Lipitor and ache

Hi, I am a 45 year old male with high cholesterol. prescribed 20mg. of Lipitor to control it. Am having a strange twitching muscle in my right calf since I started the meds. Forearms hurt, trouble sleeping, twitching in my sleep, apparently, tiredness. I'm worried about going off it. My dad died of a heart attack. Would it hurt to try going off it for about 3 months?

On lipitor for 1 1/2 years.... starting taking yoga a month ago. Had ache in knee and leg which then went to toe on other leg. Thought it was overstretching from yoga. Pain moved to hips and lower back. All very painful but worst was yet to come. Pain moved to neck and shoulders. Could not move head. Excruciating SOBBING pain. I was in so much pain for weekend. Everyone wanted me to go to emergency room but I wanted to stick it out til Monday.

PS... went on web. Saw this is lipitor side effect. never would have expected that after 1 1/2 yrs on a 10 mg dose.

Went to pain management doctor ... got Soma (muscle relaxant), an oral steroid and Percoset. Relief was almost instant.

Called my cardiologist. He says it is the Lipitor.

No more statins for me.
And back to yoga.

Checking in again. Been off the lipitor 3 weeks now. It feels good to feel better. I feel my old self coming back. I laugh sometimes. HOORAH!!! Pain in my legs 50% gone. Hips still troubling. Legs are still weak. I don't know if its from not using them much over the past 8 mo. or the poison lipitor. Still sapping life forces from my body. My life is a wreck . I can tell life is starting to get better. The only thing different, is off the lipitor. Lets get this stuff off the market. It is debilitating, painful, causes depression, to the point you are thought of as lazy, unmotivated. The pain and ache is all you can muster to deal with on a day to day basis. it is indescribable agony. I want to kick something. For the months that I have lost of happiness. Something has got to be done. There was a move awhile back to sell this stuff over the counter. What will they think of next. I am just thankful that I am feeling better. moonman

Have been taking Lipitor for about 11 years. Fairly recently increased dosage from 10mg to 20mg. For about the past week have begun to experience tingling, numbness and general ache in legs, arms, sometimes cheeks and fingers. Spoke to doctor who seems stumped by these symptoms. Will be doing blood tests to test thyroid, anemia, B-12 levels etc.etc.etc. Given what I have read here I can't help but think I know what the problem is. I should mention I had quadruple bypass 12 years ago so the doctor doesn't want any spike in cholesterol levels.

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 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"......?????

I have been taking Lipitor for years; 20mg I believe. While I have been watching for side effects nothing really powerful enough struck me to believe without a doubt that it was the drug bothering me. I had already had incidents with other statins prior to the Lipitor.

Recently the bottoms of my feet became very tender, but I ignored it because I am on my feet all day and I also run. I had also noticed that the back of my thumbs felt like I was pinching a nerve because they would "snap" and then become numb and tingle like they were "asleep". Finally I realized that my feet were getting steadily worse. They felt like I had been wearing shoes too tight all day; or wearing new shoes. I would especially notice them after I had put my legs up to rest for awhile. It would always seem worse when I stood back up.

I went off the Lipitor as the likely problem. My feet have improved over a month but they are not right yet. Then of course I start to doubt the original discomfort. But I generally feel better throughout my body (including an improved libido)so I am not going back on them if I can possibly get away without the drugs.

If anybody else had the specific discomfort to their feet I would really like to know.

I am a 47 year old female and started using Lipitor (10 mg) about 4 weeks ago. In the last two weeks, I have been experiencing numbness, pain and weakness in my extremities. The numbness and pain is excruciating from my neck to the tips of my fingers on my left side. I am also weak and my muscles ache throughout my entire body. My joints hurt and are extremely stiff from my feet to my shoulders and I was so tired yesterday (November 26, 2007) that I could not go to work. I was about ready to go to the emergency room today thinking I have some undiagnosed illness, but since reading the side effects of others, I am calling my Doctor to inform him of my problems and I have am refraining from taking anymore Lipitor. I just want to know if the symptoms will go away after the medication is completely out of my system.

