Calf cramps symptoms and conditions

I started taking 20mg of Simvastatin on 10/17 due to high cholesterol. Five days later I came home from work feeling very tired and fell asleep. I woke up feeling severe flu like aches and pains in places I didn't know could hurt and then got the chills. I stayed home from work the next day and it's a good thing I did. I awoke with a severe cramp in my upper right thigh. I have always been prone to calf cramps so wasn't too concerned. However I stopped the meds on 10/22. This continued on a daily basis and I went to the doctor on 10/27. I had an x-ray done which showed a bulging disc and some uncushioned discs. She put me back on the meds BUT with a COq10 am and pm and cut the pill in half. Do you think she knew it could be from the med? I foolishly restarted and by 11/4 took myself back off, had an MRI and such severe nerve pain in my right leg that I thought I would die. It was a bolt of lightening starting at my upper thigh and coming out the bottom of my foot. It felt like a hot poker running down my leg. The episodes were on a daily basis, would come every two hours, and could last as long as 45 minutes with no relief. I am now going for pain management and had an epidural a week ago which got rid of the nerve pain but I am still numb down my right leg to my right ankle. I have been healthy for years and feel that this was all brought on by Simvastatin. Any idiot can figure out that your nerves are running through your muscles. I am angry to think that this could have caused me permanent damage.

I have the Mirena IUD now. I had in inserted in August of '06, 3 months after I had my first daughter. All along I really liked the IUD. I did have some problems at first however, while having intercourse I had some discomfort. But all in all really liked the fact that my periods were lighter. However, for the past year or so I have noticed a huuge change in my sex drive, and hardly ever want to have intecourse. I am tired a lot, and even though I eat well, and exercise I have lost hardly ANY baby weight. After reading these comments, I am seriously thinking of having my IUD removed.

I was put on Lipitor 10 mg. last Spring about 8 mos. ago. I have never taken medications/drugs other than aspirin or Motrin or antihistamines. Since that time I have had a strange combination of unexplained symptoms arise throughout the months. These sx's included: Headaches, stiff neck and severe neck pain, acute shoulder pain, hip pains, joint pains, severe knee pain (tendon or Ligament problems?) and loss of movement, hair loss, jaw pain and some memory confusion. Initially, I had severe HA's for several months, but attributed them to stress, however, I had never experienced HA's as a common occurrence. Then we went away to our Maui house to get away from stress, HA's continued, along with leg and shoulder pains. At the same time, I started noticing several strands of hair falling out if lightly touched my hair to move it out of my face. The pains seemed to move around my body at different times, for no apparent reason. I am used to daily exercise, living in CO in the mountains @ high altitude, not usually having muscle soreness. Now, given my leg and knee pains have gotten so bad, I cannot hike and have difficulty climbing my stairs. Skiing is out. Snorkeling caused leg cramps. No explained reason for having muscle tenderness or soreness without my usual exercise at present time. When the pain leaves one area it tends to arise in a different part of my body. At the present time, my hair loss has subsided, as also my jaw pain and headaches. However, my leg pains and knee pains are so acute (for no apparent reason) it is impossible to exercise and difficult to walk that I looked up adverse reactions to Lipitor, finding all my sx's most probably might be attributed to this drug. Partially my fault for not looking up RX information prior, especially being a medical professional for many years. My husband kept throwing away the info when purchasing the RX. Too many unexplained symptoms, I decided to obtain the drug info. myself. I tended to make excuses for months, such as: I am getting older, under stress, must be an old injury, not exercising properly, need PT therapy etc.... I am dc/ing the drug immediately and have an appt. with my MD on 1/5/09 to discuss.

I was prescribed 400 mg Avelox 1x a day for pneumonia. Had 1 in the hospital and an additional 4 doses at home. That 4th evening my vision in my right eye became totally blurred, like a heat mirage type of blurred is the only way to describe it. I called the on call doctor and while I don't think he believed me, he did change me to Ceftin. I have arthritis in my knee and after 5 days of bed rest from the pneumonia I had to go and get 35cc's of fluid drained off my knee. It is now almost one week after I stopped the Avelox and I'm having extreme calf cramps in my left leg. I have no history of this. Very strange drug that I will not be taking again. It did get rid of the pneumonia.

Along with uncharacteristic depression from using singulair for only a few months- I experienced ( and still now, after 1 week prior to ending my daily dosage) terrible lower calf cramps I have never experienced before. Not only do I get quick searing pains in my legs at night, but my calf muscles are very sore whenever participating in brisk physically activity. I hope these side effects will terminate shortly- because for an athletic thirteen year old high school freshman, depression, lack of energy and physical pains are not making the beginning of young adulthood a very enjoyable experience

Hello All -

I just wanted to update everyone on how I am feeling after getting OFF Yaz. I feel like my old self again! Thank you God! The mood swings are gone, the sadness is gone, the upset stomach, back pain, calf cramps... just all the physical and mental pain is gone and I finally feel good again.

After my 16 year old told me she is sexually active with her boyfriend, I took her immediately for an exam and birth control. The OB/GYN wanted to give her Yaz and I said HELL NO, and then told her about all my troubles. She was shocked and said No one she has given it to has had any issues. Which to that I said, that’s odd since there is a website where there are numerous posts to the contrary.

