Lipitor and crutches

I started using lipitor from my doctor, it lowered my cholesterol all around but I started to have lower back pains. At first I thought it might be prostate cancer, but after having to MRI's done they found no cancer, thank god. But I went to an orthopedic surgeon to see what the problem was. He looked at the mri's and saw lower dics hitting my nerve endings. He also thought that it might be muscle problems so he gave me 3 epidurals and that helped for a while took away about 50% of my pain, but I still have the pain, It is hard for me to get comfortable when I sit or even when I am sleeping. I don't want to think that it is the lipitor that is doing it to me but after talking with others I feel it is time to talk to my doctor about it. My doctor said that lipitor is the safest one that will do very little harm to my liver. I am not a doctor so I would not know.. My cholesterol level was 246 at one time now it is 175. I am now facing possible spine fusion to help correct my disc problem. But will also ask doctor to prescribe something else.

Alan

I am sitting hear reading these replays and crying because I am suffering the same symptoms. I have been on lipitor for over 5 years and have had repeated bouts of leg pains, head fogginess, dizziness, pain in thigh, hip, and back. I recently started having pains so bad i could not walk. The really sad part is that I am a nurse and should have known it was the lipitor. I had x-rays, ct scans, etc all negative. And today a light finally went off when I said maybe its a side effect from lipitor. And sure enough, looking at the stories here validates my late conclusion. I did not take dosage of lipitor today and will try some more natural remedies. I have scheduled to see my doctor on Wednesday to discuss this issue. Unfortunately I can barely walk without the usages of crutches. Sitting can be just horrible, i wake up in middle of night tossing and turning trying to find a position that the pain will stop in. I cry like a baby at times because of pain and maybe a little depression. This is horrible. Lipitor is an awesome drug in lowering your cholesterol but the side effects are just unbearable. I will continue to update.

I am now 66 and was on Lipitor for about 10 years and was gradually getting worse, right to the point that my doctor gave me a Hand-I-Cap sticker for my car. I had hip and leg pain so severe I couldn’t function. Not once did my doctor mention Lipitor as a cause but he did have me go through a battery of tests including and MRA to examine circulation, low and behold he told me I had a blockage in my groin and that poor circulation was causing the pain. You guessed it, and arteriogram showed no blockage.

By chance I had watched a person who was only in his 40’s go from a robust person to finally having to use crutches just to get around. Then about a year later I saw him again and he was his old self again. I asked if he had surgery or what he did to recover so quickly and that is when I found out about all of the damage satin drugs can/will do.

I immediately took myself off of Lipitor and now 6 months later I can walk short distances without sever pain. Someday I hope the effect of satin drugs wears off but at my age I will never get back all of the things I missed because of drug companies greed.

after using Lipitor for 5 years,after my doctor ignoring my muscle pain complaints for over a year one night my neck muscles started to convulse
like a dog coming out of a lake
this immediately led to a severe bout of vertigo,could not move my head with out fainting for 3 to five hours
doctor diagnosed it as rheumatoid arthritis what a joke
the next day i could not get out of bed, my leg and arm muscles failed me
after about a week in bed i was able to get around on crutches and after 10 days could get around but in pain
doctors treated me like a leper of old,HIGH BLOOD TURBIDITY LEVELS
no one would commit to a diagnosis publically EVEN AFTER MEDICARE INQUIRED
they spent 50 k trying to prove it was not lipitor,THEY FAILED
after 3 months of memory loss,hallucinations weakness in all muscles
there was small improvement,NOT SO MUCH DEPRESSION,NOT DEAD TIRED ALL THE TIME,STILL NEEDED EXCESSIVE SLEEP TIME
thank god that some doctors i know came down with it so i was able to find out what it was LIPITOR
NOW A YEAR AND A HALF LATER I AM RECOVERING
MAY PHIZER ROT IN HELL, ONLY CURE IS TO GET OFF THE POISON
AND HOLD OFF ON EXERCISE UNTIL YOUR BODY DEMANDS IT

Cure for side effects? CoQ 10 helped me it could help you to. I don't think the private mail on this site works. You can contact me: seekers999@hotmaildotcom if you're a real person you know what to do with the"dot"... "." But nobody needs me, do the research yourself! checkout coq-10 and how lipitor and other statin drugs deplete your body of it causing muscle atrophy. (see my previous post for link)
I don't recommend websites or charge (even though I'm on social security disability w/kids and financially challanged ;-) I;m just trying to help people get better by pointing them in the right direction.

