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Reversal of Statin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted by jhkenn97 @jhkenn97, Sep 15, 2025

I am curious to know how long intermittent peripheral neuropathic of tingling/burning/sharp or shock-like sensations in extremities and less in torso and face after stopping a statin medication may take to subside? Medication (atorvastatin) was taken for about 16 months and symptoms of neuropathy started about 4 to 6 months ago but have been more pronounced in the past 6 weeks.

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georgescraftjr | @georgescraftjr | Jun 7 9:12am
In reply to @georgescraftjr "@singyourheartout Glad you're neuropathy is almost gone? What was the dosage of statin you took? What..." + (show)
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@singyourheartout

Glad you're neuropathy is almost gone? What was the dosage of statin you took?

What treatment did you get for your torn meniscus and vascular issues?

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@georgescraftjr

"your neuropathy"

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carolynhughes75 | @carolynhughes75 | Jun 8 9:15am
In reply to @singyourheartout "@heisenberg34 Started Rosuvastatin 20mg a few years ago and and immediately started feeling random tingling and..." + (show)
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@heisenberg34
Started Rosuvastatin 20mg a few years ago and and immediately started feeling random tingling and pain in the feet but never attributed it to this med. About a week ago the pain got so bad I thought I would lose my mind. Upon reading reports, I suspected it may be this med. Went to the doc and she told me to go off it for about 3 weeks to see if there is any improvement. After missing my first two doses my neuropathy nerve pain in my feet almost totally subsided within 48 hours. The throbbing, tingling and random shooting pains have almost stopped. Still have some residual but not near as bad. And I was even on the lowest dose. Im beside myself with joy and hope I never have to deal with that pain again. It was beyond miserable and torturous and was getting worse as the days went by. Hopefully, that is all behind me now. Don't understand if this is so common, why these meds are given to people.

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@singyourheartout
I only take 5mg of Rosuvastatin. Maybe you could try the much lower dose. I also take R-alpha lipoic acid to help with the pain. My neuropathy pain is caused by CIDP.

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irascottbass | @irascottbass | 1 day ago

I'm new here so sorry if what I am going to relay has been discussed. My peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed about 15 -17 years ago after I felt a cold toe. That was it. I went to a neurologist who diagnosed me with peripheral neuropathy. I thought nothing of it since it was just a cold toe. He looked concerned but maybe I was in denial. After several years the cold toe led to numbness and some pain in my feet (both). Coincidentally (?) I started taking atorvastatin for my cholesterol around the same time. I never gave it a second thought or made any connection between my feet and my cholesterol which was lowered.

Fast forward, My numbness is progressing. No pain due to taking alpha lipoic acid 600mg daily for years. My theory since my PN is not related to diabetes or hereditary causes. Mine is "unknown". It has to be the statin that caused my PN. Proof? None. Next step? Reducing or changing my statin? Seeing a Mayo Clinic doctor?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 1 day ago
In reply to @irascottbass "I'm new here so sorry if what I am going to relay has been discussed. My..." + (show)
Profile picture for irascottbass @irascottbass

I'm new here so sorry if what I am going to relay has been discussed. My peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed about 15 -17 years ago after I felt a cold toe. That was it. I went to a neurologist who diagnosed me with peripheral neuropathy. I thought nothing of it since it was just a cold toe. He looked concerned but maybe I was in denial. After several years the cold toe led to numbness and some pain in my feet (both). Coincidentally (?) I started taking atorvastatin for my cholesterol around the same time. I never gave it a second thought or made any connection between my feet and my cholesterol which was lowered.

Fast forward, My numbness is progressing. No pain due to taking alpha lipoic acid 600mg daily for years. My theory since my PN is not related to diabetes or hereditary causes. Mine is "unknown". It has to be the statin that caused my PN. Proof? None. Next step? Reducing or changing my statin? Seeing a Mayo Clinic doctor?

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Welcome @irascottbass, I also have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy but only have the numbness. My doctor had wanted me to go on statins to reduce my cholesterol but I decided to work on some lifestyle changes to avoid the statins after reading the possible side neuropathy side effects. It is good to have a discussion with your doctor or neurologist. You might want to join in on the conversation in this discussion below:
-- Statins that won't cause/worsen neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/statins-that-wont-causeworsen-neuropathy/

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blowerk1216 | @blowerk1216 | 23 hours ago
In reply to @carolynhughes75 "@singyourheartout I only take 5mg of Rosuvastatin. Maybe you could try the much lower dose. I..." + (show)
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@singyourheartout
I only take 5mg of Rosuvastatin. Maybe you could try the much lower dose. I also take R-alpha lipoic acid to help with the pain. My neuropathy pain is caused by CIDP.

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@carolynhughes75 how much R ALA do you take per day?

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