December 4th
2007
3:29 PM
I have been taking Vytorin for about 10 weeks. During this time, I have experienced aches and pain in my neck to the point of tears. Hands get numb, lower back, now....knees, joints, fingers, hips, EVERYTHING HURTS. At first I thought it was due to the fact that I just started work (bar tender/food server) which requires a lot of lifting, reaching, stretching etc. As far as I know all that motion would make me healthier. Right? Common sense tells me......hmmmmm if I've been working for a month and I still HURT and it's getting worse....what the????? The Dr who prescribed the Vytorin then suggested that I go to physical therapy; The PT told me that I had strains in my back from working. What the? Then I'm told that I'm experiencing aches and pains because I'm in recovery????? What the????? I'm in so much pain when I wake up, my hands are stiff, I can hardly move my entire body. This is like it's a drug induced fibromyalgia. I'd rather go home to the Lord from high cholesterol than live with this pain. Today I am stopping the Vytorin. I had one of those AH HA moments that was posted on this site. It's really sad that I had to do the research on what has been the cause of my aches and pains; when the first thing any doctor asks.....what medications are you taking? BOLD LETTERS......VYTORIN!!! I'm going to take a nap, try to rest the next two days off work being that I have a doctor's excuse to do so after marching myself to the medical facility where I live and BEING ANGRY and letting them know........I should not have to have had to diagnose myself. WE ALL KNOW OUR BODIES....I kept insisting that I hurt so bad and it wasn't from "work" or being in "recovery". So, I certainly can relate to all the posts. I'm going to be 50 on 12/19 and I feel as if I'm 80. Thank God (lol) I "look good". A sense of humor goes a long way......but it's so hard to not be a little grouchy when we hurt, right? You are all in my prayers.
-- By jodiowee1957 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
December 4th
2007
8:24 AM
I am a 67 year old male. Very healthy other than high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I've been on BP drugs for 12 years or more and on Lipitor for aper 4 years or so. My cholesterol improved dramatically, but every joint in my body aches pretty badly until I start to move in the morning. (I am very active but do not engage in organized exercise...) As I think of it, these ache symptoms have increased steadily over the "Lipitor period".
I know most older folks endure some increase in aches and pains, but mine seem most extreme and are starting to affect my lifestyle.
Not much is written concerning my particular "Lipitor problem"......?????
December 4th
2007
2:54 AM
As I write this, I'm on my fourth day taking Levaquin 500 mg. prescribed by my doctor for severe nasal congestion, sore throat, difficult cough. I have bouts like this on a yearly basis that start around Thanksgiving till late spring. I do remember taking Levaquin before though didn't notice anything bad (yet). As I read through different messages, I now come to realize that maybe I should go back and check the time I took Levaquin because I've been suffering from so much muscle aches and pains for a quite a very long time now. Since I started taking Lipitor 3 years ago, I'm inclined to think my pains were due to side effects of Lipitor. That's just another issue.
As of yesterday afternoon, on the third day of taking Levaquin, I was informed by my pharmacist that I OVERDOSED since Friday and Saturday by 2000 mg. I was prescribed 500 mg. one tablet per day. Whoever typed "Take one tablet every day by mouth after meals" in the pharmacy must have too many "ssss" in their pockets. "After a meal or after meals" are definitely not the same, don't you all agree? I didn't just read the label and followed instructions as I understood it. The pharmacist confirmed what I read back to him as typed. I thought pharmacists know how a certain drug should be taken. But that's another story to tell. I'm too concerned learning about the bad effects of Levaquin for me to find time and question a pharmacist integrity.
I called my doctor first thing today and told them of this oversight (should it be mine or the pharmacist?). I was told to continue with the medication and call them how I'd feel in a couple of days. So I took just one tablet today. That was easy.
Now after reading all these different bad things happening to people taking Levaquin, I am thinking of the future. Should I be worried about the bad side effects of Levaquin taken exactly as prescribed? What about those 2 days of overdose? I guess, I have to find that out myself in due time as I will not stop from finding out more about this drug.
I don't think I will continue taking this drug tomorrow. I don't know what will happen but I'm sure my doctor will find a way to fix my upper respiratory problems. He must have heard about other patients complaining about Levaquin. I will make sure he will take my opinion seriously.
