Atorvastatin - Or Statins In General

[smudge]

Hi AB'ers - I don't post on here these days, but thought I'd ask for your opinions please. My doctor recently phoned to tell me my cholesterol is very high and prescribed Atorvastatin 20mg. I reluctantly accepted this, as I've been on Simvastatin before, but stopped taking them due to muscle pain in my hands and fingers. Anyway, I started taking them just over a week ago and since then have had bad shaking episodes, my eyesight has been affected, especially when driving and I haven't felt like 'myself'. Has anyone else experienced side effects from taking Atorvastatin and did you find an alternative? Btw, I didn't take one last night and feel relatively 'normal' today!    

[Canary42]

Yes, I am on Atorvastatin, and I get occasional muscle pain, but not the other symptons you mention.  

My eyesight is poor anyway as a result of a TIA (mini-stroke) last year which is why I was put on Atorvastatin. Also Clopidogrel, and more recently Amlodipine.

[MargoTester]

I've been on Atorvastatin for a few years now but on 10mg with no side effects. It might be worth asking your doctor if you can try the lower dosage

[pastafreak]

I've not had personal experience with statins, but I've read that side effects are more frequent in those over 70...particularly women. Some are potentially dangerous...depending on medical history. 

Speak to your doctor. 

[Canary42]

I'm on 40mg

[NoseyNose]

Atorvastatin

My GP prescribed this,but like you I had side effects.My GP said that as the problems that the Atorvastatin caused me,she took me off of them immediately.

She didn't prescribe an alternative.

Going by my search on the net,the medical world is divided over the benefits,or other wise of Atorvastatin.

This is just my personal experience however.

[jan1956]

couldn't take statins tried 2 different bad leg pain am on ezetimibe no problems atm been on since September last yr. They work differently to statins, having said that havn't had cholesterol checked since so time will tell

[tamaris]

I take those but wirh no side effects

[rowanwitch]

Absolutely no side effects for me, I am not taking them for high cholesterol but because my RA  increases my risk of circulatory issues.  Go back to your gp, it might be you need to start off in a lower dose, or maybe need to try a different one.

[NoseyNose]

I should have said that I am type 2 Diabetic.My GP could not see any interaction between my Diabetes medication and Atorvastatin but took me off of it just to be safe.

[theshedman]

My doctor prescribd me Atorvastatin 80mg as mine was very high but I was getting calf pain really bad so now he has me on the 40mg which has eased them a fair bit but no other side affects.

[davebro3]

been taking the 20mg daily for years - no discernable side effects.

[Vagus]

We've both been on it for a long time and neither of us has had an side effects. Ive read that 80% of people taking them never have side effects, it's unfortunate for those who do though and you should speak to your doctor.

[calda49]

When do you take your statin? I took mine for quite a while in the morning with my other medications, but then I was told to take them in the evening. Maybe worth a try so as to lessen the side effects when you awake.

[Vagus]

Most cholesterol is produced during the night which is why the recommendation is to take your statin in the evening.

[Countrylover]

Yes, they affected my blood tests giving dreadful false liver results.  I was red flagged against taking any statins again.  

[smudge]

Thank you all so much for your replies and helpful suggestions. I've been taking the Atorvastatin in the evenings, also suggested by the doc. I'll contact my doc' tomorrow and will ask if I could either be put on a lower dose, or what jan1956 is on, ezetimibe. Hi Lottie, Neti and any other oldies, remembering our fun times on AB! 😉

[Countrylover]

Hi Smudge.  When I posted I didn't even look who had asked the question.  I would have been friendlier,  nice to see you x

[Countrylover]

Those fun times were good.  

[anneasquith]

I have been on simvastatin,changed to atorvastatin, no side effects by either one. I take the medication at bedtime. 
maybe persevere as your cholesterol is high . Good luck .