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 ?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 1 day ago

In reply to @rdavis1018 "@johnbishop I have only recently I’m aware that there is a serious issue of 50% of..." + (show)

Hello @rdavis1018, Welcome to Connect. I think it's best to discuss it with your doctor before stopping taking the statin. I did have a long discussion with my doctor several times about the neuropathy side effects of statins and told her I would rather work on my cholesterol numbers through lifestyle changes since I already had neuropathy and didn't want to make it any worse. I'm not sure which statin you are on but you might find this related discussion helpful:
-- Statins that won't cause/worsen neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/statins-that-wont-causeworsen-neuropathy/

rdavis1018 | @rdavis1018 | 1 day ago

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @rdavis1018, Welcome to Connect. I think it's best to discuss it with your doctor before..." + (show)

@johnbishop yes I’m aware that there are serious issues with suddenly stopping statins so I’m not going to do that. I plan on contacting them on Monday to make an appointment to see if she could possibly switch me to something. That’s not a statin or if we should just gradually take me off of it and I can try dietary and changes an exercise as an alternative

gus0557 | @gus0557 | 1 day ago

In reply to @rdavis1018 "@johnbishop I have only recently I’m aware that there is a serious issue of 50% of..." + (show)

@rdavis1018
Hello,
Just letting everyone know there are non-statins now available by prescription only. You need to ask your primary physician about that. However, just keep in mind like with all medications, it may or may not work for you.
Take care and have a serene weekend,
gus

lzimms | @lzimms | 8 hours ago

In reply to @rdavis1018 "@johnbishop I have only recently I’m aware that there is a serious issue of 50% of..." + (show)

@rdavis1018
It might be worth googling “CholestOff reviews”, an over the counter supplement by Nature Made. My husband used it after experiencing dementia-like symptoms from statins and CIDP from Repatha. He no longer needs anything and his numbers are acceptable.

galliganwirth | @galliganwirth | 52 minutes ago

Can anyone recommend a source or research connecting taking statins with development of neuropathy? I am surprised and disappointed not
to be advised by a physician treating me for PN with
PT that I should also address statins which I have been prescribed for many years.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer a direction to look into.