I am 36 years old and have been on Lipitor 40 for about 5 years. Over time, I have noticed it very difficult to concentrate and focus. I am always dragging, and my shoulders, neck and legs always ache. I guess I chalked most of it up to getting old. But recently, I started to get burining, shooting pains in my left elbow area (doctor says tennis elbow). After doing a little research - I was shocked to find that almost every symptom that I have- can be related back to Lipitor. I stopped taking it for a few weeks, and I started to feel a little better. I stopped because I couldn't afford it. Once I was able to refill my prescription- the same issues started again. I think that I am going to stop it for good, and document changes in my body. Hopefully for the better

Age: 47
Male-176lbs- 5' 9", overall excellent health.
Lipitor used over 2 years. Started with 10mg ended at 40mg to get desired results. 6 month blood work.
Side effects: Started at around 18-24 months. Felt like I had aged 10 years.
1.Felt like I has sand in my shoulder joints, could not throw a ball or raise arms above head.
2. Knee joints ache, could not squat down and get back up.
3. Extreme touch sensitivity to shin area above ankle. Difficulty sleeping.
4. Increased lack of ability to concentrate.
Stopped all Lipitor- Took around 6 weeks for joint pain to ease. 3 months back to normal.
Doctor tried Prevastatin- Same side effects as Lipitor.
Nice to have my life back.
Hope this helps- Brent

I am 68 year old female. Been on 20mg of Lipitor for about 2 months. My scalp itches so bad i can't stand it. My knees and shoulders ache. I had been on 10mg prior to this for over a year with no problems. I am also tired. I am convinced it is the 20mg of Lipitor.

I was put on Lipitor over a year ago. I began having memory problems last Sept. and even asked for an Alzheimer's test. Thing got worse, I now have constant pins and needles in my middle and ring finger of my right hand. My hands ache all the time, and I am constantly on pain killers for the severe pain in my shoulders, thighs and lower legs and my feet.

I have also developed the shuffling walk, and sometimes I cannot decide which foot to put forward first, which is as I understand it a sign of Parkinson's. Today I saw a Neuropath specialist he used a machine which gave me little electric shocks, I will not learn the results of this test until I go back and see the specialist who has diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. I am also severely depressed mostly because I stopped taking the Lipitor several weeks ago and I am getting worse not better. I feel about 30 years older than my age of 65.

I printed out some of the material I found on the net about the dangers of Statins and gave it to one of my doctors, but so far none of them acknowledge that Statins are responsible. Oh yes and my memory is still as bad. I am seriously thinking of making arrangements for my funeral.

When I refused to take Lipitor the doctor tried to prescribe a different drug but the pharmacist told me that it has the same effects as Statins, so refused to take the prescription.

I have already started taking CoQ10 and Vitamin C.

I am 34 years old and my family has history of heart disease. I went to get checked and doctor put me on lipitor and I have been on it for 3years now and I feel aweful I can't sleep at night and my arms and neck and legs ache like when yI was a child and had growing pains. Recently I have developed pain in my left arm and when I extend my arm and point my thumb down it fells like a burning tearing sensation. A few nights ago I was listening to coast to coast am and they had a guest on who was talking about statin drugs and side effects it was really interesting if anyone is concerned about these side effects I strongly suggest checking out the coast to coast am web site and search for the February 5th show notes.

I just found this site when I was looking up side effects from Lipitor. I've been on 40mg for about 8 years or so - Zocor and Mevacor before that. Had by-pass surgery 18 months ago (I'm a 53 year old male). Lately my shoulders and sometimes my elbow ache although it's more annoying than anything. I work out every other day and have no problems with that and actually I'm in better shape then I've been in 25 years. In addition to the joint pain, I do seem to be more tired than I should be. My wife's on 20mg and has been experiencing slight balance problems, a writer's cramp sort of thing, as well as being tired. Since this is all relatively new to me it'll be a topic when I visit my doctor in a few weeks. Thank you all for your posts. I've learned alot today.

my doctor just put me on lipitor two weeks ago i have been hurting all over my legs are killing me cant sleep they ache all night cant hardly walk if i stand very long and i too have trouble lifting my arms up it hurts to my fingertips dont know if this is a side effect of it or not but i also am having swelling in my lymph nodes below my armpits does anyone have this problem im going to stop takin this drug as of now and see how it goes i cant take this pain anymore and function

After taking lipitor 6 weeks, both of my upper arms down to my elbows began to ache 27/7. Some leg and back muscle pain also. My VA doctor took me off lipitor 8 weeks ago. The pain continues. I just started taking 3000 mg Vit. C daily to hopefully lower or eliminate muscle pains. Any one know of a cure for this awful muscle pain? My VA doctor doesn't have a clue what to do for it. ths.

I have been on Lipitor 7 years plus and lately my arm muscles ache so bad I thought it was artritis or something. Took all kind of OTC meds and rubs. heat and ice wraps and to no avail did this help. I finally called the doctor and they told me to come off the lipitor for about 2 weeks and call then back with my symptons. It has only been 1 day now but found this site and want to know could the muuscle ache been from Lipitor? I mean I have been on it for so long now you would think my body would be use to it. I can't even hold my arm up over my head and it hurts so bad.

muscle weakness and ache all over

I went on Lipitor several years ago. After awhile I had a lot of muscular pain so I told my doctor I was going to cut the medication to every other night. That seemed to help for awhile, but I also started taking 500 mg Niacin (to raise good cholesterol level) about 8 months ago. In the last few months, I have gotten to the point where I can hardly get up from a sitting position and my legs ache and hurt all the time. In addition to this, my skin has discolored and has what looks like a rash under the outer skin. It looks horrible and has come on so fast. This is on my legs. My doctor said last week that my pulse was weak in my feet and legs so he told me to stop taking the Niacin and Lipitor for now. I hope this will help. I have always been a very active person, and I feel like Lipitor is surely to blame when you start having all kinds of muscle problems where there have been none before taking it.

