpful (even if it's what you don't want to hear). Fingers crossed on that heart rate.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Unfortunately, I have had the heavy legs and being off balance for a little over a year now. I have them when I get up or if I'm standing awhile. After I walk several steps, I feel my legs get less heavy. I can actually walk 2 miles at 15 minutes each mile. My neurologist wants me to have a second opinion after I finish my second round of physical therapy for balance. It sure gets discouraging.

Thanks....Dr. said to start walking and increase it each day to get my stamina back up. I haven't really done lots for 8 months since the TRK except PT. However we are going to Universal next week and that is lots of walking. I need to watch my heart rate. Although I've lost 75lb she wants me to lose more as that will also help. However Pain can raise our heart rates as well and I'm almost always sore or stiff and have the arthritis. I am wondering if it's just when I mow but I'll definitely keep an eye on it.