Lipitor side effects

I just returned from the doctor. I have been on10 mg. Lipitor for over 7 years. Recently, I've been experiencing achy joints, stiffness, back ache, and numbness in my arms when I sleep. He told me to stop taking Lipitor for 6 weeks to see if the cause is side effects. I'll let you all know in 6 weeks. 56 male.

Hi: I am a 59 year old male from Toronto who has had type 1 diabetes for 50 years. I had a heart attack in 1998 but was given no cholesterol medication as my cholesterol level was okay. In January 2010 I had an angioplasty but did not have a heart attack. I was started on 40mg of Lipitor by my Cardiologist in December 2009 because " you should be on it ". In April 2010 I had an incident where I passed out in a chair at 8am and did not fully wake up til 11am I was home alone at the time. When I tried to stand it was like my legs were paralyzed. I managed to crawl to the phone call 911 and the paramedics treated me for a low blood sugar. I should have gone to hospital but I chose not to. Since that day I have not walked properly, especially my left leg, My skin is very sensitive and burns especially in my legs and back. I was tested for stroke ( CT & MRI ) and all was okay. My diabetic nurse at the clinic does not think it is diabetes related either as my sugars have always been reasonably well controlled. After reading all the issues with Lipitor I have stopped taking it as of yesterday. I hope I will see some kind of improvement over time. Thanks for all your submissions and I hope you all get better!!

59-yr-old female. On Lipitor for about a year and a half. Got out of bed one morning and went right into major back muscle spasm. Pain and spasms continued for days. Over the course of the next year and a half went to back specialists and pain management clinic - had cortizone spinal injections to reduce pain every 3 mos. Got so bad I was going to bed at night with ice packs all over my lower body to try to reduce the spasms that were so bad I was screaming in agony (took me 20 min. to just get into bed inch by inch by inch) Packed a cooler with bags for the morning right beside my bed. Some days I could not walk, sit or stand...just cry because the pain was so excruciating. My sister suggested I stop taking Lipitor. Two days later the muscle spasms stopped. Within a week I was sleeping through the night and walking again. A month later...no more muscle pain, spasms, was able to sit anywhere, go anywhere.

My 82-yr-old mother went on Lipitor around the same time as this was happening to me. She also developed severe muscle pain in her lower back and legs. Stopped the Lipitor...week later she was fine.

When the doctor discovers that I had a cholesterol count of 9.2 in 2006, I started to use all the different statins prescribed by the doctor. I used Lipitor in 2007, Lipostat in 2008, and Vytorin in 2009. In February 2010 I started to get pains in my left foot which I broke in 2003. I thought arthritis was setting in, because of my age. About two weeks later my right foot started to pain. Eventually my arms started to pain. I could not walk anymore, or pick up a cup of tee. We bought a wheelchair and with the most excruciating pain I still carry on taking care of the children. On the 25th April with my birthday my husband took me to a holiday resort where I discover that I forgot my tablets. I thought that a few days would not make a difference. After a few days without the tablets, I found that the pain subside ever so slightly. I decided to leave the tablets to see what happens. A lady at the church told me that she had a heart attack after taking statins, and now also suffers with diabetes. After 2 months of not taking the statins I am out of the wheel chair. I can use my arms again and most of the pain in my feet is gone. Now I only take Fish oils, Vitamin C that carries the cholesterol cell through the veins and will never ever take statins again. I was surely on my way to death!! The doctors were supposed to warn the patient about side effects, which they did not. All my muscles were under attack and I found out that it cause tissue disease, muscle degeneration, vascular problems, diabetes. It's not worth the excruciating pain. Herewith I just want to warn all those that are using statins!!!

My husband has taken Lipitor for many years. Just 2 months ago he experienced some muscle pain like perhaps he had stretched one too much. Then his leg starting swelling. We went to the doctor and he sent hime for an ultrasound. They said his veins are fine and there was no clot. He still has soe pain and the swelling. I was watching TV about a month ago and saw the ad for Lipitor and its side effects and it said "leg pain and swelling" It hit me that the Lipitor was probably what was causing his problem. he called the doctor again and he said to problem with stopping it but to take fish oil daily and to increase his fish eating. Now 3 months later he still has some leg pain and his leg swells ona daily basis. Anyone know how to get the swelling down? Also, when we looked up the side effects we saw a bunch that apply to him. He no longer takes Singulair for his breathing as that problem has stopped.