For anyone considering this drug, PLEASE read all the posts on this site and think long and hard if you really want to take the chance on having any of these terrible 'side effects' happening to you or someone you love.

1. Throbbing and radiating pain in thigh muscles, back muscles, and arms and hands.

2. Calf cramps when sleeping and Restless Leg syndrome.

3. Numbness in toes

4. Headaches when in a lot of pain.

5. Blurry vision throughout the day along with dry eye syndrome

6. Dry Skin problems, and bacteria infection of hair follicles on head.

7. Chest Pains like having a heart attack.

8. Forgetfulness, short and long term

9. Anxiety, Depression, disorientation, panic attacks, worrying about everything

10. Overly Aggressive behavior, not normal to past personality

11. Feelings of dying and death in general. Being overly concerned that life insurance is paid up etc...

12. Problems swallowing, breathing, and sleeping

13 Kidney & Bowel problems

14. CPK Test of 2300, 2600, and rising until medication stopped.

15. Glucose variations between 62 and 136 during repeated fasting FBG

16 Biopsy of thigh muscle showed Statin Drug throughout thigh muscle causing severe degeneration & inflammation.

17. Five months after stopping Vytorin CPK is down from 2650 to 900. I still have symptoms, but throbbing and radiating pains seem to be gone. Still have muscle pain & weakness, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and am being treated with an anti-inflammatory drug, a pill for anxiety and depression, a sleeping pill and CPAP machine for breathing when sleeping. However I still have trouble sleeping and pains in the night.

I too am taking Lipitor and have been for a couple of years now.
On Nov.19th I was given the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
Now I read the side effects and they are they same!

I was on Pravachol 40mg for 4 years. It got my cholesterol down from a bad 7.8 to 4.8 and it was great. I was even able to eat my beloved dairy products with impunity. Then, the pain started in my legs about 9 months ago. Was also experiencing calf cramps at night that were so bad I came out of bed screaming. I didn't think about that, because as an ex-athlete with 1 shoulder and 3 knee surgeries + lots of breaks and wear and tear, I just though it was from that or menopause. I also had a lot of heart palpitations and put that down to stress and menopause (I am 51). The leg pain got so severe when walking, etc., that I thought it was DVT. Constant, deep aching in my calves and cramping.. (and I still didn't think about the side effects of Pravachol)! Didn't mention this to my doctor. I lost 12kg, so my doc put me on 20mg, thinking that less weight = less cholesterol. Then I had my blood test. Always got the 6 month blood tests for elevated CK levels (indicates muscle damage) and liver functions. Got a call from Dr. next day saying to stop Pravachol immediately, as the CK levels were almost double what they should be. (Folks, I was taking CoQ10 all the time, too!) One week off the Pravachol and the pain and cramps disappeared and so did the heart palps and a lot of the other "funny" stuff happening to me. You have to consider that Pravachol can damage muscles and the heart is a muscle, so..... However, two months after going off the pills, my cholesterol was up to 6.9 (only bad one went up.) Not good. I have a genetic predisposition for this disease (mom, dad, brother) and it can't be controlled by diet. Both I, mother and brother tried...no avail. I am now on Ezetrol and will have a test in 2 weeks to see what it is doing. No pain from this, but boy am I having bad sweats! Has anyone else experienced these sweats? However, if it drops my cholesterol and doesn't damage my muscles, I'll carry around a bucket.
I do believe that you really have to think hard about taking any of the statins because of their action on the body. For Heaven's sake, if you are on statins, get those 6 monthly blood tests! It could save your life. I've heard anecdotal evidence of muscle damage without the CK being elevated on the blood tests. That is scary.

I have taking Omep,Losec, or Domparion??? for the last 3 yrs. The major side effect for all 3 have been knee and calf cramps after going to bed. The morning starts with the cramps, and they are getting more frequent. I place a ice pack on the area, and it subsides for awhile. Hot baths seem to inflame the area. Any suggestions??? The acid refux is gone. I have taken myself off the medication, and the AR returns with a vengence. Interesting about the comment re: generic drugs, I hope you are wrong, as the insurance company that we have will only pay for the generic. When on group plan, I didn't care - but now...... Anyone else experience this? I am also on Lipitor, which have the leg cramp side effects??????

Last resort, sent to new pain clinic where for chronic sever low back and leg pain began rec'ing epidural steriod injections. Results were good, but side effects of severe, ex-cruiating charley horse cramps to feet and calves of both legs I felt like cutting them off. Brought it up to doc and he say oh yeah, and prescribed quinine which is helping. But its another pill to take! Its awful to feel like your feet bones are crossing over each other and calf cramps that are so tight your legs feel like splitting open. The pain and soreness lingers for a week or more. Never has steriods of other kinds affected me like this. Its the first time rec'ing kenalog.

