Lipitor and muscle cramps

CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE COMPLAINT FILED. I copped the worse of everything and almost croaked with statins. 20 months since stopping the poison, I'm still not right but vastly improved. Medsafe in New Zealand twice posted to prescribes ".. . . warn the patient of muscle pain and if muscle pain or weakness occurs cease the medicine immediately ... "they also warned prescribes "20% of adverse reactions being reported included mental disorder including violence and anger .... "Apart from all my pain, I suffered severe mental disorder and violence to others. I repeatedly presented painful muscle cramps to the doctor, who repeatedly told me age, arthritis, salt in diet etc. I went to my doctor frightened at the nasty way I was treating my wife of 30+ years, telling him it was so bad one of us was going to have to move out until the problem was sorted. he was sympathetic and told me none of his patients had said this to him before, probably true, but Medsafe had. Today in writing I hand delivered a written complaint of criminal negligence to our police and the New Zealand medical council, the doctor ignored clear written instructions putting my life at risk and those around me with my violence and dangerous driving, heres hoping others may be saved. There is a new report out from JACC journal of American cardiology stating the wonderful strengthing and healing power of fish oil, google it. We personally know of about 20 customers, friends and family who have been poisoned, a couple have indicated they will consider following and laying criminal negligence charges.Saturday afternoons are visiting days for prisons in New Zealand if the after hours doctors are closed. I'll post when I hear from the police. This very dangerous practice has to be stopped for the sake of humanity.

I have had Type 1 Diabetes for many years (54) without any complications of the disease - until I had a mild stroke. Which didn't affect me. Now my doctor makes me take Lipitor. From the very start of taking 10mg Lipitor per day, I got muscle cramps and leg twitches whilst in bed; muscle weaknesses; I even got Plantar Fasciitis and now I limp slightly in that foot. Before I took Lipitor I used to sleep like a baby. Lipitor has made me from a relatively healthy person despite having Diabetes to what feels like an old lady at aged 55. I know it is Lipitor as when I stop taking the drug all unpleasant side effects mentioned above cease. The trouble is my doctor won't give my Insulin without Lipitor and I need Insulin to live, of course. So I am forced to take Lipitor. I find that exercise such as a good long walk during the daytime helps; without it (eg in bad weather when I cannot get outside) the effects of Lipitor are much worse. My cholesterol readings and blood pressure are always good (even before the stroke) so why should I have to be almost crippled by Lipitor?

I have been on lipitor since Oct 2008, 10 mg. Off and on, I am very dizzy. The backs of my calves start to weaken and I start drinking Smart Water, because I think I"m dehydrated. The Smart Water does help, but today, the dizziness is lasting all day. I probably have tinnitus. My right ear occasionally has a loud ringing and today a little pain and feels as though it has water in it. I am going to call Life Extensions and speak to their health advisors and try something naturpathic. I am soooo scared, because I have 50% blockage in my carotid arteries. Any advice out there?

My 44 year old, otherwise very healthy husband has been taking Lipitor (10mg) for several years. Currently been showing ALS-like symptoms. Left foot dragging, muscle cramps, twitches, etc. We are headed to Duke University to find out of he has ALS. He is off of Lipitor for 3 weeks now, taking CoQ10 and lots of vitamin C. If anyone else has had these symptoms and they've been rectified, could you share how long it took and how soon you began to feel the initial improvement? Thanks KCC>

Hi
I started taking 10 mg. daily ofLipitor 8 yrs. ago and about a year later I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. There's no test for Fibro, just blood tests to elimate everything else ex: Lupus, RA etc. I've been suffering so much from muscle pain, all the tender points as in Fibro and also diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Three doctors diagnosed me with Fibro. and chronic fatigue. I had most of the symptoms everyone else is complaining about also. The pain in my stomach muscles are just about gone too.

It reached a point three weeks ago when I was having sharp pains all over my body and muscle cramps and charlie horses at night and I could just about walk up the stairs my hips hurt so much that decided to stop Lipitor. I was so tired all the time and in constant pain.

My doctors said it couldn't be the Lipitor. The pain in most of the tender points are just about gone but I know it will take a while to get out of my system. I lost muscle strength over the years and hope to get that back. I'm 64 years old and know it will take awhile .