62 year female with desk job. I have been on Lipitor for 10+ years and for the last 3-4 months I have started having really bad muscle pain. Feels like I have done some type of exercise that I am not use to and really sore and painful. Have tried water exercise thinking it might help but it hasn't because when I get out of water I can't hardly move. I hurt in my shoulders, neck, arms, back and back of legs. Friend of mine told me the other day that she was on Lipitor for about 10 years and her muscles started doing same thing. She got off and said pain went away. I didn't realize you could take it this long and then start having side effects. I have a call in for my MD but I am off of it as of today. I hope this awful pain will go away soon. It is hard to function when you hurt so bad. Thanks for others input and to know I am not alone.

I am a 42 yr old female mother of 3. My bad cholesterol was around 350 associated with nephrodic syndrome which is a kidney disorder. My dr. put me on 10mg Lipitor on 6/22/10 and by 6/30/10 I had awful pain in both legs and upper right thigh. At first I thought it was due to the 20mg prednisone I was taking for my kidneys. This being my 3rd go around with prednisone and I knew that sometimes cramping could occur. But this pain was out of control. It felt like someone had hit me in the leg with a baseball bat. I was tired all the time, frequently urinating, often felt dizzy, and could not focus on simple problems; being an accountant this was definitely not a good thing. I called my dr's office on 7/7/10 and was told to decrease my prednisone dosage to 10mg. The pain didn't stop and I started cramping in my hands and feet. The cramps in my feet were so bad that I couldn't walk or even stand up. On 7/13/10 at a visit to my dr’s office I told her of my cramping, continuous pain, frequent need to urinate, fatigue, and dizziness. She immediately said to stop using the Lipitor. It's been 2 days since my last dose and while I still have pain in my upper thigh, I have not had any cramping. I hoping all the pain will go away soon and my body will feel normal again. Yesterday was the first day I didn't feel like taking a nap at work and was able to focus better.

I have been on Lipitor 10 mg for three months now. I also have a heart valve problem. So when I started to have shortness of breadth and palpitation so badly, my GP thought it must be from my heart and sent me to see a cardiologist. However, my cardiologist did not think the problem has anything to do with the heart and suggested I have a lung test. However, I started researching on the side effects of Lipitor and I can truly say that it might be the cause. I have stopped taking the drug for two days and I am feeling much better although I still feel a little short of breadth. My neck was so sore and I was always feeling so tired and my cough never fully gone away after my chect infection during the times I was on Lipitor. I think the GP should know more about this drug before asking the patient to take it. What is the use of lowering the cholesterol when I felt half alive while taking the drug? It is poison and do greater damage than good!

I have been taking Lipitor for 9 years and have had very few side effects. It has kept my cholesterol around 175 which acceptable (over 270 w/o it). I have heard recently that Lipitor can raise CK levels that can be very serious if not corrected. Anybody have their CK levels checked routinely and what are your levels.
K. K

55 year old female has been taking Lipitor for about 10 years or so...is having such arm and shoulder pain that I can barely use them....I went to family doctor and he told me to stop which I did and I am wondering if there is anything in natural form that can be taken to take the pain away....
I was having this pain off and on for about 3 years now and never knew what it was from. With the type of job I was doing, I thought it was from that. However for the last 3 weeks or so it has gotten so bad I can hardly use my arms...Even to bath or brush my teeth simplest tasks, it is hard for me to do. I so hope that this is not perminate. Does anyone out there that has had this know of anything vitamin wise that would help? I would appreciate any input on this...I am at a loss. Thanks and I hope everyone who is having problems with Lipitor has success in healing. God Bless.

I have been taking Lipitor for many years...so long I can't remember. I had for the last 3 years been having pain in my arms, shoulders off and on....Recently this past month it got so bad with pain I can't sleep...I am a side sleeper and as soon as I fall asleep on my back and turn on my side I am awake....I went to my doctor and he immediately told me to stop taking Lipitor. It has been about a week now and I don't see any difference. It is still very painful and I can hardly use my arms. Does anyone know if there is anything natural that can be taken to ease this pain? Is it perminate??? I would like to see this drug taken off the market....It is just horrible what it is doing to people...

40 yr old white female...family history of heart disease. blood chol was a bit too high. Tried diet & exercise; still to high..Started lipitor. No problems until the 1 yr mark. Extreme elbow pain, back & neck pain, muscle pain, Tired all the time. And best of all 40LB weight gain! Went from 117 to 157 in just over a yr!! Stopped Lipitor.....Chorl way back up! Weight still on.....Elbows & other joints just as painful as when I stopped taking the med! I would guarantee Lipitor is the cause!