I experienced sinus tachycardia with a rate of 236-was started on Toprol XL 25 mg once daily beginning April 2002-these are the side effects I have been having:

Regular episodes of an itchy rash on my neck.
Occasional episodes of chest pain.
Occasional periods of Shortness of breath.
Weight gain of 20 pounds ( have not changed my diet )
Fatique.
Insomnia.
Calf cramps.
**** losing my hair *****
I am going to switch to another drug-
remember if you are taking Toprol-you should be titrated off gradually as stopping this drug abruptly may cause fatal arythmias ****** Read drug insert ******

Hello Ladies, Joodles here with an update.

To re-cap, I am 46 years old, had been on birth control pills continually for 25 years, the last pill being Yasmin. I was on Yasmin from May 2004-May,2005.

My blood pressure was beginning to rise so my GYN told me to stop the Yasmin.

It has been 2 1/2 months off of Yasmin and I am slowly beginning to feel better. No more racing heart, dizziness, calf cramps, skin rash, hair falling out.

I have begun an herbal approach towards menopause. If you are interested the website for the herbs I take it is www.enzy.com. In addition to the Menopause herbs I also take Omega 3 Fish oil and Flax seed oil. Believe it or not my Female GYN suggested the herbal route versus synthetic!

It has been an awful withdrawel time. I am starting to calm down emotionally and my hair and skin are getting better. I had awful water weight gain the first 6 weeks which is almost gone. I am getting my sex drive back too!

PLEASE all of you hang in there. It DOES get better, for some quicker, some slower.

Let us gather strength from each other's messages and words of encouragement!

God Bless,

Joodles

Hello ladies, it's Joodles with an update.....I am on day 48 of stopping this pill!

To date I have had 2 periods. I had gained 8 pounds in the first 30 days and also had swollen ankles (water retention) and a bloated stomach with a lot of gas.

As of today I have lost 5 of the 8 pounds, the ankles are back to normal but I do still have stomach issues.

In response to a lot of you asking about hair loss and acne, I too experienced hair loss, dull and lifeless hair. I have had a few pimples but nothing like when I was a teen ( I am 46 )
The hair is slowly growing back and I can actually see a bit of shine coming back.

My heart rate is back to normal, no more racing; the blood pressure is back in the normal range. My dizzy spells are almost gone and the headaches too!

The most important thing I have noticed is that my knees do not hurt anymore and I am not getting calf cramps at night in bed.

Ladies, it DOES get better. I had been on Yasmin for 1 year and I am so glad that me GYN told me to stop because my blood pressure was getting too high!

Hang in there and let's use this forum as a means to support and inform each other!

God Bless,

Joodles

HELLO Ladies!

I to WAS a Yasmin user, I have been off the pill 2 days, as my blood pressure was elevated.

I am so glad to read that I am not crazy! I am providing a list of my side effects:

1. Dizziness
2. Skin rash on hands/tops of thighs
3. Headache in back of head/neck
4. Night sweats
5. Calf cramps at night in bed
6. Feeling of impending doom, ie. ANXIETY!
7. Lack of sexual interest
8. Swollen ankles

I must say that I did not have abdominal bloating or a gas issue. My appetite was good and I did not experience any different food preferences.

I always have been a "high strung" person but this stuff makes every little thing seem like the end of the world!

My GYN wants me to follow up with her in months. I WILL NOT ever take Yasmin again nor recommed it. My GYN made it sound like a "wonder pill".

As I am 47 years old, I think I'll just "RIDE THE TIDE" on the menstrual stuff!

Good luck ladies!

Diagnosed hyperthyroid about 3 yrs ago. So extreme they deemed it necessary to not mess around with supression therapy and gave me radioactive iodine. Was all done so fast I didn't have time to think if I was doing what was best. Anyway.....1 mg of synthroid. When I am on it hair loss, thinner nails, calf cramps that kill, anxiety and depression...because of the depression I don't take care of myself therefore I don't take my meds. ta da...i feel better when I don't and all the other symptoms go away too. After a few months I freak myself out that I dont have a functioning thyroid and need to take my meds. So I restart the synthroid and bam....here the bad things all start again. And the cycle goes round and round.

I can't believe all the women who have experienced these awful side effects of Yasmin. I went to my OBG-YN last week and told her how terrible I have felt for the past two months I have bee on Yasmin. I asked her if this was normal and she said she was pretty sure it was due to the Yasmin. She took me off the pill, and actually told me to stop taking the pills a week early. She prescribed Ortho-tricyclin Lo for me. I hope this pill is better, because I can't handle feeling so tired and out of it all the time. I am always tired, my face breaks out more than usual, and I have been getting calf cramps. I also get dizzy spells when I am driving, in public places and even at home. I have been very moody and not feeling like hanging out with my friends anymore. I stopped the pill two days a go and I can't wait to get my period and get on with my life. Has anyone else tried ortho tricyclin LO? I am scared to try a new BC pill because of the terrible side effects of Yasmin.

Ack - forgot one more possible negative side effect: foot cramps, not calf cramps, whenEVER (not just nighttime). Never gotten foot cramps like this before. I just posted the long-winded effects immediately before this one. Positive side effects: there aren't many cramps at all, but sometimes it feels faintly like I have them--when it's not that time of the month. Good luck, everyone!