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Statin discontinued due to neuropathy. What are some alternatives?
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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I find that so interesting.
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2 ReactionsI stopped taking statins long before I developed neuropathy because the statins were creating problems with my liver. My cardiologist started me on a new medicine called Praluent. It is a self injectable drug. It does not go through your liver and it improved all my cholesterol numbers immediately and my liver enzymes were back to normal. I highly recommend this.
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4 ReactionsI went off statin for three months and it made no change for me or my neuropathy. I have eliminated so many things over these past 20+ years. I do floor/stretching exercises, rub /massage my own feet, ibuprofen, and currently Vicks vapor rub at night along with an ambient to help me slip
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4 ReactionsI just finished reading the book, "A Statin Free Life" by Dr. Aseem Malhotra, that was mentioned by someone in this group. I'm still confused whether statins affect small fiber peripheral neuropathy, but I'm now convinced to stay away from statins if at all possible, According to Dr Malhotra, low cholesterol is not related to heart disease, and will not lengthen your life. I'm going to try a healthier diet, starting with banning ultra-processed foods.
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3 ReactionsHi, SteveSH -- I recently joined this group as I am in a similar corner and wondering how you resolved your issue of 2022?
I haven’t stopped taking it. I continue with symptoms….paresthesia in feet and hands go to sleep while I’m sleeping IF I lay a certain way. I’ve slept on the couch for a week, so it prevents me from laying on my arms…..and no waking up with numb hand! (Saw hand specialist last week.). Anyway, I had B12 deficiency and long covid….so, not sure what is the cause, but statin could also be causing it. I really must take a statin due to Type 1 diabetes. All my doctors say so. It’s a biggie for type 1. And, if you stop taking one it immediately increases your risk of cardiac event. My doctor told me this and I’ve read it too.
Not sure what I’m going to do.
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2 ReactionsI think you are making the right decision for yourself. If you already told your dr., about your problems and concerns about a drug, and the dr., is still insistent on you taking it.........just maybe, you might want to start a search for another dr. You need one who will listen to you. If the next dr., also doesn't listen, then keep searching. You will eventually find one who will work with you, not against you. Check out the internet and ask something like, how many yearly mistakes do Medical dr.s make.........and when you see it could be over many thousands, you will feel more confident in your decision to find a safer alternative. Just a thought..........
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1 ReactionJust curious..... did your neuropathy go away after you stopped taking the statin?
That's very interesting. I asked mine about it an he said he didn't think it was the cause of my symptoms. I do take a very small dose though...only 5 mg of Crestor.
My GP made the decision without any evidence