I have been taking Lipitor for about three years now and have only just begun to connect the dots of my symptoms. I have had increasing severity of lower back and upper arm pain, to the point of where I cannot reach about my shoulders without noticing a total lack of strength. As well, if I am working in the garden or doing anything on my hands and knees my lower back muscles are so weak and sore that I have to frequently sit back to let them recover. I also have noticed a loss of mental clarity, such as forgetting simple words and names of people I have known for years. The worst, though, is the extreme fatigue that has now gotten so bad that I have to take naps every day for two to four hours - and I am only 50!

After reading all these posts, though, I think I will start taking vitamin C, as recommended on some sites in order to keep the cholesterol in check, and dump the Lipitor. I hope it's not too late to avoid lasting damage.

I have recently started taking Lipitor (20 mg) but my doctor also has me taking Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - it's an OTC dietary supplement - which Lipitor (and other statins) depletes, the main cause of the sever muscle aches.

my grandmother of 78 years old is taking lipitor, 40mg, and she has leaking or sweating she never had it before until on this pill i dont know if anyone else experienced it but if so, and u know what it is please contact me .

******

OMG...I am a 56 yr old female, a Type 2 Diabetic who also has a congenital aortic valve defect (which was only diagnosed app 2 yrs ago). I was placed on Lipitor app 1 yr ago "prophylactically" to "delay the need for the (inevitable) valve replacement surgery", in spite of NEVER having a problem with my cholesterol levels. I have had an ongoing problem with severe swelling of my feet and legs, which is MOST LIKELY a side effect of the Actos I take, along with Metformin, for the diabetes. I have also been having 'pins and needles' and muscle contractions in my shoulders and feet, and am unable to sleep on either hip because of the pain for about a year now. (Which 'could be diabetic neuropathy' also). Since I am also admittedly extremely overweight, any symptoms I have always get blamed on the weight issue. For the past few months, I have been getting really bad foot and calf cramps and contractions,esp when at rest; at times they wake me from sleep. The last few days, though, these cramps have 'graduated' to the point that I am SCREAMING and crying in pain when they occur, and NOTHING seems to help. I can still feel the ache in my calves and hip from 2 days ago. I have always had a pretty good pain threshold, but this pain is frightening....I found this site when looking up side effects of Lipitor, and read these stories in amazement. I am an R.N., & had never heard that the statin drugs could cause muscle problems. There is no doubt in my mind now. I am informing my Dr. tomorrow that I am finished taking Lipitor or anything like it. Since my cholesterol levels are "ridiculously low" in my doctor(s) own words, I will take my chances. I'd rather have the heart valve replacement a little sooner than become debilitated from taking meds to delay it. I only hope I am stopping it in time for me, & that there is no residual damage. Good luck to all!

Hi. I'm a 59 year old female and I had been taking 10 mg Lipitor for about a year with no noticeable side effects. Six months ago I was having some chest pressure and nausea which resulted in angioplasty and two stents (I am very lucky! Girls: Pay attention to those physical symptoms!!). Anyway, the doctor doubled my Lipitor to 20 mg. A week later I was putting groceries in the car and felt a muscle pull near my shoulder blade. Over the next three months that muscle pull grew to sever muscle cramping throughout my back and left arm that eventually made me unable to work or drive or even to lie down in bed. Muscle relaxants and pain killers had absolutely no effect and it became so bad that my massage therapist literally could not touch me. Finally my gp mentioned that muscle cramping was a known side effect of Lipitor. I called the cardiologist and he said to stop it completely for five days and see what happened. Sure enough, the cramping decreased and within seven days had disappeared completely. I've been off it for three weeks now and I feel great. The cardiologist wants me to go back on 10 mg but I'm not sure I want to do that. I want to look for alternatives and try other things before I make that decision again...

I am 49 years old and complained of itchiness and difficulty breathing in relation to Simvastatin and Crestor to my doctor. As if those two statins were not enough, she had me try Lipitor. My throat has started feeling like its closing, my neck is swollen, I feel a generalized itching in my body and am typing through a panic attack right now. All of these feelings were not on board before taking Lipitor 20 mg. I immediately took 50 mg of Benadryl and am now wondering how long it takes Lipitor to leave my system. If these symptoms do not subside I will go to the emergency room. I am certain I am allergic to statins and judging from other responses am wondering if Lipitor should be pulled from the market. Maybe it helps more people than it hurts, I don't know but it's over for me and statins. My cholesterol is about 320. I have to immediately look in alternative medicine and total lifestyle change.