I was crippled up on crutches! Worst pain in my life! Couldn't even get to the bathroom 15' away WITH THE CRUTCHES!! If felt like muscle was tearing with each step, within a week the pain was gone!! The mental fog was gone also and I quit taking the Prozac, but this might have been also due to the Acetyl-L Carnititne.(500mg 3X a day)

I just know that stopping the lipitor didn't stop the pain and confusion!

God Bless all as they try and work their way through these terrible side effects! Remember I had to increase the coq 10 to 900mg a day before I saw benefits on the 3rd day.... There is hope! I hope it works for you!

I was on Lipitor for over 4 years but had my dose increased about 7-8 months ago. During that time:

1. Loss of energy (sometimes severe)
2. Muscle cramps at night in thigh
3. Pains & numbness in feet
4. A kinda of fog in my mind at times, hard to think
5. swelling in both feet
6. Easily injured in feet and knees, and slow to heal. the smaller muscles in the legs and feet

I finally realized it was the Lipitor and stopped immediately but the symptoms DON'T! What I found out is that Lipitor depletes the body of
Coenzyme Q10 (Coq-10) an important part of our bodies heart and muscle health. I was crippled unable to walk for over 2 weeks! On crutches, it felt like I was tearing and ripping muscle with every step, in my feet. I was taking 300 mg of Coq-10 a day. I found a web site that stated to take 900 mg, after 3 days I could tell a small amount of differance. 3 days later I was off the crutches. I was also taking 500mg 3X a day of
Acetyl-L Carnitine but it is the Coq-10 for sure! With in a week, ALL SYMPTOMS WERE GONE!!
Unfortunately if you stop taking the coq-10 they come back, I found out the hard way. Apparently your muscles have become extremely weak and need to build back up. You need to take the Coq-10 until that is complete and I hope you can stop after that. You can get Coq-10 at supermarkets, heathfood stores etc... BUT it's much cheaper on-line. feel free to email me for more information or questions.

I can't believe what I'm reading, I too have been on Lipitor for four years now and in June of this year my right leg began bothering me, feeling crampy, foot felt like it was asleep, ached every minute, hurt to move my leg during sleep time. Continued to get worse everyday. Went to doctor, thought to be a strained muscle. But this was only in the calf of my leg, not my whole leg. All this time continuing to take my lipitor. Then this month, it became the worst, I got up one morning and couldn't put my foot on the floor, couldn't put any pressure on that foot at all, the pain was unbearable. Went to emergency and the doctor there advised me to get off of the lipitor. I've been off it for three days now and today I can actually put my foot on the floor, I do have to use a cane to walk but it feels ten times better. This has caused me to lose time at work plus ruined a week of vacation for me. This drug should be outlawed! Everyone beware of the side effects, it took me four years to see any but now I'm paying the price.

I am 53 years old and have been on 10 mg of Lipitor for at least 5 years. For the past 3 years I have been experiencing tight muscles in my back and muscle spasms on my right side. I have had the following tests done - all of which came back negative: CT scan, Ultrasound, MRI, gall bladder scan, kidney scan, pelvic exam, even had a colonoscopy (that sucked), and went for physical therapy which the therapist said I had weakness on my right side. The doctor never even suggested to stop taking Lipitor but after reading these posts, I'm stopping myself.

I have been taking Lipitor for about 5 years now and have had numerous things happen to me. Just trying to find out if they relate to the Lipitor or not. Have developed extreme fatigue and depression over the years. Always seems like I am in a fog. Have tried numerous anti-depressants trying to conquer this. Nothing seems to work and the problems continue. I was thinking that I just have to live with it and then I thought about the Lipitor. Has anybody experienced any of these symptoms too? I am on 20mg.