To all of your valuable inputs and opinions and warnings about the harsh effects of Levaquin, thank you very much and may you continue on passing to one and all your valuable insights. Count me in!!!!!
Tomorrow will be a new day and I will be on my toes making sure I will fight the harsh side effects as early as I could. I know it will be worth the fight if I kick these damaging effects at its early stage, hoping I will be lucky to do so.
God Bless to all!
-- By luv5057 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 26th
2007
12:40 AM
I was on Femcon for three months...THIS IS THE WORST DRUG EVER!!! No wonder my doctor just GAVE me 6 months worth of sample packets..I opted to just stop taking it....I bled three times a month anywhere from 3-7 days per time...you're Damn right this is birth control..I'm not getting any! I have had the Worst aches and pains all over my body arms legs back and stomach...so bad they sent me to have an ultrasound on my gallbladder...of course that wasn't it. Headaches and CHEST Pains
-- By skinnichik | Reply | Private Message me
November 15th
2007
9:50 AM
I am so glad I found this site, because I thought I was coming down with some rare disease. I went on Femcon because I had been on Yaz and started having serious migraines that kept me in bed for days at a time. I have been on Femcon for two months now and I have had every symptom mentioned here. Here is everything in a nut shell. I have felt extremely deepressed and moody to the point of possibly thinking on seeking help for depression. I am mostly angry and sad. I have experienced problems in the past when I was on Ortho Tri Cyclen of feeling paranoid all the time, this was different. I have cramps not just during my periods, but all the time. I also have had really bad aches and pains all over my body especially in my back and legs, feels like the flu. I have been so tired during the day that I have actually fallen asleep at my desk only to go to bed at night and wake up after only a few hours of sleep. I have been also having hot flashes at night. I have had constant headaches although less severe than when on Yaz. I have been gassy, bloated, nauseated and now have had diarrhea off and on for over a month. I have also noticed having a lot of sinus pain and pressure as well. I have also had spotting on days 12 & 13 but no period when I am supposed to have one. I also had the some fluttering in my chest and my breast are swollen and the nipples darkened. I have completely lost all interest in sex and when I am on the brown pills and feel like having sex, it is like all the moisture has been removed from my entire body and I can't enjoy it. Despite knowing I haven't been having much sex, I think I'm pregnant all the time. I have also gained about ten pounds despite no changes in my diet. I also feel nauseous sometimes after eating lunch especially. I take my pills at night and I don't chew them so I'm not sure if that is the problem or not. I have an appointment to go back to the doctor in a month. I'm thinking of calling her to change before that now that I know my symptoms are not a strange disease, but more than likely a result of the medicine. Thanks everyone for being willing to share your experiences. I hope I can find a pill that was as good as Yaz without the migraines.
-- By shiffette21 | Reply | Private Message me
November 14th
2007
9:46 PM
I was put on Lipitor about 1 year ago and the dosage was put up to 40mg about 3 months ago. My hands went numb and tingling about that time and I never thought that it was the lipitor. I've gone to a couple drs and a chiropractor and no one thought that it was lipitor. They are convinced that its carpal tunnel and that I should have surgery. Now I have swelling in my hands and legs along with aches and pains and I've comvinced that its the lipitor. I've been off it now for about 5 weeks and still have the swelling and tingling. Has anyone else have these symptons and for how long? Also my Dr. wants me to take Zetia for the cholestoral but I'm afraid to take anything. Any suggestions!!!
-- By sunnymac | Reply | Private Message me
October 24th
2007
5:19 AM
Thank goodness I found this site!!! I was starting to think I was going crazy! I have been taking Singulair for a little more than 3 weeks, for my allergies. It works wonders on allergies, but I have had several side effects, that I hadn't realized were side effects until reading this site.
I have felt very tired, yet anxious at the same time. I've been very moody, almost to the point that I feel angry all day (which is very unlike me). I have also had strange aches and pains, along with itchy skin on my feet and under my arms. I have also had very vivid dreams. Strange, bad dreams, that last all night long. When I awake I feel like I haven't had any sleep.
I am going to stop taking Singulair today!