I am a 59 year old female with high blood pressure and only slightly elevated cholesterol. My doctor put me on Lipitor about 7 years ago as my total cholesterol was slightly over 200. I am very sorry that I started the Lipitor. My normally clear complexion started to break out violently (pimples, redness, flaking, bleeding, oozing) - I even took courses of antibiotics for a year at a time to clear the rosacea and acne, with no good result. I even had a laser treatment that burned off the top layer of my skin in an effort to clear my disfigured complexion. The laser treatment yielded a good result for about 2 months, and then the "pizza" complexion returned. I also experienced aches in my hips and knees, and general aches and pains. I have been off Lipitor for only 8 days, and my complexion is clearing up beautifully. Too soon to say about the aches and pains, but I am convinced that I am allergic to Lipitor. I wonder what damage it caused to my internal organs. I now take 1 aspirin a day instead of the Lipitor.

Hooray, finally caught the calprit - I have a girlfriend I love - performance has been down the toilet recently, could not understand as to why until I reading these great stories...This morning I said gotta research the two pills I have taking: Lipitor 20mg, and Accupril; Both seem to drain the sex drive; Both are going to be selved starting today. Enough is Enough, I work out 4-5 times a week, eat right, and my girlfriend thinks its her - Thank you folks

Yes, I have been taking Lipitor for just under 12months, and have become increasingly unwell, symptoms included, confusion, lack of libido, constant headaches, elevated BP, terrible mood swings, totally intolerant of noise, chest tightness when power walking. aching muscles.On my GPs recommendation I stopped taking this drug 7 days ago and I feel wonderful again, ALL of those side effects have nearly gone, just a small amount of tiredness, but its getting better.I think some people can take statins without awful side effects, some of us can't, and thats where the drug companies don't listen, whats good for one person is not necessarily good for the next.My plan is to continue eating healthy, increase my exercise, take KNOWN health products which help to maintain good cholesterol(guggal lip) and enjoy my life, something I have not been able to do for the last 11months.Good luck to all those taking a statin, if you have no side effects, wonderful, if you do, find alternatives

I've taken Lipitor 10 mg daily since 5/1/2009. I had just taken early retirement from work a month before and thought I'd be traveling and enjoying life, but instead I have been absolutely miserable. I don't ever feel like doing anything because I am too exhausted, don't have any desire to and have lost my lust for life. My body has aches and pains all over, which I never had before taking Lipitor. I'm having knee issues and weak ankle issues and also the top part of my arms hurt so bad (feels like symptoms someone with "frozen shoulder" would have). I have developed lower back pain. I bend over to bathe my puppy and I can barely raise back up. I am a 58 year old female and I honestly feel (and move) most of the time like I must be 98 y/o. After all the reading about Lipitor, I feel certain it's the culprit. Personally I will try to lower my cholesterol on my own instead of taking a medicine that might possibly end up killing or maiming me for life. I just feel absolutely horrible. I also am feeling a little "foggy" in my thoughts and think of something I need to do and by the time I get up and go to do it, I forget what it was. This is really scary. I'm stopping this AWFUL medicine today!

I have been taking 10mg Lipitor for some 10 years. I was aware of certain related side effects but did not actively investigate them until my dosage was increased to 20mg. Almost immediately I became incredibly lethargic, especially in the morning. I would always wake up in a fog that would last for 2 to 3 hours. I experienced increased leg cramps and extreme stiffness in my lower legs. My behavior became somewhat erratic. I began to experience nose irritation and itchiness, an unexplained sore heal, increased ringing in my ears and a constant feeling of tiredness and heaviness. I would specifically l;like to hear from people who have experienced a change in behavior and or depression as a result of taking Lipitor particularly when their dosage has been increased.

If I could regurgitate the Lipitor pill I took earlier this evening I would. I've been on Lipitor for about a year now. First at 20 mg and then at 40 mg. I had pain in my knee and legs prior to taking it, but could still walk, stand, get in and out of my car. Now I can barely move. Even moving my legs in bed is excruciating. The pain has become so intense that I'm on morphine AND Percocet every day. I'm definitely not taking this drug anymore and will be speaking to my doctor as soon as possible. I've had numerous tests to determine the source of my pain, but nothing conclusive has ever been diagnosed. Now I'm beginning to think most of my muscle pain has been caused by this evil drug. Thank heavens I found this website!