I've been on Lipitor for two weeks and have developed pain in my joints, aching muscles, barely able to walk from the pain in my feet and ankles. I have been awakened the last two nights with pain in my chest, pain in my left shoulder and aching in my left arm. These symptoms were not present prior to taking Lipitor. My fingers have begun to ache and I have developed swollen joints in my hands. Since I began taking Lipitor I have been chilled and feel very cold -- something highly unusual for me since I have always felt very warm, even in cold weather.

My husband recently began taking this drug after heart surgery and complains of severe pain in his legs. Initially, I thought these symptoms were due to surgery -- not so sure. Is there a proven effective alternative, that is safe?

I've been on Lipitor for two weeks and have developed pain in my joints, aching muscles, barely able to walk from the pain in my feet and ankles. I have been awakened the last two nights with pain in my chest, pain in my left shoulder and aching in my left arm. These symptoms were not present prior to taking Lipitor. My fingers have begun to ache and I have developed swollen joints in my hands. Since I began taking Lipitor I have been chilled and feel very cold -- something highly unusual for me since I haved always felt very warm, even in cold weather.

My husband recently began taking this drug after heart surgery and complains of severe pain in his legs. Initially, I thought these symptoms were due to surgery -- not so sure. Is there a proven effective alternative, that is safe?

After taking Lipitor for about a year I nticed that the soles of both feet were slightly numb. Have now been taking Lipitor for about ten years and the numbness has increased including the whole foot. Could this be due to the Lipitor? It makes walking with assurance very difficult. Have also noticed that my legs ache and I have increased ringing in my ears.
Would appreciate your observations.
Peg ***, Shoal Bay, N.S.W.

Continous aches and pains in shoulder and knee joints, both sides. Shoulders ache while sleeping, and during physical activity. Taking 10 mg for about a year now.

i take many drugs Lipitor is one , my legs, ankles, neck and sholders ache so bad that even Lorcet 10/650 does not help I don't know what to do. if anyone can help please let me know

I began Lipitor shortly after a mild heart attack 20 months ago. Initially the ere were no side effects and I resumed normal physical activity gradually. After 8 months, I was able to get back to running 8 - 10 kms. per day. HOWEVER, about 5 months ago, I began experienceing tingling in my feet and lower limbs, primarily on the right side. Cholesterol levels were acceptable but bounced around a bit. I also found that I couldn't run as far or as fast - in fact, had to cut the distance down to less than half. The tingling has increased and runs from hip to toes. The toes are becoming increasingly numb. I have also developed a debilitating ache in my right gluteous. It's so painful that sleeping only on my back decreases the discomfort. Any other position is impossible. Sitting is painful and exacerbates the pain. It takes nearly an hour each morning before I am able to move about with bearable pain. The doctor had increased my dosage to 40 mg three weeks ago just prior to the increase in the intensity of these symptoms. I've taken myself off this drug because my quality of life has suffered dramatically. My fear is that these symptoms may not disappear but may be permanent.

I am 48 years old and have been on 10mg of Lipitor for over a year. I have had bloating, constipation and occasional muscle cramps. I can't say for sure that this was all caused by Lipitor, but after reading so many posts here, it got me thinking about it. Recently I began experiencing bleeding gums, which I've never had before. Has anyone else had problems with their gums since they began Lipitor? I plan to stop taking it and begin exercising more regularly. Also I'm getting off red meat and eating more fish and chicken and fresh veggies. Perhaps my cholestoral will lower without the aid of drugs. Any thoughts?

Rob

I am a 47 year old man. A year and a few months ago I was put on 10 mg a day of Lipitor. After about a month my feet began to hurt and burn, then my legs felt week. Now my hands feel strange, (week, and kind of crampy). I drop things, my hand writing is terrible, I have a hard time typing etc. My ankles, knees, hips, back, elbows, wrists, and knuckles ache. The pain and burn, tingling, and numbness in my feet is constant. I have had problems with memory loss and loss of concentration. I have days that I am so week it is hard to go up stairs, roll over in bed or just get out of a chair. I feel like I am over 100 years old at times. I feel like I have been poisoned! About 2 months ago I asked my DR. if it could be the Lipitor and he said " no, I doubt it, quit taking it for a week and see if you feel better" and ordered a blood test, which came back normal. I quit for 2 weeks with no change and started taking it again. I dont think he understood how bad I was feeling & was not much help! I am feeling much worse and changed my Dr. I have had an MRI to check for MS, which came back normal and now have an appt with a neurologist. I have just found this website and I am on my 3rd day of no Lipitor. The last 2 months I have been afraid that I am dying of some horrible disease! I hope this is my problem and I start feeling better soon!!!! If Lipitor is the cause of my problems, it has taken a year of my life away from me!!

