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Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?
In June 2023, my physician prescribed Rosuvastatin Calcium 40 MG to lower my LDL below 70. In September 2023, I started to experience numbness and tingling in my fingertips so I was referred to a neurologist who ordered an EMG for carpal tunnel. The test results indicated that there was no Electrodiagnostic evidence of neuropathy in either upper extremity or of right cervical radiculopathy.
Based on that diagnosis, I was left with the conclusion that I did not have neuropathy and started to pursue other reasons this could be happening.
In the meantime, I noticed that when I took Doxepin 10 MG; a medication I had been prescribed for insomnia, the pain when away. So, I started taking 1 capsule of Doxepin each night and the pain subsided for the entire day so I continued taking them on a daily basis. Over time, the numbness and tingling in my fingertips stopped and that’s when I started experiencing what felt like I was being stabbed all over my body throughout the day. At this point, I was taking 1 Doxepin capsule twice a day and it helped manage the nerve pain.
In November 2023, I received the lipid panel results of being on Rosuvastatin. My LDL was reduced from 78 to 55.6; which achieved the desired results. On a positive note, my HbA1C remained at 5.4 but my Creatine Kinase increased to 300 (Normal Range: 60 – 270). Also, for the first time, I had protein in my urine with a value of 30 mg/dl; which is the highest level of normal. At this point, I stopped taking Rosuvastatin and started taking Atorvastatin Calcium 80 MG. In addition to this, I started taking Gabapentin 300 MG; one capsule three times a day. I have an appointment to see a neurologist to hopefully diagnosis what’s happening with me but that’s not until May 2024. In an attempt to better understand neuropathy and taking a statin I learned that the National Institutes of Health indicated that neuropathy was observed in a neurological examination performed within the first year in 50% of the Rosuvastatin users and 18% of those taking Atorvastatin. The severity of the polyneuropathy increased with the duration of the treatment in the Atorvastatin group (p=0.030).
Meanwhile, I continue taking the Gabapentin every eight hours but there are times when the pain is almost unbearable. My current schedule is: 7am – 3pm, 3pm – 11pm, and 11pm – 7am. The time frame that’s the most difficult for pain is 3pm – 11pm and for whatever reason, the medication’s effectiveness during this time frame only provides relief for and average of four hours versus eight hours during the other two periods.
Has anyone had any experience taking either of these statins and have been diagnosed with neuropathy? If so, are you aware of a statin that effectively lowers your LDL without causing neuropathy?
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Do you gave a high HDL (good cholesterol)? Your total cholesterol number will be high if you have a high good cholesterol. I’m sure you must be aware that it’s the LDL (bad cholesterol) that you should try to keep at 100 or below. Mine had creeped up to 139 which is why my doctor switched my statin to a stronger one, and which is what I think caused my neuropathy slowly over the last 5 months after the switch. My HDL has always been high, but that’s the good cholesterol. It’s always over 100. Normal is over 40.
Yes, I also have high cholesterol because of family. My father’s cholesterol was crazy, crazy high. While I'm on no cholesterol medication at the tine, I’m trying to eat healthy too. I don’t use butter anyway, so that’s not a problem. I use olive oil or olive oil cooking spray. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, poultry and very little red meat. Unfortunately, I don’t like fish which I know is good for me. I also read that salt isn’t good for neuropathy, so I cut out chips and other salty foods, including cold cuts which are high in nitrates and also bad.
I have been taking atorvastatin for a few years. The started having pains in my feet and lower legs and my temperature would raise up about 10 degrees for about 5 minutes. My doctor said I had neuropathy but didn't know why it happened. I was put on Lyrica but that was a disaster. Had to stop taking it so I am on Tramadol but it does not help with the pain or burning temperature. It has also started in my arms and hands as well. I will talk to her about the atorvastatin. Maybe getting off that will help me. Thank you for the information.
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1 ReactionI’m having the same issues, but my neurologist thinks it’s vitamin b12 deficiency.
My bloodwork, including B12, was in normal range. I hope your B12 is your issue and that your neuropathy can be relieved.
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1 ReactionDefinitely research it on your own before bringing it up to your doctor so you have something to have a real conversation with. My physical didn’t know about it until I told her! Just google “Neuropathy and Atorvastatin” and start there. You’ll find lots of articles.
Best of luck to you.
Red yeast rice has the same active ingredient as a statin.
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1 ReactionSo I take it red yeast rice could also have the same side effects, neuropathy? Or, are you saying to us instead of a statin?
I quit statins too
I now take Repatha injection every other week. My entire lipid profile has improved tremendously.
Did you quit statins because of neuropathy? Glad that you found another way to fight cholesterol! I’ll, Jeep this drug in mind for the future.
I have a family history of high cholesterol. I am starting leqvio and it's being paid for 100 percent.
I have tried all stations and have not been able to tolerate them. Levqio is not a statin. You take one shot, another one six months later and then one every six months.
I eat a lot of fish, no red meat (gastroparsis from the neuropathy it just sits on my stomach and I throw it right back up. I use oil olive, don't drink sodas or eat swears. My cholesterol is almost 300.
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