I was also on Lipitor for a short while. I had minor muscle soreness but my major reason for stopping the med was nose bleeds. I'm now trying Zetia but I'm also starting to get nose bleeds for no apparent reason. ????

I have had some of the same side effects with sore joints, shortness of breath and sweating profusely at night. Has anyone experienced a very bitter taste in their mouth which makes everything taste like chemicals? This started a few days ago and I have been unable to get this taste out of my mouth...it would almost be like getting some insect repellent sprayed into your mouth. I take 10 mg/day and have been doing so for 2 years or more...After reading all of these for the last couple of hours, I'm going to quit taking this immediately

I am still recovering from Lipitor but my symptoms were acute constipation, gas in my chest, bloating, stomach pain, and acid reflux. I thought it was the fiber I was eating and had complained about it to my doctor before but he never mentioned that it could be Lipitor nor did the gastroenterologist. I took myself off of it after only 4 months. Within 2 days, the constipation was gone. My stomach is still giving me problems. The doctor finally admitted that it was the Lipitor when I quit my job due to being so ill. I had taken Zocor before that and Provacol before that one. They all gave me constipation but the Lipitor was the absolute worst of all of them. I had also started having cramps in my calves at night. It has been a nightmare and I am still not well with my stomach. I think it was getting inflamed or at least that is the way it feels. I may go back to the gastroenterologist to see how much damage was done by the Lipitor.

Severe itching in the upper vaginal area that would wake me up at nights.(apart from weight gain,severe cramps below the waist,depression etc) Stopped Lipitor yesterday. Waiting for liver/kidney test results.
Took lipitor for 2.5 months only (5 mg).

I started on 10 mg of Zocor and was on it a week when i developed a large itchy rash, hive like, under my armpits. I also developed a bad case of gas non painful that was uncontrollable and a slight headache. I discontinued the med to see if the rash would go away. It is getting better slowly, been about a week. I will say that the medicine seemed to help with irritable bowel, the constipation type, since Zocor seemed to get things moving. Has anyone tried two tablespoons of virgin olive oil a day?I am a 59 year old women about 175 lbs.

I started Zocor 10mg. and was on it a week when I developed an itchy, hive like rash under my armpits, also a gas problem. I discontinued the medicine to see if this was the cause..the rash is slowly leaving. I will say that it seemed to help with Irritable bowel since I had the constipation type. The Zocor seemed to get things moving a little better.

I'm stopping Lipitor tonight. Because of heart disease and strokes in my family and my high cholesterol I have tried different statins and have discontinued because of bad LEG PAIN. Two years ago with cholesterol 320 my doctor wanted me to try Lipitor again.Because I wanted to get my cholesterol reading down so badly I took prescribed medication for arthritis....which is what the doctors said I must have.. Leg pain that was/is so severe I cannot walk a half block. Even with pain medication my legs --the bones --my calf aches and hurts so much I can't go on. The muscle weakness in my legs has become so severe I cannot step upon the curb but have to use the slanted area used for wheel chairs. There is no other reason for the leg pain ...tests have been done, studies ...like emg's show nothing. I so much want to walk my dogs , to park and walk into a store again ... to not plan my life around my excruciatingly painful legs. This is the day I'm stopping Lipitor.

I have been on 20mg of Lipitor for several months. I have had knee pain, achy joints, back pains and most recently zero energy. After another person told me that she quit taking Lipitor because of the energy issue I decided I would try that too. It's been almost a week since I took the last dosage. Finally yesterday and today I have began to feel like myself again. But a weird thing happened day before yesterday and yesterday morning. Day before yesterday I was especially lethargic and achy. I feel asleep on the couch in the afternoon and woke up with a horrible headache in the top of my head. I can't ever remember having a headache there before. I took something and it helped some but it was lingering. During the night I woke up again with the same horrible headache. By the time I got up yesterday morning the headache seemed to be gone. Then, I ate a small breakfast and just was feeling really strange. I was a bit shaky. I mean literally my hands were shaking. Not badly, but a little. And just an overall weird feeling. I was wondering if I should call someone actually. But I didn't. It began to subside after a while. And by early afternoon I was beginning to feel good again. And I haven't felt really good in a while. Today, I have felt like my old self again. Not achy. Normal energy level. It was almost as if my body was having a final fight with the lingering effects of the Lipitor. I'm done with Lipitor!!!