I am 45 and started taking Lipitor in December 2004. Iy lowered dramtically the cholesterol count from 225 to 130. After my first 3 month supply ended (with no side effects), I got another order but since I am an avid golfer, came up with horrible tendonitis near my left elbow (i.e. tennis elbow) while diligently practicing for a tournament in June 2005. The pain was so bad, I could not wash my hair after the golf round. I have never had an ache like this in my entire life. It then went into my right elbow. I halved my dose from 20 mg to 10 mg by taking every other day. After reading the posts here, I will now go cold turkey and see if the pain goes away. I have another golf tournament in 2 weeks which I will start practicing for again. It will be very interesting to see if this flares up again. I still have mild pain in both elbows right now. How can we get this information to the FDA? It is too important.

I have been on Lipitor for 4 months now. I am 43 years old. The last 2 weeks , my legs feel like they have weights on them. My knees ache and it's hard to walk and not feel my knees creek. I went to my doctor and took some blood tests. The doctor is 99% sure the Lipitor is giving me these side affects. Sometimes it could give you side affects right away and sometimes it takes some time to develpe them. I am off it now for 3 days and we will see how that works........

I am 43 yrs old and a Diabetic, and have been for 20 years. I have taken Lipitor now for about 2 yrs. Reading some of these entries on this site tells me I have been suffering from these side effects as well. My muscles ache in my legs and calfs, when showering and washing my hair, my arms tire very easy. I am also very moody. Both of my elbow joint hurt me. I have tingling in my hands and feet. I will see my doctor ASAP and quit taking Lipitor.

I was on Lipitor for about 5 weeks, had muscle pain and weakness....now my muscles ache and hurt all over, am weak in the arms and legs, having trouble walking and holding my coffee cup......I stopped it cold turkey, and will not take it again!!

Tonight, I could not get warm and I took my temperature and I had a 99+ temp. I have had a bad headache, I ache in my neck, back and leg and I feel like I am going to jump out my skin. I also feel so depressed and I have lost my personality and I look at people with distain. The doctor wanted to put me on 40 mg. of Lipitor and I didn't want to do that as I had taken Pravachol before (40 mg) and I had been unable to see the t.v. as it was blurry, plus I was seeing white spots with glowing fire on the outside. I immediately stoped taking them. I just think there has to be a better way to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. If anyone has the same symptons, then I know that I am not crazy.

I am 61. Had a stroke in 1993, and have been taking Lipitor (20) daily since. I did not initially have severe side effects, but did have some of the symptoms shown in these posts -- mostly dizziness and fatigue. I thought it was relative to the stroke. In the 12 months, I have had more symptoms. Tingling feet and hands. My feet feel "cold" all the time, warmth doesn't help. I have a chronic ache in my right, low back that gets worse when I work. My dizziness is more intense, and I think I'm losing strength in my hands. I have ringing / buzzing in my left ear. My skin is very sensitive, and I have bouts of severe itchiness. All of this information was given to my doctor, but he did not advise to stop taking Lipitor. I don't like taking drugs, but my concern is the side effects of not taking Lipitor, except the obvious one of controlling my cholesterol levels. Beyond that, are there any serious problem just stopping this drug?

I am 42 yr old, high cholesterol due to diabetes. I began with 10mg lipitor and noticed pain in upper right arm. Later developed aches in neck. Three months ago, increased to 20mg and now ache in neck is nauseating (never got sick) and pain in upper left arm began. The pain had me in tears last night. I also have been experiencing leg pain.

iI am a 52 year old man. I had another heartattack jan 27 2004. Went to the hospital the doctor put me on Lipitor. My hair was always dark brown, it thinning out and turning grayer.I ache all over like I have the flu. I took lipitor at the and got it filled 2-2-04. I have been taking it since. I stay dizzy,tired, short winded. Icaught up blood for four days after i got home from the hospital. Idon't want to be around nobody. The least little thing piss me. I'm hurting more on my lower right side. I can't sleep. I just stay tired. Today is 2-13-04. I have never felt this bad before. The doctor prescribed me Lipitor 80mg with 5 refills. I feel worser now than before I went to the hospital. The doctor need to check into the synthoms of the medicine. I have dull headaches and my eyes get blurry. I am not taking LIpitor no more.