-- By moshell77 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 1th
2007
11:29 PM
I am a 60 year old man who has had allergies and asthma as long as I can remember. I've tried most of the medicines out there at one time or another. I hate the side effects of most asthma meds (especially broncodilator inhalers) and have learned to avoid them and manage my symptoms more through lifestyle (diet, exercise, clean environment) than drugs. I decided to try Singulair starting about 3 months ago to see if it would help with the mild night time chest tightness I would often still experience. I have to say its the best asthma med I've ever taken. I am about 90% free of asthma symptoms, and can sleep through the night without ever waking up with constricted bronchia. I don't use inhalers at all any more. Occasionally (2-3 times a week) I'll take a Claritin if I start to feel allergic symptoms breaking through. The only side effect I've noticed from the Singulair - and I noticed this from day one - is extremely vivid dreams. Luckily, I kind of like this side effect so I'm OK continuing with the Singulair. Also luckily, I've never experienced the aches and pains, weight gain, or other symptoms descibed by others on this site. The one thing I worry about is that this drug may be hard on the liver, as the liver metabolizes it. But since I don't have any symptoms of liver problems, I guess I won't worry too much.
-- By arthurr4768 | Reply | Private Message me
September 17th
2007
10:15 AM
I have been on Lisinipril for 4 weeks, having all kinds of symptoms,
anxiety, heart going slow and fast, dizziness often over all not felling well, not to mention the sweating and loss of balance.I have had my
thyroid check and full work up of my heart, eco,stress, evreything.
Any one else have "ice pick" head pains?
September 12th
2007
1:48 PM
I ran across this web site after trying to figure out what was causing all my aches and pains. After I started taking Vytorin, I first noticed severe shoulder and neck pain. Other symptoms includes, headaches, depression, anxiety, moody, chest pains, joint pains, nausia, and feeling extremely tired. After visiting this site, I have taken my LAST vytorin. Now I just hope the side effects go away soon. Im 53 but feel 83.
-- By achedude | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
August 20th
2007
5:12 AM
Only now after the break up of my marriage and the begining of a new relationship,do i realise that something was just not right, when my new man was saying exactly the same things as my ex...terriable mood swings, constant angry feelings, scarring acne , constant tiredness and general body aches and pains, sore breasts, a slow but steady weight gain of nearly 4 stones inspite weight watchers etc and depression. Was on seroxat for a time until i saw a programme that highlighted side effects of that and so have lived with depression for years. A visit to ER with heart palputations which i thought was a heart attack. Panix attacks....I dont know why i suddenly thought that the mirena might have something to do with all this, thought i was going crazy , especially after my husband left me ...i had it removed last week and already feel better. Lost 4Lb in 5 days. Today i feel a little tired but still pleased its out. There is too much thats happened to me in the last 5 years for this to be a coincidence. My gp had no hesitation on removing it ....its too early to tell what will happen, but already i feel more peaceful...
-- By mich61269 | Reply | Private Message me
August 17th
2007
9:20 PM
I was initially prescribed 20 mg of Lipitor as my cholesterol was well over 300 (365). However, the same week I started the 20 mg, I was hit my a car as a pedestrian and had so many aches and pains from that, that I felt the 20 mg of Lipitor was aggravating my recovery from the car incident so requested of my Doctor to "start" at 10 mg instead. I am also "medication sensitive". I have only been on the med for 4 1/2 months and initially things were "OK"...I did notice some aching muscles and joints, but this actually seemed to subside. However, in the past 4-6 weeks, many symptoms seemed to get worse...I feared I had Lyme Disease again, but the symptoms felt "different" though similar...aching muscles and joints...especially both my hands and wrists, hips and knees, very bad headaches, constant nasal problems including horrendous post-nasal drip and "face pain" like sinusitus, a feeling like I was getting bronchitis all the time and needing to use my asthma inhaler, even though my asthma is very, very mild, and profound fatigue. I also noticed "some" mental confusion and forgetfulness. I decided to go off the medication just two days ago and already feel better. I plan to get my cholesterol checked within the next week, but doubt seriously that I will go back on this drug...UNLESS it would be something like 5 mg every other day. I also lost weight (on purpose), have tried to get more exercise, and eat better as part of the overall plan to better manage my cholesterol...so, unless this continued health plan does not keep my cholesterol down, I will not take more than that of this drug (5 mg QOD).