I am 66 years old and was prescribed Lipitor after I had a blocked artery and the placement of a stent. After being on Lipitor, my muscles gradually became weak and tired. I could hardly walk because of the muscle weakness, and then the shortness of breath started. I couldn't even climb one flight of stairs up to my apartment without being completely out of breath, to the point I wanted to cry. Also, I had intestinal gas almost constantly. I have been taking this terrible drug for 1 year and 5 months and I quit taking it 4 days ago. I have noticed a little improvement just in 4 days, but I am still having severe shortness of breath. Hopefully, the symptoms will go away and there will be no permanent damage. Only time will tell. I will NEVER take this drug again, no matter how high my cholesterol gets. Lipitor needs to be taken off of the market!!!

Was on lipitor for 5 mos. and experienced sleeplessness. I would sleep for a couple of hours and then wake. As I started to fall back asleep again I would feel this surge in my head and awaken again. This would happen almost hourly through the night. I wonder if this has anything to do with a time release aspect to the 20mg pill I was taking.. I tried taking the pilllat different times to no avail. Eventually I stopped taking it altogether and started a much stricter diet. I feel better and will check my cholesterol in Aug. Previously I was able to drop my cholesterol 40 pts. with diet and exercise but drifted into bad eating habits. Now older I feel I can maintain as the need for sleep becomes a motivator. Anyone have a similar exp.?

I am 53 year old female.I started seeing this very attractive man that happens to be 63,hes romantic,and spoils me terribly!! Doesn't look a day over 55,we go dancing and to concerts everything is fine until we get intimate.He has it but it just won't perform.Hes taking Lipitor,linsinopril.I think he should come off the Lipitor for a month and see what happens with his sex drive.Especially after reading what everyone else has said about Lipitor.

I too have experienced an unknown rash since beginning to take Lipitor. My doctor could not figure out what it was so he sent me to a dermatologist. She suggested it was contact dermatitis and performed a biopsy of the areas, which happen to be both hands and arms, but only on top of each. I've noticed that the rash grows with direct sunlight or heat. After researching the web, I took an interest in Lipitor after reading this blog considering the rash started a few weeks after I began taking Lipitor.

I have only been on Lipitor for 6/12 and in that time have complained of mood swings (never had this before ) and a very labile blood pressure, has anyone else had problems with their BP on these drugs ?

Doctor put me on Lipitor in Fall,2007. By January,2008, I had body pains, weakness, and other problems (now listed as "possible dangerous reactions" in the commercials-but no commercials listed them then). I complained to doctor, and was given pain pills. I had just retired and went on much anticipated RV trip around the US. Health (weakness, pain, emotions, decreased memory) became so bad, husband had to help me up 3 steps to get in RV by June,2008. Saw my first commercial stating 'possible dangerous problems' that could occur in October,2008. I STOPPED COLD TURKEY. Developed major depression and personality changes. Had always been very loving and caring person-became extremely hard to live with. Knew it was happening, but couldn't seem to stop being harsh and angry. You SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE QUITTING. It ruined my relationships with many friends and really hurt my poor husband. He was an angel and helped me through it, but I can never forgive myself for what I put him and others through. BE CAREFUL! I still have severe weakness, muscle pains, depression (never had this before) today (May,2010), ligment and tendon problems (knees, elbows), increased weight problems(can't exercise), and have lost interest in most activities I have looked forward to all my life for when we retired. HOW COULD COMPANIES AND DOCTORS CARE MORE ABOUT MONEY THAN WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO PEOPLE'S LIVES? I would rather have died early from a heart attack or stroke than to lose the quality of our retirement years as I have. They can't repair the damage they have done. I can't go hiking in the mountains or climb down to the water at the ocean. I can't even pick up my grandchildren now. My muscles are too weak. I probably should have taken some legal action, but it couldn't have given back my health. They will suffer in the long run, but it will not be enough.

I was on 20mg of Lipitor for about 5-6 months about 7 years ago. I got really bad congestion that lasted for 6 weeks, then severe tinnitus (buzzing/ringing in both ears). I stopped taking Lipitor. The congestion went away but I've had the tinnitus ever since. Had my hearing tested right after I stopped the Lipitor and was diagnosed with very mild hearing loss of higher tones. The tinnitus gets pretty bad at times now. Fortunately it hasn't kept me awake yet. But even with the tv on it's constantly there and causes me grief.

I tried a hypnosis CD but didn't notice any difference. Has anyone found something (non-drug) that helps them?

Thanks.