Burning & painful Heels also muscles and joints in both feet very painful. I have been on 20mg of Lipitor for 3 yrs

38-yo Male. Been taking Lipitor for about two years now for high cholesterol, otherwise healthy. Experiencing occasional cramping/muscle spasms in left forearm that sometimes cause my hand to form a fist. Slight tremor in both hands. Also experiencing lower back ache (again left side mostly) that is most apparent when getting out of bed in the morning. Blurry vision. Tests performed last year by a neurologist for the arm/hand cramping came back negative. This site is truly a valuable resource, as I am stopping Lipitor TODAY. Will follow up in a few months (or sooner if symptoms change).

I thought I was going crazy. I am 49 year old female. I just finsihed Chemo and radition in April, 2004. I thought my aches and pains were the result of this treatment. My oncology doctor states it was not related. I started taking Libitor 10 mg in October2003. Since that time I have been feeing tired ( hard to do house work without stopping to rest) Also, especially in the morning, I dread getting out of bed because the bottom of my feet appeares to be swollen and my legs and body aches. I have a double whammy regarding memory loss ( from chemo and lipitor combined) I will be talking with my doctor on Monday. This is serious.
thanks for the web site. This pain goes on daily . When I sit for long periods of times, b ody stiffiens up.

There's got to be a better way.

I don't take Lipitor but I do take Pravacol and Zetia together. They are statin drugs. I take 20mg. of Pravacol and 10mgs. of Zetia. I am so glad I was sent this info from other people. I just know that since taking these drugs that I have experiened extreme pain and stiffness in both shoulders. Went to orthopedic dr. and was told I had forzen shoulders. Since reading all of the complaints from other people, I am inclined to believe that it is coming from these drugs. I can't sleep at nite due to the pain and soreness. Been thru physical therapy and cortizone shot with no relief. I am 50 yrs old and feel like 80 sometimes. I was always very active and I just don't want to do anything anymore. I just make myself do it. Thank you all for this info. I hope I can reverse this whole ordeal. Debbie ***

YES YES AND YES, I HAVE A BUNCH OF THESE SYMPTOMS. RATHER THAN ADDING YET ANOTHER SAGA AND PILLIORING THE DRUG AND ITS EFFECTS ON ME
HEREIN ARE A FEW THOUGHTS

1. There seem to be several groups of "Lipitor Sufferers" (LS) People who have taken it for Short Term versus and Long Term Takers.

2. One group of people appear to have reversals of symptoms or similar following ceasation of the drug taking, whilst another group seem to appear stuck with the symptoms.

3. NO-ONE SEEMS TO BE OFFERING A TREATMENT FOR ACHIEVING A REVERSAL OF THE EFFECTS OF THE LIPITOR.
Several People Are Asking.

4. this space is vacant because there seems far too many questions to add in to this debate.

I ask if I am to stop taking this drug, what is the best way in which to cease? And what is the manner or modality of action of this drug in order to take the optimum supplemennt or the like to try to achieve the best I can NOW.

So in a nutshell... WHat can I/we do to help ourselves Now?

Has anyone gotten relief from lipitor side effects after having discontinued this drug?

I have been on zocor, mevacor, and lipitor for five years or so. After I complained to my new doctor that I was experiencing killer fatigue, calf pains, muscle loss, and tinnitus, among other things, he put me on zetia and coreg and CQ-10. My status has improved much, and I am now laying off the zetia and coreg for a couple of weeks.
I am most disturbed by accounts from individuals who have quit lipitor but have gotten no relief from the symptoms most commonly attributed to lipitor.

I wasprescibed Lipitor and took it for four days and got the usual leg pains and disorientation that many of you talk about.
From that point on my life has descended into hell. I had a month of daily migraines(which I had not previously suffered from). I have severe pain in my shoulders, arms, chest and back and sometimes feel as though my skin is on fire. I am 55 and feel 85 to 90. I can no longer pick things up that weigh more than 5 pounds, cannot walk more than a couple of blocks ( it feels as though my rib cage does not expand) and can only drive about a mile before the dizziness and muscle spasms start. The depression and tears at what feels like a never ending condition is sometimes more than I can bear. It is now 11 months since I am off Lipitor and I have yet to see any improvement. I don't know what is worse the pain or the complacency of the medical community and their disbelief of our suffering. At least this site tells me that I am not nuts but I am sorry that so many of us are suffering.