-- By nancyc | Reply | Private Message me
August 17th
2007
5:26 AM
I started taking 20mg Lipitor 10 years ago,when I was 53 yrs old, as I had a heart attack from unstable agina and high cholestrol.For most of this time I have suffered aches and pains, excema on my hip and stomach areas and severe leg cramps. For the past 12 months I have felt lethargic, in a 'switched off and isoloated'' frame of mind with painful hand joints and foot swelling. My eyesight has deteriorated quickly and I feel plain OLD!! After reading other people's experiences I am going to stop taking lipitor/statins immediately and monitor any change carefuly.
-- By jenkinson | Reply | Private Message me
August 14th
2007
8:38 AM
I was taking Atenolol for about three years and suffered from dizziness, anxiety attacks, depression, wheezing and shortness of breath, muscular aches and pains, but some of those symptoms may have been caused by other medication I was, and still am, taking.
I stopped taking atenolol but also stopped taking the cholestrol-lowering tablets just before that and got them replaced by the doctor.
The aches and pains stopped and the depression almost gone, but still experimenting.
Trouble with doctors is they always give you and treat you with tablets that will have no come-back on them - just in case, so we never know where we stand. I had thought of suggesting taking niacin and asking the doctor`s advice but I know what he`d say and advise me not to take them to clear himself; point is, my cholestrol dropped from 7.8 to 3.6!!
August 11th
2007
4:14 PM
The first of the nightmare was the cramps, aches and pains in my legs. eventually it spread to almost all over my body. I felt like could not wlk across the drive way without struggling. I am 51 years old and, without exageration, I felt like I was 81. It came on so slowly that I did not relate it to the Lipitor at first. A client of mine was the one to happen to mention one of his family member's experience to Lipitor and that's what clued me in. I stopped it that day. I have listed symtpoms below that I am suffering from. At least we can commisurate and e-mail with others who understand and know we are not making this up.
1.) extreme muscle/joint aches and pains
2.) extreme fatigue (falling asleep almost anywhere) loss of energy
3.) weight gain and bloating, especially in stomach area without any increase in food intake.
4.) urinary incontinance
5.) sweling in left leg and ankle
6.) swelling and pain feet
7.) depression
8.) memory loss
9.) loss of mental accuity
10.) increased oiliness of skin and hair
11.) loss of equilibrium
12.) diarrhea
13.) eyesight deteriorated rapidly
14.) irritability
15.) itching ended pretty soon after I stopped taking the Lipitor.
Most of these symptom come and go but someof them seem like they are here to stay. Is there a class action law suit that might prevent this happening to more innocent, unsuspecting people? Is there a list of things people can do to help the symtpoms? Another friend in need - Rebecca
-- By rstuartg | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
August 1th
2007
5:28 AM
My 7 year old daughter has been taking Singulair for 3 weeks (as well as Claritin). She has been very nervous, complains about headaches, feels like she's in a dream, irritable, cries, can't control her anger, hard time breathing when she gets upset, worried about aches and pains and said sometimes she feels likes she's dying. She's always been a perfect, well-adjusted, pleasant child. This has completely suprised me that she feels this way! I talked to her doctor who said to take her to a psychologist. I have just read the side effects others have reported on this site and WILL IMMEDIATELY STOP THE SINGULAIR! I pray she starts feeling like herself again soon! It's hard seeing her this way!
-- By rackel | Reply | Private Message me
July 26th
2007
9:04 PM
I am totally shocked at what I have learned about Lipitor. My physician prescribed 10mg for me over 4 years ago. No major problems until recently. Severe neck/shoulder pain for about 3 months. Dr said it was a pulled muscle. Gave me Skelaxin. No help. Went to Chiropractor--yanked, cracked, beat, etc--no help. In the past 2 weeks or so I have developed pain in my hips, back and legs. Blamed it on being 52 years old. As I read some of the experiences on here I could relate to each one. I also have gained about 30 pounds in the past 4 years, short term memory is terrible. NO ENERGY> 3 years ago-Dr started me on Wellbutrin for depression, then added Zoloft. I am to the point now I want to get off of all this and see how I could really feel. Not sure about withdrawals. Any comments on stopping the meds?