I was put on Lipitor about 3 months ago even though my cholesterol levels were well below normal. At about 2 months I began to experience the following symptoms:

Insomnia for 3-4 weeks
Fatigue
Shaky hands
Foot cramps
Leg cramps
Night sweats
Arms and legs jerking ( spasms )
Depression
Anxiety
Lack of sex drive
Lack of appetite
Short term memory loss
Runny nose
Hot flushes
Weird dreams

I have done some research and have come to understand that the body requires a certain amount of cholesterol to function normally and when Lipitor shuts down the natural production of cholesterol the body becomes distressed. Just my opinion.

I've been on Lipitor for at least 11 years and was on Lesschol for another 4. I was put on it because at the age of 25 my cholesterol levels were at 300. No one in my family suffers from high cholesterol or has a history of any heart or stroke issues, but doctor said I needed to go on it.
Since being on Lipitor I have twice experienced painful swelling of the lining of my lungs which took me to the hospital the first time. I was given an anti swelling pill which resolved it and was told it was a side effect of Lipitor. 7 days ago I woke up after an hour of deep sleep with high anxiety. That freaked me out and decided to stop Lipitor. I think it’s now affecting my mental health.
Symptoms: In the past 3 years I’ve gained the following
- I do forget names very easily almost instantly
- I suffer from insomnia
- I keep getting sinus infections and seem to be congested almost always
- Have been experiencing panic attacks
- I get lethargic
I've now stopped taking Lipitor for a week wondering what the side effects or withdrawal symptoms will be. So far I’ve not been having feelings of anxiety, I’ve been sleeping better and my sinuses issues have improved a little. I hope I’ve not caused irreparable damage.

Hi, I'm from South Africa and we have a different cholesterol reading to you overseas. At the moment my reading is 8.2. What would that be in any of your countries as I do not know how your readings work Can someone help?? My bad cholesterol is my problem. I've been on medications over the years. I was taken off 40 mg Simvastatin as my reading went up. They have now put me onto 40 mg of Lipitor. Now using it for 4 days. Will definitely look out for side-effects. I would also like to know of someone knowing what the highest reading for cholesterol on a human was. Just wondering! E.

My doctor prescribed Lipitor for me 6years ago(2004). I stopped taking it in 2006 because after having severe cramping in my lower extremities and a blood test result that revealed that my muscle enzymes, CPK was in the 5000 range. After that the spasms/cramping continue to move through my body up to my throat. Now my Neurologist wants to diagnose me with ALS. There is information on Google.com stating that the adverse effects of Lipitor can mimic ALS. The World Health Organization is now getting in the mix by investigating these claims.
My life has changed drastically.
The really said thing is after taking the drug for 2 years it never reduced my Cholesterol any greater than 2 points. After I stopped taking the Lipitor and followed the recommendation to take 3000 mgs of Vitamin C for one week, I had a blood test taken to see the effect. My doctor e-mailed me with the results. He stated that my cholesterol was lower than he has ever seen it and that I should continue doing whatever I was doing to keep it that way.
Enough with the greed and disregard/disrespect for the dignity of life.

I just want to say I was on statins for approx. 10 yrs (Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor). During that time, I have experienced so many illnesses, I cannot say how much of these ailments are attributed to the statins, but I do know when I got off of them some conditions ceased. I developed Plantar Fasciitis in 2001, vision blurred substantially since then, glaucoma develped in 2004; fibromyalgia diagnosed in 2003; hip & lower back pain became more of an issue; tendinitis showed up in 2006 & diagnosed with spinal stenosis shortly after that. Lower abdomen pain (rt side) has increased (undetermined origin). The worst of it all, was the shooting pains up and down my rt leg all the way down to my foot. It felt like barbed wire being raked across the inside of my leg. Once I got off the statins, the raking pain stopped, but I am still left with sharp shooting pains that occur when I try to walk normally or when I am sitting down. I also developed a labral tear in rt hip area which had me on a cane for a few weeks. I read that neuropathy can result from being on statins. That info was a day late and a dollar short. If I had known to look for that in the side effects, maybe I could have saved myself some pain. One big NOTE: If you are on statins, please, please take CoQ10 to keep from forming blood clots in your legs that go straight to the heart. It's called P.A.D., Peripheral Artery Disease. Check with your physician before taking CoQ10, but do your research first and bring them the printout because many doctors today know nothing about these conditions and side effects - they just love putting you on statins!