I am a 49 yr old physically fit female who began taking Lipitor around 2 yr ago. I began having leg pain/cramps and went off of them for two weeks or so. I have to admit I felt much better. I went back on them for fear of having heart problems with high cholesterol. Two weeks ago I started having severe pain in my left leg/hip area running all the way down like muscle strains. I can literally push on the muscle and it is so sore like someone has beat me. I can't lay on my left side anymore when sleeping. I think I am going to go off of it again and if the pain subsides, find other ways to lower the cholesterol. I am worried that this has caused some type of muscle degeneration. I am also experiencing numbness in my right hand more than ever. I am scared...

I have been on Lipitor for some time, but only recently realized that it might be causing my severe calf-muscle cramp.

A few weeks ago I went to hospital, as I had continuous high-level pain in my left calf and couldn't walk. They thought it might be DVT after flying.

Although one of the two blood tests came back positive for DVT, the ultrascan revealed nothing.

Since then I have experienced moderate pain (especially when first getting out of bed in the morning) in BOTH calves and the right one has had a large area of bruising.

It doesn't seem to be getting any better and I am going to STOP Lipitor and see my doctor.

I am rather worried, reading the experiences of others, that Lipitor may have caused permanent damage, from which I will never recover.

Colin *** (70)
United Kingdom

Extreme swallowing/choking problem and extreme fatigue.I've been taking Lipitor since it came out and have been on 20 mg per day all this time.One time several years ago when I had a cough my throat completely locked up and I couldn't breathe for what seemed forever...VERY SCARY! It was never diagnosed.I recently had my Lipitor raised to 40 mg and immediately not my swallowing ability degrading.I had every test is the world and nothing was found.I just got off the drug and few days ago and hope to improve.Also I have experienced EXTREME FATIGUE ! If anyone has experienced similar symptoms please send me an email.

Well, this site explains alot. I took 10mg of lipitor and complained to my doctor of:chest pain, dizziness, alot of gas, and so much leg ache I cant sleep. My dam health care provider wont pay for the alternative drug either. Aghh!

PLEASE HELP FIND AN ANTIDOTE TO REVERSE THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY LIPITOR. IT CAUSED MY MOTHER MOTOR NEUROPATHY, THEREFORE SHE IS ON A RESPIRATOR & NOW IN A COMA.
THERE MUST BE SOMEONE OUT THERE OR THE PHARMACY COMPANY WHO MANUFACTURERS LIPITOR TO REVERSE THIS TERRIBLE SIDE EFFECT.
HELP BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
******

I am 63 and taking 10 mg of Monopril for mild high blood pressure / under complete control. Just put on Lipitor 20 two weeks ago and for two night straight I had muscle cramps. Hamstrings (both legs), and upper legs the next night. Cramps lasted about 5 minutes. No other noted side effects. The fact that both legs were involved tends to indicated it was not just a fluke... Watching very carefully.

I'm really glad I found this board. It reassures me I'm not nuts. I'm a 53 yr old woman. I'm overweight and underactive. I'm on 10 mg Lipitor and just started 2 days ago. I also take Toprol to reduce my blood pressure which is now at 120/80. I started the Toprol last week. The Toprol puts me in a daze during the day. I take the Lipitor at night. This morning I woke up groggy. I felt light-headed and spacey. Funny taste in mouth. Tongue kind of burns. Some pressure in ears. My feet were freezing and the left foot tingly. It took hours for my feet to warm up and feel normal. Sometimes my scalp feels tingly too. I went to my doctor because I was feeling light-headed and had other symptoms. So I'm going through a series of tests: stress test, brain MRI etc. Most of my labs came back great. Here's my plan: if there are no other problems with my heart or brain I plan to move my diet toward vegetarianism. I've already started doing that. I also found a gym that I hope to join. After 6 months of a good diet and exercise I'll ask my Dr. if I can come off the Lipitor for a certain number of months. We can do a cholesterol test and see where I'm at. Staying on any statin long term doesn't sound safe at all. Thanks!