-- By sissy1954 | Reply | (8) replies | Private Message me
July 23th
2007
11:42 PM
I HAVE BEEN ON LANTUS FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. MY SISTER HAS BEEN ON IT FOR 3 OR MORE MONTHS. WE BOTH HAVE THIS SHARP PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF OUR SCOLDER BLADE. I JUST WANTED
TO KNOW IF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS THIS PROBLEM.
MANY THANKS
July 11th
2007
4:07 PM
I've been taking 50 mg. daily (and conscientiously) for several years. I've been taking thyroid supplements (synthroid and similar) for 35+ years. For 15 years, I've been struggling with the gradual weight gain commonly associated with menopause and stopping smoking cigarettes (after 30 years of 1+ packs daily). HOWEVER, It was about six years ago that the problem became a 50 lb. overweight and BMI in the waist-over-35" serious problem. I was always strong, quick to build muscle, and enjoyed being active. Swam .5 mi daily or walked 3 miles (or both) frequently until about menopause time. But then: about four years ago, I started having some pretty serious trouble breathing associated with exertion. Body aches and pains that I've described as arthritic, may also be involved here! Hence decreasing exercise and real worry about engaging in exercise. I've also been taking Lipitor and Avandia.
Frankly, I'm feeling that all my meds except Synthroid can cause me to gain weight - the catch 22 being that my elevated blood pressure and early type-2 diabetes are also negatively affected by overweight!! Now what???? Dr. appt, very soon, folks!
July 5th
2007
3:58 AM
Thank God for googling. I'm not alone. It's great if Lisinopril is working for you, but as I can read by the posts I'm not nuts. The cough, oh the cough. Worse is when it comes and I'm at church. My wife and I are cantors and nothings worse when I would get that dry "got a feather in my throat" cough. Like everyone else my BP was riding above normal 150/90-95 and the Lisinopril brought it down to 115/70, but I quit a week ago and feel like normalcy is coming back into my life. BTW I was on 10mg dose for a little over a year and was just dumb to think that a BP med could cause all the side effects that I was experiencing: cough, mucus, numb extremities (mostly sleeping at night but enough to wake me up hence poor sleep), fatigue. Has anyone felt moody? I think this drug has made me very moody but that can probably be attributed to the lack of sleep. I hope the dark circles around my eyes disipate now that I'm sleeping better. Good luck to all!
-- By slug69 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 28th
2007
8:58 AM
I've been using the nuva ring for about 5 months now. At first my doctor told me that my body had to adjust, but I am experiencing more and more side effects with each cycle. I am experiencing:
severe headaches
brown dischard (the whole month)
depression (I don't care about anything or anyone)
moodiness (I am insanely angry. I think I could honestly hurt someone)
Urinary (kidney stones and frequent Infections)
No Sex Drive (I don't want sex, don't even want to think about it, its yucky!
Aches and Pains (back, neck, legs and chest)
I didn't realize all these symptoms were associated with the nuva ring. I was about to see a mental health professional, as I am scared I could hurt myself, husband, children, or someone. I have never been so angry in my life. I feel INSANE.
-- By peachdesk | Reply | Private Message me
June 27th
2007
9:04 PM
Have been on Lipitor for almost a year and muscle aches and pains have increased in the past two months to a debilitating stage. The muscles in my arms, shoulders and back hurt constantly. My hands are aching and I've also experienced cramps in the feet and toes. Last week cramps started in the leg calves. I can barely climb any stairs. There has also been some weight gain since I began taking lipitor.
I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon and when I finished describing the symptons he immediately said it was most likely the Lipitor.
He also shared that he had two friends who are doctors, one a runner, who had these same symptons as a result of Lipitor. He told me to stop taking it for two weeks and see if it is better. I will stop taking this permanently and try to lower the cholesterol with exercise and Vitamin C.
June 19th
2007
1:27 PM
57 years old male. I took Lipitor for 5 years. I didn't notice that 3 months ago I was getting very weak - attributed it to being out of shape. I went to the Dr when I started having trouble swallowing, and shortly after that I lost most of my strength and have difficulty walking, getting out of chairs, rolling over in bed, etc. If I walk more than 200 yards, I need to be supported by friends on both sides, and my legs and arms start shaking. I have been off Lipitor for 3 months with no improvements.