I went to my doctor Tuesday and told him I took myself off the Lipitor and that I now remember being diagnosed with Fibro shortly after going on Lipitor. He got so mad at me and said that Lipitor doesn't cause a disease. As I said there's no test for Fibro and it's not a disease it's a syndrome or condition where the brain sends pain signals to the tender point muscles but there's nothing actually wrong with the muscles. I told him that 6 years ago when I tried going off Lipitor for 3 months and joined a gym, Curves, I felt fine and thought I was in remission. Then when I started taking Lipitor again I couldn't do the exercise in Curves and had to stop going. It never dawned on me it was the Lipitor.

I now have a problem with my heart, one condition I might have been born with but the Arrthymia I don't know about. My heart beats too many beats and it beats 4 beats and the 5th beat is backwards. Now I'm on 25mg of Topricin (the generic) beta blocker to slow down the heart beats. I don't know if this is caused by the Lipitor or not. My cardiologist said that Lipitor can affect every muscle in your body and she suggested that I get a RX for a blood test to tell whether I have muscle damage. I went for the test Tuesday but haven't received the results yet.

I'm going to change doctors, I don't like my doctor's attitude with me over the Lipitor. These doctors think they're God. When I told him on Tuesday about the 3 months that I felt fine 6 years ago he said that there are other drugs besides statins to lower cholesterol. I don't want to go on any drugs and the non statin drugs can cause intestinal blockage, he got upset when I told him that too. I'm going to try to lower it with flaxseed and fiber and see if that works. I go to Weight Watchers and kept 17 lbs. off for 6 years now, I do try and eat healthy.

I can't believe it cost me almost 8 years of my life in pain. It's even hard for me to get down on the floor with my granchildren, I have to crawl to the couch or chair to lift myself up and I get tired so easily. I just hope I get back to normal.

I'm so glad I found this website and figured out what was wrong with me. I hope my writing helps someone else dignosed with Fibromyalgia and taking a statin.

Thanks for listening.
Marie

Male, 52. Since being on Lipitor over the last 4 years (3 have been at 20 mg/day) I noticed that I become very 'emotional' during movies and when reading. It's like someone turned on the 'flood gates' for even movies like Transformers and Gost Rider (trash kiddie films). I haven't stopped taking the product because I haven't felt any other of the listed side effects.

Has anyone else had this type of effect????

I am a 34 year old male and was on Lipitor for 3 weeks. I had muscle cramps in my shins and the bottom of my feet. I was light headed, dizzy and suffered from nausea. I didn't have any energy or sex drive. I didn't attribute it to the Lipitor right away. I thought I had MS, ALS, muscular dystrophy, etc. I told my doctor about the symptoms and he told me to stop taking the Lipitor. I've been off of the Lipitor for almost two weeks now and the nausea and dizziness are gone. My energy is getting better each day, but I'm still not 100%. The muscles in the bottom of my feet and shins are also getting better but still not 100%. I take a bath every night just to get relief from the symptoms. My doctor has since told me to take CoQ10 to help battle the side effects of Lipitor. He doesn't know how long these side effects will last. Does anyone know how long I can expect these side effects to last? Are they permanent?

I will praise Lipitor for one thing - The side effects caused by it have scared me in to changing my diet and exercise regimen (when I return to being healthy) so I never have to take a drug of this type again.

I have read and heard, first hand, dozens of stories about Lipitor. It is clear why, too. When you cut off lipoproteins (commonly called "cholesterol"), you cut off the supply of essential fatty acids (EFAs) to the cell membranes of nerve cells, which use these EFAs for neurotransmission. Eventually the nerve cells degenerate and die, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of muscle control.

Typical: muscle pain, muscle weakness, swallowing problems, muscle cramps, numbness, spasms, muscle atrophy.

I have been on lipitor for a little over two years now. I experience extreme joint and muscle discomfort. I am also picking up weight at an alarming rate. No matter what I do to lose the weight, it's not working. I've had several blood tests, but all come back fine..but I know I don't feel well and I'm having trouble remembering things....

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.

Have been on Lipitor for 3 months and before that, zocor. I have been having such bad muscle cramps in my legs, feet, abdomen and back. I have numbing in my face as well. When I went off zocor, I felt better then doc put me on Lipitor. It took longer for the symptoms but they are back. I take CoQ10 and do all I can. I can't stand it anymore. Doc says the cramping is NOT from Lipitor.