I am a 42 year old male. I have been on Lipitor 10mg for 5 weeks now. My cholesteral level is 257 and heart disease runs in the family. So after trying to diet properly I still have not been able to bring it down. I had surgery for a herniated disc July of 2003. I put on about 15-20 pounds. I am a marathoner and I run 5-6 miles 5 times a week. This was not a problem for me. Now I have noticed that I am tired all the time. I have started taking Siberian Root and Ginseng as well to try and bring my energy level back up. I have noticed a pain in the left foot along the inside of my ankle. I have been attributing this to the way I run. The herniated disc caused nerve damage and numbness in the left foot. I have also noticed a pain in the arch of my right foot. After reading several of the postings on this site I am beginning to wonder if these things are now side effects of the Lipitor.

I have taken Lipitol 30 for about 12 months, I have sore feet, sore intermited left ankle, sore calf musles, sore when i wake up in the morning seem to be throbing. sore lower back, sore shoulders my strength seems to be disapearing cant lift myself up anymore on the bar my hair has gone very gray. ringing in the ears, i also seem to be losing my eye sight.
Iam 59 years old and have stopt taking lipitor about 4 months ago but no inprovement

muscle cramps, feet and ankles; low and middle back pain; dry eyes.

husband notices mildly spicy foods now burn lips and tongue; before Lipitor not bothered with this symptom.

I am a 32 year old male who has been on Lipitor for about four years. High cholesterol runs in the family, and recently went up to 40mg. I think this was a big mistake.

I have experienced some nasty side effects including chest pain, upset stomach, and horrible muscle cramps and tingling. My feet are always cold and have a tingling sensation in them. I did have some mild muscle cramping before upping the dose, but it defintely became worse. I have stopped taking any more lipitor for a week, but the symptoms remain. I also do get dizzy at times, and have trouble sleeping.

I have now stopped taking the drug for a week now, but the symptoms remain. I would appreciate if anyone could let me know if they have stopped, how long, if any, did the symptoms start to go away. I am worried that it has been a week, and I still have the foot tingling sensation and the muscle cramps in the legs. I hope this goes away.

For some good news, for people that have exprienced some chest pain or discomfort, I did find that taking a gas inhibitor did provide some relief. The chest pain is caused I believe by the stomach, like a heartburn. This did provide some relief, though I have not found anything that helped the muscle cramps and coldness.

I am off to the doctor and I hope to hear something that will make me better. My wife thinks I am crazy and thinks it will go away now that I have stopped. I hope she is right, because it is really starting to wear on me mentally.

I have never posted or complained about Lipitor before. I am not an angry patient, or someone who has a grudge to bare. I just want to feel normal again, and not feel so crazy and bad all the time. I am took young to feel this way.

Thank you for reading my story.

I have been taking 20 mg of Lipitor daily for 60 days. After about 35 days, muscle in right upper arm at shoulder became sore, making it difficult to raise elbow out and up horizontally at right angles to shoulder. Bicep not affected. Because I had been working on computer more than normal, I thought it might be from holding right arm up and out on "mouse" - perhaps "mouse shoulder" like "tennis elbow" or typewriter wrist.

But now same muscle in left shoulder is sore, and I can no longer move my arms above my head without pain. Both shoulders hurt when put hands on steering wheel of auto in 10-2 position.

Also pain in hips and knees - thought this was from taking longer walks now that weather is warmer.

When I sleep on either side, I wake up after an hour with shoulder hurting - 6-8 times per night. Much harder to get out of bed in morning. Seem to tire more often.

Stopped taking Lipitol today after reading of side effects. What is experience about loss of pain after quiting this medication?

72 year old male.

I started on 10mg of Lipitor a week ago. I have excellent cholesterol levels (total = 184; HDL = 77; LDL = 91), but because I am a diabetic (I have been for 35 years), my physician suggested that I begin taking the drug.
I feel like I am hooked up to a diazepam IV!!! I am totally zoned out and have very little energy...and I don't really care if I get any of my work done or (not good!) The other thing that is driving me crazy is that I am cold all the time. As I am typing this, it is 70 in the room and I have on a turtle neck sweater, two sweat shirts (one with a hood that is up), a pair of lined jeans, two pairs of socks, and down slippers...and I am STILL cold. Has anyone experienced this side effect? I don't think that this drug is for me...

pain in arm and shoulder. Does it go away and how long does it take?? Was on Lipitor for approx 3 years, no side effects then. Was off Lipitor for 2 months and started in again. This time terrible pain in shoulder and arm.