I would recommend to anyone on this drug to get off it if any sign of these side effects shows up, no matter how mild...
-- By chris2007 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
June 4th
2007
2:24 PM
I started taking Lisinopril for my bp about 2 1/2 months ago and even though it did lower my bp, I started having strange side-effects. It started out with drowsiness throughout the day, no matter how much sleep I got. And, waking up feeling drowsy even after 8-10 hours of sleep. Then, I started getting strange aches and pains throughout my body, like I was getting over a stomach flu. My asthma also flared up and I started having to use my inhaler for the first time in almost 15 years (usually I just need it after exercise.) The side-effects continued to get worse over the next months with increased fatigue, drowsiness, coughing, anxiety, muscle aches, poor concentration, feeling like my nerves were "shot," headache, weakness, tightness in my lungs, numbness in my hands and feet, and just plain feeling bad.
I made an appointment to see my doctor because I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. It crossed my mind that I might be feeling this way because of the Lisinopril. I stumbled across this website and after reading everyone's testimonials, I decided to stop the Lisinopril. I haven't taken it in 3 1/2 days, and I am already feeling much better. I would rather try a more holistic approach to lowering my bp then taking Lisinopril.
I hope this helps someone else out there who might be going through the same thing.
Levaquin (24) Lipitor (24) Advair HFA (7) PredniSONE (6) Yasmin (6) Lisinopril (4) Toprol-XL (4) Singulair (4) Topamax (3) Lupron (3) Vytorin (2) Zocor (2) Femcon FE (2) Omeprazole (1) Effexor (1) Hydrochlorothiazide-Lisinopril (1) Flagyl (1) Doxycycline Hyclate (1) Mirena (1) Zometa (1) NuvaRing (1) Atenolol (1) Sulfamethoxazole (1) Lantus (1)
December 5th
2007
9:58 PM
I am in tears reading everyone's Lipitor experiences because I can relate to so much of what you all are saying. I am a 48 year old female. Was on Lipitor for a little over a year, and stopped taking it about 6 weeks ago. My symptoms included excruciating neck and arm pain, leg muscle pain, knee pain, tingling arms and elbows, hip pain. I blamed my neck problems on a previous injury. I did chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, massage. All helped temporarily, but it always came back. I assumed it was something I would have to live with for the rest of my life.
Then i started having the strange leg muscle pain. It felt like a Charlie horse but in weird spots like my ankles, my shin as well as my calves. Then the knee pain started. I can not sit any length of time without my knee aching. I also have a hitch in my hip...I guess that's what you'd call it. I feel pain when I walk, but can usually walk through it. I was also tired all the time, day after day. Sleeping was miserable because of the neck, knee and hip pain. In combination with the tiredness and the aches and pains, I thought I was just getting old, maybe arthritic!! And this from someone who has always been active....walking, weight lifting, always on the go.
I started getting suspicious when I started listening to the Lipitor commercials on TV that stated "...report any muscle pain or weakness to your doctor as this may be a sign of a rare, but serious side effect..." or something like that. Maybe that's a new "warning" that they didn't use to say on the commercial? Well, I went off of it on my own and I could not believe how much better I felt after only a few days!!! My chronic neck pain has basically disappeared...I still don't have full movement like normal folk but the pain is gone! I have so much more energy, and my leg cramps are gone. I still have a problem with my hip and knee.
Since being off Lipitor, my cholesterol has gone sky high....actually higher than when I first started! My total cholesterol began a little over a year ago at 247, got it down to 190, now after being off the Lipitor for 4 weeks it's a whopping 298!!! My ldl started at 162, got down to 128 and is now 206!!!!
So in addition to all the problems I had being on the Lipitor, it appears going off of it has worsened by cholesterol!!
I am now taking ground flax seed - 2 T daily. I am also going to try cholesterol Off by Nature Made. I will NEVER subject my body and spirit to statins again.
I thank all of you for posting your problems with Lipitor. I wish you all luck, and maybe we'll get to meet each other someday....in court.
-- By conij | Reply | Private Message me