Simvastatins

[pusskin]

I am taking simvastatins 20 mg. been on them for about a year or so.

Would it do harm if you suddenly stopped taking them?

[HowardKennitby]

I think that is the minimum dose. Are you taking anything else as well?

[mike11111]

I stopped mine after 6 months because I was getting pains in my arm. My cholesterol went up as a result so had to start taking them again. Fortunately the arm pains did not come back.

[jno]

might raise your cholesterol again, if that's why you're taking them, I suppose. But I stopped taking them (they were making my arms ache) and it didn't have any ill effects. You'd get a better answer from your GP, though.

[pusskin]

I am also taking Citalopram + Amlodipine.

Have felt so run down lately and unwell, that I wonder if I can only take my blood pressure tablets and nothing else? (seeing doctor next tues)

[jno]

... having said that, I've had the opposite outcome from mike - cholesterol stayed down but now my arms hurt again.

[wiltsman]

Like you, I take one 20mg Simvastatin a day.

As much as I trust ABers and their wise advice, I think I would discuss any concerns I had with my medication, with the doctor who initially prescribed the tablets.

[Zeuhl]

the whole cholesterol issue is a bit moot; i seem to recall that Sqad (our resident retired doc) is skeptical.

However, if you do want to lower it, finding another way to lower it would be good eg diet/weight loss

[mike11111]

I take amlodipine as well as Perindopril and Pravastatin with no ill effects.

[Sqad]

Why do you want to stop them?

[pusskin]

i do understand that while I listen to you lovely A/Bers I have to ask the doc, but wanted to hear your comments on what you have done over the past.
My friend says that Simvastatins are not really a good thing to take ----
I feel like a zombie in the mornings and wonder what medication may be causing it. Thanks so much for replies x

[Sqad]

Zeuhl....LOL.....no I am not sceptical, I just feel that "dishing them out" to all and sundry who just happen to have a raised cholesterol is not the answer.........I just HATE protocols and "instructions" and feel that each case should be assessed on a personal basis....that was and is my idea of medical practice.

[pusskin]

maybe the way I have been feeling is nothing to do with my medication?
Maybe its all in my head, and I may feel a bit depressed after 2 very bad coughing episodes since Xmas. Maybe just a bit run down?

[pusskin]

Will be back in half an hour as I have to dish the dinner up.
Dont go away a/bers, I will return x

[Sqad]

pusskin

\\\Would it do harm if you suddenly stopped taking them?\\\\

You have told us nothing about your medical history and medications.

What do you mean by "harm?"

[jno]

pusskin, this page discusses the side effects

http://www.nhs.uk/new...-statins-studied.aspx

it doesn't say anything about feeling run down, so that might be something quite separate.

[ojread2]

"My friend says that Simvastatins are not really a good thing to take "

I hate that sentence - and your friend is medically qualified in what, exactly?
At the very, very least answer sqad's questions

[RATTER15]

Sqad, im thinking that pusskin is worried about withdrawal affects by stopping them suddenly rather weaning off of them.

I may be wrong.

[Sqad]

RATTER...if that IS the case............then the answer is NO.

jno........mmmm! not sure that that covers ALL the side effects......memory loss and depression have been well documented but not mentioned in that link.

[RATTER15]

I take Simvastatin, I am a dreadful patient with regards to taking regular medication, I take my simvastatin and my ramipril and Omeprazol as and when I remember, sometimes once a day sometimes once a week, bloody useless really, Ive never had any side effects though.

That is no recommendation though, im just a fool.

[Sqad]

RATTER....yes you are a fool...........but a lovable one..........don't change.