My mind was in a fog. I could not concentrate. Fortunately the fog lifted 2-3 weeks after stopping the drug. However now 3 months later I have extreme fatigue and modest muslce pain. I was a marathoner and triathlete, now I am exhusted after a trip to Home Depot.

I had 2 stints put in Mar2000. Arterial blockage 90%. Took Lipitor for 2 months.
Felt worse than before heart attack. Discontinued Lipitor. Feb. 2004 still no
improvements. Muscle pain, weakness, spasms, buzzing in right leg. Cant hold
arms or head up in vertical postion for 2 minutes without extreme pain and
weakness. Sitting or standing for 10 minutes is not possible due to back pain.
Have to keep moving until exhausted and then sleep. Use good diet and all the
exercise I can tolerate.I do NOT take any pain meds except aspirin or tylenol.
This is crazy. I walked home from the hospital after the stints and went
downhill after taking Lipitor. Any advice will be appreciated. thank You
On: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 13:32:40 -0500
I forget to add that Im 50/ male, took Lipitor at 46. I realize some symptoms can be caused by aging??LOL and try to discern the cause before I complain.

39 year old male on Lipitor for four weeks and have experienced over the last week excruciating, stabbing back pain between the shoulder blades that subsides during the day but returns at night. Also increasing overall fatigue and general muscle weakness and stiffness in morning. Taking myself off it immediately, particularly after reading the other posts.

I am 57 year old female. 5 years ago my doctor put me on LIPITOR. From that time I had a burning sensation in my right foot below the big toe on the ball. I was also getting crampsin my calf muscles. It took me a year and a half to realize that it could be due to LIPITOR. So I stopped and started back twice to see what happens. Everytime I stopped the burning sensation stopped but that spot continued to be sore. Then I stopped it for good. But, unfortunately LIPITOR has done some permanant damage to my foot as I still live with swelling and pain. Doctor still will not accept that it is due to LIPITOR but I know for sure that is the culprit. They need to do more study on these statin drugs before they make the patients guiney- pigs ! !

I'm a 59 year old female with all kinds of medical problems, including those which would cause me to take lipitor. They've also now put me on a cholesterol blocking agent. I have the leg, joint and back pains. Recently, however, I've begun to do some alarming things, such as forgetting to pay at the checkout counter,not being able to focu, forgetting where I'm going and why I'm going to a place. I feel like I'm in some sort of stupor. At first I thought it was low blood suger. Lately, however, it happened and my blood sugar was normal. I, too have sores in my mouth and under my tongue.

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.

I am 28 year old female with diabetes. My doc put me on lipitor as a preventive for my heart, as well as I do have slightly high cholestorol. Within a week of srating the med I developed body aches like the worst flu you could imagine. Th pain then became intense in my right arm, but the triage nurse at my dr's told me it was the flu and would last a few days, but I couldn't handle it and went to the ER, where they said it must be a virus (fever of 102) and sent me home. The majority of the aches went away, but my right arm remained a throbbing pain. I then developed a bronchial virus, and the pain let up afor a few weeks, then all over, joints and muscles. Somedays I would cry all day- no narcotics seem to help enough to make it worth takeing them. Finally, a month after starting the lipitor, my doc took me off, "just in case" it was that. well, the first 2 days were better, then all the weakness, fatigue, and aches came back. I could barely climb a set of stairs, I'd be out of breath and my muscles would cramp like I'd run 5 miles. I could no longer sleep at night, 2-3 hours max...finally was admitted to the hospital where a zillion tests were done and nothing found to give a diagnosis, though mitochondrial myopathy was mentioned, as well as mitochondrial encephalytus. I can barely handle a day of a few errands, and have been out of work for months. Sometimes I think my brain is fried, cuz I can't remember the simplest things, or I forget where I am or where I'm going. Thank God I have wonderful friends to support me, and Jesus Christ to lead me through. I pray that it goes away soon, as the neuroloist says it may, otherwise I think I'll have to be put on disability. I've also put on about 30 lbs due to the exhaustion I guess, so much for those pilates!