Persistant muscle cramps.

I'm 66 years old and have a long history of muscle cramps after physical excertion such as tennis. I've been on 10mg for several years so even though the cramps have gotten more frequent and more persistant (harder to walk off) I did not think Lipitor could be implicated.

At my MDs suggestion I have stopped taking them. Surprise! No more cramps. And I am playing tennis especially hard to try to bring them on. But nothing.

This has been a surprise. I should go back on Lipitor to test that it is really the cause, but that dedicated to science I'm not.

I am shocked. For months I have been suffering from sev ere muscle cramps in my legs and back that have meant I've been on increased painkillers. I have been blaming lack of exercise, but now that I've been going to a gym for weeks I've been blaming the new exercise. Now I'm questioning Lipitor - and reading so many of the side effects about muscle problems makes me think it's the drug. I also have had increasing urinary incontinence - more blaming of me. A new doctor said I need blood tests to see if I need a change of blood pressure medication - by chance I note that he has written on that request that I am on Lipitor. I didn't mention my aches and pains because not one doctor has told me there could be any side effects with Lipitor. Hence, I am shocked that there is so much documentation about the serious side effects of it.

I have been on 10mg of lipitor for 3 years and had dramatic lowering of total and LDL cholesterol. Since taking this I have developed muscle cramps in the legs and abdomen, especially after 2 am, as another person on here reported, and noticeable short term memory loss, which until I started reading about the side effects of lipitor, I attributed to the heavy radiation I received 10 years ago in my bone marrow transplant.

Recently my doctor took my dose of lipitor up to 20mg to try to reach the new "target" level and the cramps immediatedly got worse and I have almost constant calf muscle pain. And my short term memory is alarmingly deteriorating to the point where my co-workers have commented on it.

I am off lipitor for now, exploring fish oil supplements, and other natural remedies. I read recently that LDL only causes arterial damage when oxidizied, and that exercise boost free radicals, so am going to focus on anti-oxidants alot more as I exercise alot. Thank God for sites like this. It is easy to blame your symtoms on the wrong thing or try to ignore them.

I am up at 3 am researching this as my leg cramps do not let me sleep!

After 3 months taking lipitor, woke up during the night with full body muscle spasms. Emergency crew took me to emergency wherby morphine was injected over a three hour period to loosen the tightened muscles. Use of lipitor ended that evening.

For the next 26months, 8-12 major spasms occurred within a 24 hour period. Methocarbanol was and still is being used as a combative tool against spasms.

Currently determining what should be taken to provided nutrients to the muscles to help them to repair the damage done by the spasms that occurred.

Presently, major spasms have diminished to 4-6 per month, tight muscles persist, and its very easy to have muscle cramps when doing miscellaneouls medium to heavy duty chores. Medium would be reaching out to help pull yourself up and heavy would be snow shoveling with medium size shovel.

In my case, Zetia (non-statin) has brought my chloresterol levels down to an acceptable level & no side effects have occurred.

I have been on statins for 4 years. Had a stent in 2002. High cholesterol persisted regardless of dose. 10 mg now 80mg!!

Several years ago I started getting muscle cramps. Calves, toes but more seriously left arm. I can't grab much of anything without cramping or dropping. Bicep to wrist is losing mass. After reading all your comments I think I'll just stop against doctors advise!

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 can't believe the nonsense going on here with those side
effects. I believe some have become illiterate and professional medical people.

I am sorry but the known side effects are not related to sex
or toes turning upside down. I am on lipitor for many years
and it is the only drug that has gotten me to, I pray, safe
levels of cholesterol. I am averaging around 150-170 now
and my triglycerides and cholesterol were out the roof. They
both are at a good level, and again I pray they stay there.

My doctor is an internal medical doctor with very careful
and precise requirements. He listens to any muscle cramps
I might have had, and they have come and gone, and I
did worry at those times but many of those times it was
probably conditioning and I am an ex high school football
coach and athlete in general for the biggest part of my life.
I am 58. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering a
name or face, but I take several meds, and I am not as young as I used to be when I could focus on 3 or 4 different
things which was really bad for one's mental health and social
health. Who wants someone not paying 100 percent attention?