I have been using Lipitor 10 mg for 10 years, to lower my cholesterol from 220 to 160. Six months in use Dr asked me to take Synthroid due to Thyroid issues. I had none of Thyroid related syndromes but doctor advised I should use the drugs. I thought it was normal aging.. I was 48 when started on Lipitor. Over the time I developed -
1. After 5 years - ringing/flutter in my ears and severe sinus pressure while sneezing. Previously, I had a very loud and effortless sneeze and never experienced pain while sneezing. Now I have to clasp down my head before I will sneeze..
2. I continue to have some significant unexplained sinus pressure and have to expel phlegm often specially in the evening when I go for long walk - it is not due to cold. I live in Bay Area , CA
3. Six years into using Lipitor, I developed what is called Planter Fasciitis. Before I could go for long 10 mile hikes, now I get heel and arch pain even after two mile walk and I have to use extra cushioning pads. I have spent much time in researching what kind of arch supporting shoes are better, before that shoes were purchased if they fit well and style was acceptable.
4. Seven years after using Lipitor, I started to see my hairs thin on scalp, forearms and legs. Within one year, hairs from forearm and legs are gone. Within three years scalp hairs have thinned down to 30% and looks like I am surely go bald at scalp within another year or so.
5. For last three years, I have noticed that if i pick up something very cold, like a chilled can of drink or just drive a car that has been parked outside in cold weather for the day. My fingers in hand will turn white as if there is no circulation. They become normal in about an hour of putting down cold drink or stop driving or putting hand in warm water.
6. Earlier this year I also noticed that my feet and lower legs swell after a long flight and I can hardly put my shoes back. This has never been the case.
7. Almost since i have been taking Lipitor, I have been wondering why I have become poor in remembering names while most other memory is pretty good. I used to be known for very sharp memory in remembering names.

Now I am wondering if this is all Lipitor. I have been wondering for long time if many of my syndrome are related to Synthroid but it appears culprit may be Lipitor.

I am also wondering if Cholesterol is a disease or symptom worth even treating. I took both Lipitor and Synthroid for preventive measure. I had no symptoms but now have a quite a few, but none which I took the medicine to prevent.

Today my doctor told me to stop taking Lipitor because my liver enzymes look bad. This prompted me to search and I found this website. I am so glad I did! Here are some symptoms I have had since taking Lipitor. I hope they go away soon now that I will be off it:
1. Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area
2. High blood pressure (never had that before Lipitor)
3. Heart palpitations
4. Swollen hands
5. Decreased libido
6. Increased back pain
7. Feet feel hot and puffy on the bottoms, but look ok
8. Rashes on arms frequently
9. Sinus problems

I am a 47 year old female. I started Lipitor 10mg on April 5, 2010. A few days later I became ill with a sinus virus. However I also had some other symptoms that didn't quite fit the diagnosis. Now that I have recoved from the virus I can sort out the side effects I believe I have from Lipitor. Extreme weakness, fatigue (the kind that feels like its in your bones) constant nausea, extremely dizzy, blurred vision (started today), burning sensation in stomach (started yesterday) and off and on I feel feverish. I have not actually taken my temperature. I am going to call the pharmacy. I would rather make a better effort to lose weight and exercise etc than put up with these side effects. I think I will be throwing these pills in the garbage...thank God for insurance...I didn't have to pay for them...I was very surprised to see that 100 pills cost almost $200.

Have been taking the drug for over ten years. Decided that I no longer want to endure the daily headaches and joint pain. Stopped cold turkey one week ago and so far no problems. I expect it will be another week or more before I start to feel a difference.

My husband has been on lipitor for 2 years. Just recently I started doing research on lipitor because of his lack of libido. This was not normal for my husband, so I knew something was causing it. To my surprise I found out much more than just loss of libido. He has suffered for 2 years with wild dreams, kicking in his sleep, severe back pain, shoulder pain, and sinusitis. We thought he had pulled muscles at work. So we immediately began to work hard on lowering his cholesterol with his diet so hopefully he could get off lipitor. We began to eat clean and it worked. His numbers dropped unbelievably in just one month! The doctor said he could discontinue lipitor. His last dose was last Monday. By Thursday he was vomiting and had severe diarrhea. We thought he had a virus. He has been extremely sick since he stopped lipitor. When will the diarrhea and vomiting stop? He has lost 8 pds in the last week. Please reply soon.

I have been taking Lipitor, 80 mgs. a day for several years. In the past few months, I have been extremely depressed and anxious. This is new for me. I am normally very positive, happy, energetic and upbeat. Now, I am not sleeping, I am not eating, my anxiety causes me to quiver like a leaf. Can anyone give me there ideas? Please respond to my e-mail address.