Extremely debilitating muscle aches and cramps - legs and now going into arms. I have a partially (66%) blocked Corotoid Artery in Neck so I am concerned that going off these drugs will impact on this. Any suggestions?
******

fri, 3 nov 2003 11 :52 tracy johnson #47 I used zocor in the 90. I had pain in my left sholder and under my shoulder blade was the worst. and my left foot behind my toes the musels have desolved it feels that I am walking on bones .my toes are spreading apart.

I started on 10mg. Lipitor two months ago. My cholesterol is way down, which is great. However, noticeable side effects are bothering me. Hair thinning and loss have been evident for the last month. Also feel distracted, agitated and impatient - feel as if I'm not myself or somehow outside myself. Woke up a few days ago and the room was spinning, like it does when one has had too much to drink. Couldn't get the dizziness to go away for several hours, even after getting up and slowly walking around and then forcing myself to go back to sleep. Very scary and I am worried it will happen again without warning. Bloated, heavy, flabby feeling, especially around my middle, although no actual weight gain. Any recommendations to counteract these side effects? Should I get off this statin?

My husband has taken lipitor for about 4 years. On Aug. 9, 2003 he had an allergic reaction to something. The doctor gave him steroids and it when away that same day--lips swelled, speech gargled, splotches under the arms and around his middle. After going off the steroids his lower lip swelled again but went down a short while later. Then, he had a second allergic reaction and he went to the emergency room and again was perscribed steroids and a medication to hopefully control any future allergic reactions. Within a few weeks he began having muscle pain in his upper left leg which was bad enough that he lost sleep and he took himself off both lipitor and the other medication. It has only been a week but he believes that the leg pain is less.

I have been on this for 10 days. I feel like I am in a fog. Thoughts are hard to put together. I am tired but can't sleep.
Sick to my stomach and over all just feel bad.

My dad is curnrently experiencing severe pain in various parts of his body, mainly legs and hands. Hands are swelling also. It is causing him to lessen his activity and he had been in good physical condition before Lipitor. He is very concerned and stopped taking Lipitor 3 weeks ago, but still has muscle pains.

my husband began taking lipitor about 6 mos ago and and has experienced a dramatic change in his temprement it is even scary too me we have been married a long time and I can notice it . he doesnt , it seems to affect him like I believe what the kids call "speed " our life together has suffered because of this I have heard of other people that these drugs has affected please help me im at my wits end ,as i have said he cannot see the drastic change and insists I want him to die with high cholosterol ,please do not e-mail me back as it would cause a big uproar If you could just find some more research on this subject I would be eternaly grateful i will read it on this web site thank you

I've been on Lipitor for 4 yrs, 1st on 20mg daily. Cholesterol was lowered but gradual muscle discomfort in thighs. This sympton ignored by doctor. I lowered dose to 20mg every other day, had blood test, then told doc I lowered dose myself.He couldnt argue with the results, which were good. He suggested 10mg daily. Leg cramps intensified after mild exercise. 2 months ago I had a severe attack of cramps in legs and shoulders, appearance of arthritis in hands with some swelling. Difficulty in sitting or getting out of a chair or car. Painful to walk. Felt as is muscles were being stretched taught from bones. I discontinued Lipitor. Some relief noticed in 24 hrs. I have been taking 500mg of naproxin twice daily to get some relief.

Dose 20mg/day. Been taking for 1 yr. Severe Muscle pain around neck area and joint. Headache, dizziness. Some memory loss. Feel a bit better with excersise, but still have muscle pain. Also some hair loss. Cholesterol level did drop from 298 to 175.

I have been taking Lipitor for several years. All of a sudden I am experiencing knee/leg pain and neck pain. My friend told me her husband had such leg cramps and could hardley walk, just like I am experiencing. She mentioned that he quit taking Lipitor and this righted itself within a couple of weeks. Anyone else have an experience such as this? I plan on stopping Lipitor tomorrow. At this point, I can barely walk and my leg and knee or so stiff and sore.

severe intermittent pain right heel, relieved only by walking - began after only 6 days of use
red,itchy eyes - this increased with Lipitor
constipation, increasing daily

exhaustion, can't breathe (panic attack) had not been taking meds for about 1 week, took 1 pill, about 20 minutes later could not breathe, felt like I couldn't catch my breath. very scary! when I take lipitor I am exhausted by about 3:00pm every day, when I don't take it I have all the energy in the world. any connection?