My point is that I feel exactly like I did when I went to pick
my car up at a dealer who had repaired it. One of my neigbors started giving me this herbal spill about Himalayan goat milk curing everything! Lipitor is not for everyone. My doctor EVERY 6 months does a thorough liver and blood exam on me.

If you are losing you hair or thinning like mine, welcome to
mother nature. It "aint" lipitor baby ,and those sexual side
effects need to be taken up with a sexual counselor it appears
to me.

Anyone, even with disclaimers, can see that this site once you go to if for some really curious serious intent, is seen
readily as a "natural herbal garden," listing only extremist
side effects for Lipitor.

I am not making fun of twisted toes or sexual disfunction but
please leave it off the herbal network. Go swap if for another
statin and pray that it works and you have no side effects, but
don't tell all those Enquirer type effects. I am sure the herbs would bring your cholesterol down in a week to 150 and cure
cancer, right?

Herbs have a place, but this is not a serious place for someone to learn about Lipitor. Lipitor is prescribed for a
potentially fatal disease or condition. Let it lay there.

Thanks for letting me tell you what I have experienced.

I'm 44 and my cardiologist placed me on 40mg of Lipitor last year. I have been pretty diligent about taking the prescribed dosage. But in the last 6 months or so, I had been dealing with severe muscle spasms, extreme muscular twitching, neck pain, arm pain, and muscle cramps in my arms and fingers. At first I thought I had a pinched nerve in my neck or ALS because of the muscular twitching. Then I had to deal with the HUGE memory lapses. I thought I was going crazy. I recently stopped taking the Lipitor because I kept forgetting to get my re-fill and voila... no more cramping, very little twitching and my arm and neck pain is improving. The memory issue hads gotten better and I notice that I have more energy.

I hate that I din't read this forum sooner. This stuff needs to be taken off the market. I would like to take the Res Q 1250, but you have to give your first born to pay for it. Any other suggestions?

Mish

Off Statins for about 2 months,,,,all of my side effects have disappeared, tinititus, muscle pains, muscle cramps, tingling,etc, etc...I am trying fish oil and niacin. We will see if it works..I am trying it without the doctor because he told me to stay on statins..I will keep you posted

Nell

I am a 45, male and I recently experienced a severly torn bicep muscle and a friend mentioned to me that it could be related to degenerative muscle loss from Lipitor. After reading all the articles posted here I realized I have been suffering for 6-7 years.

I have had, ringing in my ears, muscle cramps, disabling lower back pain, skin lesions, swollen neck to the point I can't look up any more, anxiety, depression, racing heart beat, weight gain and high appetite and chest pains. Over the years I have had several of the episodes you all have described and I attributed them all, AND SO DID MY DR. to something else.

The muscle tear in my bicep seemed wierd since I have been to the gym regularly for 2 years. My wife thinks I'm a hypochondriac for complaing about every little pain, but in retrospect it must have been the Lipitor.

At a recent check up all my numbers were great, and I remember my Dr. telling me that the benefits of this drug out weighed the side effects, but I would like to see the proof.

Would anyone recommend a less side effect laden drug?

I have been taking Lipitor for 4 years. About 2 years ago most of these side effects started. muscle cramps in legs, muscle pain and weakness , fatigue, stiff neck, hip joint pain and knee joint pain and stiffness. Been off for 3 days and will never take it again.

I have been taking Lipitor 40mg for over 10years after a triple bypass. I experienced no noticeable side effects until about 5 years ago my feet were burning, stabbing nerve pains sharp enough to draw a sharp breath, unable to sleep properly. My doctor did not suspect Lipitor so I had to find the source of the problem by a process of elimination. This deteriorated further in the past year, with numbness and severe muscle cramps in feet and hands. I stopped taking the Lipitor recently and the pains and discomfort have all but disappeared.

