Benecol symptoms and conditions

I was prescribed Simvastatin four days ago, against my wishes, as I had heard about the side effects of muscle pain and numbness in the joints and feet. However, what I had not expected were the terrible nightmarish dreams that followed. On the fourth night I stopped taking Simvastin as I was literally too afraid to go to sleep.
I then slept fitfully but did not experience the vivid and disturbing dreams of the previous three nights.
I shall ask my doctor for alternative medication. If she cannot offer me anything other than statins, I shall stick to Benecol and research further!

Jacqui M.

Dizziness, fainting, rapid fall in blood pressure.
Not sure that this is a problem with Lisinopril, but would be interested in any comments. Have been taking Lisinopril for about 15 years, 10mg/day, BP been stable in the 130/75-85 range until it rose to 140/102, between Sep'06/Jan'07. Was spending the winter months in Spain and on returning to UK in May 2007 agreed with doctor to increase dose to 20mg/day. BP, diastolic reading remained high in 95/98 range. To cut a long story short doctor suggested 10mg Amlovasc (Amiodipine) which is a Calcium Antagonist in addition to the 20mg Lisinopril. This 'worked' and BP was then down to 130/84 range. No particular side effects apart from some dry cough. However 5 days ago I collapsed, fainted for a short period, poor vision, comforted by first aiders until ambulance arrived. Was sick before ambulance arrived and then felt much better but they measured my BP as 80/40. Had various checks in emergency (this is in Spain) ECG etc and now waiting for appointment with cardiologist. Since this event I have seen on the Amlovasc info sheet that it may interact with ACE inhibitors which is what Lisinopril is. I wonder if this possible interaction was the reason for the collapse etc? I have also been taking Benecol (Stanol Ester) since August 2007 to maintain my cholesterol at an acceptable level. This has been successful. Once I have had the consultation with the cardiologist I hope to know more.