Had been on lipitor for over ten yrs now being 44
side effects that it has caused over a long peroid of time muscle cramps nightly short term memory loss joint pain shoulder next and thighs loss of sex drive
stopped taking it about six weeks ago memory has inproved dramtically cramps have gone aching joint seem to be improving and sex drive slowly improving hand put all these side effects down to other causes as we do but now kmow better

Had a heart attack? 10 years ago, now 57.
Cardioligist wanted bad C under 100. 2 years ago
80 mg Zocor was really killing me. Lost taste
sensation, fingers got arthritic?, muscle cramps.
But, bad C went to 90. I felt like ***.
1 year ago I stopped Zocor, finger movement
came back, cramping stopped, still can't drink
cola as taste is still affected.
Dr started Zetia (non Satin) which works in the
gastric track. Side affect minimal and is minor gas
at nite and stool slightly loose. bad C went to 120
but Dr now wants bad C to 70 or less, as new studies
show.
Put me on Lipitor 10 mg a month or so ago along with
the Zetia. All fine till last week... Now upset stomach
all day, with Nausea and sometimes dry heaves. Head
light headed, dizzy like in a fog, and can't walk without
holding on to wall. Outside I must look like a drunk.
Cramping on finges is returning. Had 2 strips bacon one
morning and remembered it through belches all day
with aggrivated symptoms.
I got the message.... And STOPPED the LIPITOR 4 days
ago and no more nausea, I can walk without loosing balance
and finger movement slowly returning. I can live with the
vivid dreams......

I have been on 10mg daily dose of Lipitor for over 2 years now. When I was first prescribed the drug my doctor stated that because my cholesterol was so high I would not be able to control the levels through diet alone and would therefore need to take Lipitor indefinately.
Initially my blood cholesterol dropped dramatically & I & the doctor were pleased with the result.
I continued eating a similar diet to before which was balanced, with no excess fats or salt although I was eating red meat on a routine basis.
About six months ago I started experiencing severe muscular pain in my neck & shoulders. My neck muscles became so inflamed & immobile that I had days when work was impossible (I am a chauffeur/butler). These pains did not respond to antiinflamatory or pain killers. I made two visits to an oestiopath & received manipulation & massage. The relief was temporary but not complete.
Just one month ago I cut out red meat, most animal fats & changed my diet, replacing the red meat content with grilled fish or chicken. I eat lots of fruit, vegetables & salads.I also take a multivitamin dose. At the same time as my diet change I increased my excercise regime.
WITHIN ONE WEEK of the new regime I experienced severe muscle cramps & my joints 'dried' to the point where they clicked & cracked whenever I moved them. I suspected the LIPITOR so I stopped immediately.
In just a few days the joints stopped clicking & grinding & my six month old muscle pains disappeared. This I think is not a coincidence.
I am male, 43 years old & very active with no other medical conditions of any kind.

muscle cramps,dizziness,memory loss, fatigue, depression,
headaches,sleeplessness,weak,breathless,tired all the time.
weight gain,hairloss.
R.

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.

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.

Muscle cramps, Lower back pains, dry mouth and feeling tired

I am a 32 year old man who has been on Lipitor for over four years. I recently went up to 40mg and I think it was a big mistake. Like many others, when I was on 20mg I had some slight muscle cramps, insomnia and back pain, but it was nothing compared to what happened when I went to 40mg.

My body now feels like a train wreck. I have a strange tingling sensation in my feet, as well as muscle cramps in my legs. This worries me because my feet and sometimes my hands are always cold. It feels like almost my feet are asleep all the time. My legs have a strange cramping/pulsating feeling. I have a chest pain and stomach cramps as well. Plus I have that wonderful dizzy feeling that many of you have also complained about.

I have stopped taking Lipitor for a week now, but the symptoms remain. I am worried because I just want to feel normal again. Can anyone who stopped taking Lipitor tell me if these types of problems have gone away, and if so, how long it took.

On a side note, the chest pain I think is caused by gas. I have taken a gas inhibitor which has seemed to help with the tightness in the chest. I do tend to burp a lot though. I hope that this might help for people who have had this side effect as well.

I am father and a husband who has no personal grudge against Lipitor or my doctor. I have never posted to a board before and am not trying to sue anybody. I just want to feel normal again. My wife thinks I am a little bit crazy, and doesn't understand how funky and bad I feel now. She thinks that just stopping will make me better. I hope she is right. When someone goes through this, it just wears on your mentally as well as physically.

I am off to see the doctor and I hope that he will be able to help or tell me what to expect long term. If I find any solutions, I will be sure to share.

Thank you for listening to my story.

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.