Zocor and zocor

I just read about a side effect from another member
He talks of pain in his inner elbows. Oh my I have that too, and I thought
it was because I strained that muscle when doing work. But it was so long ago. I still have the pain and find it hard to pick up things. Now I read about someone taking the same medication as me and having the same symptoms. I actually only take a half of a pill a day, but now i will discontinue it until I see my doctor (also my sleep pattern has been affected)
I did not have this problem when I took Lipitor.
I am hoping I can go back to Lipitor but maybe I will increase my exercise and not eat anymore junk food and then not have to take any of this silly medication.

severe GERD, respiratory problems, blurred vision,tingling sensation, abdominal pain, abdominal spasms, nerve and muscle damage,chest pain,headache,

I am a 58 year old female Who has been taking Simvaststin for 16 months .
I have been increasingly bothered with mainly night leg pain ( bilateral) that radites to my hips and back. It's like a tooth ache. I too have had to resort to taking pain medication at night to sleep. During the day when I sit for long periods my legs ( especially the thigh area) aches and standing up , walking etc does not alleviate the ache. It is not constant at this point but very frustrating.
After reading the posted notes I am contemplating going off the Simvastatin for a while to see if my symptoms improve.
Any thought?

Thanks!

I am 50 years old. Two years ago was diagnosed with very high LDL and low HDL. I told my doctor then that I did not want to go on statin drugs, but 3 months of Niaspan didn't help the cholesterol, and I hated the hot flashes and flushing that could come at any time after taking a dose. So my doc put my on Zocor.

Two years later I my bad cholesterol is within normal limits but my good cholesterol is still too low, even with fish oil and borage oil taken regularly. Almost immediately after starting the Zocor I started experiencing light-headedness and dizziness that would last for up to a minute--even lying down in bed! My doctor prescribed Meclizine for the dizzy spells--more stinking drugs! I get migraines at least twice a month. For the last six months now I have been experiencing increasing muscle pain, joint pains in the knees, elbows and fingers, and now have been having stabbing pains in lower back around the kidneys. I would wake up in the middle of the night with shooting pains and stiffness in my left knee and cramps in my calf muscles. The first joint of my middle finger had become extremely soar so that I could not make a fist or grip tightly. I have had a recurring stabbing pain in my chest under the left pectorals muscle. My feet and toes are soar--especially my left foot. When I exercise even the slightest or do some long walking or outside work, my muscles in the arms and legs get very soar and tender, then stiffen up. I had to see a massage therapist to loosen up my legs last week! Six months ago I would be up at the crack of dawn, ready to start my day, but recently I have become very lethargic and tired with little zeal for any physical activity. I have had intermittent pain in my left testicle. We recently moved and I started seeing a different doctor. After a physical exam, he brushes off these symptoms.

Well, I stopped taking the Zocor a week ago, and already my fingers are much better, although my knees and elbows are still soar. The dizziness has gotten worse but I'm hoping that after my body re-adjusts and flushes the simvistatin that that will subside, too. I have drastically changed my diet to drop 15 to 20 pounds and lower the cholesterol with better eating habits and swimming exercise; hopefully that will help alleviate the pain, too.

I took Zocor for 9 months after I had a heart attack. After about 8 months I began having sever muscle spasm in my legs. I had a couple of episodes where when walking I couldn't pick up my feet and thought I was having a stroke and had to sit down and rest before walking on. I had to do this several times to get where I was going. I told my cardiologist and he had me stop the Zocor. The spasms stopped but I never regained the strength in my legs. Today I have had to put ramps in at home cannot climb steps. The ramp is difficult because of the incline but it is better than crawling up my steps to get in the house. I can only walk about 50 steps before my legs give out on me. I cannot walk on uneven ground without holding on to something or someone. I have now had 2 back surgeries because I have been told over and over it is my back with no relief for the legs. This last surgery my left foot drags and my big toe hangs down and I cannot pull it up. Now I fall a lot because of that and have to wear an AFO to keep my foot and toe up so it doesn't drag and trip me. The back doctor thinks it another pinched nerve and wants to open back up again. I am so tired of them trying to convenience me it is my back when I know it was the Zocor and the damage apparently is irreversible but no one wants to agree with me. I am sick of it and just wish they would say yes it was the Zocor and get you a scooter and live the best you can. I know I am headed for that road I use a walker and cane when I don't have someone with me to hold on to. Because I am so unstable on my legs.

Except for having high cholesterol (310), I'm a 29 yr old healthy active female, very petite and weigh 98lbs. My mother has had a quadruple bypass and 4 stents at the age of 54, high cholesterol is just hereditary in my family. My doctor put me on 40 mg of zocor. The first week taking zocor I started feeling strange, a little soar here and there and very tired at times, also I have become very forgetful. It's been almost 2 months now and I have severe pain in my legs. First it was the right leg and now both legs, the pain starts at my lower back all the way down to my cav. I have a burning painful feeling sometimes numbing feeling, its driving me crazy!!!! I can't stand for too long cause I feel tons of pressure on my lower back pushing down my legs, It feels like my sciatic nerve. I went to my doctor and he said he is 95% sure that this is from the zocor medication, he told me to stop it right away. This is my first day without it, I know I need to do something to prevent what happen to my mother, I'm on a strict healthy diet, staying away from all fatty cholesterol filled foods, but there has to be a better way then taking statin drugs! If anyone has some ideas of what kind of alternative meds I can take, please help.

Hi and please feel free to email me. I was on Lipitor for quite a while (20mg)without any issues. Due to insurance etc I was switched to 40mg of simvastatin-(Zocor-generic)--with in a short time i noticed i was waking nearly every morning with a mouth full of junk requiring a deep throat clearing. Then a low level sore throat that persisted for more than two weeks. I went to my doctor who agreed that it may be related (though I think she doubted it) and had me stop. Now i have been off for 5 days and still my throat is sore (though not sore to swallow) and mouth generally feels "messed up".

If any of you have had any sore throat experiences etc please let me know. Also how long did your side effects last once you came off the drug?

I have definitely noticed a weight gain! I started really watching my diet and running and it doesn't seem to be helping. Also, I have had problems with severe muscle aches and swelling in my right leg. It got so bad that I started taking prescription Naproxen for the pain, so I can sleep. I had no idea others were experiencing the same thing.

have been taking 20mg for about two weeks. a couple days after i started taking the stuff i started experiencing chest pains at night that would wake me up, coupled with leg pain. it's getting worse; now, after two weeks i am having severe lower back pain that radiates down both legs, similar to sciatica, happens at night but continues throughout the day. also leg spasms at night. i am stopping zocor today. can't face this pain anymore. i have bad knees, and recently had to have a cortisone injection, but this new pain is worse than the knees. owing to the chest pains, i had a stress test today at the heart group, and had such difficulty walking that i could barely make it down the hall with my cane. three of the nurses there said they hear this all the time about the statins, and that the doctors don't want to listen to the complaints but the nurses all agreed that the statins are the culprits. results on stress test were fine.

I am a 44 yr old female. I have been on Zocor for 2 yrs. I have never had high cholesterol. I have a family history of heart disease and after my 44 yr old brother had a heart attack and the transplant, my doctor put me on Zocor as a precaution. I have had problems over the 2 yrs and have been to the doctor many times only to be dismissed as Oh, I need to lose weight, I need to get out of the house more, I need to exercise, It must be my depression....and on and on. I have never had a kidney or liver test in 2 years. I never knew I needed on and my doctor never tested me. I have over 30 symptoms/side effects of Zocor. I only looked into the side effects after my mother-in-law had muscle break down, an intestinal blockage and a ruptured bowel and almost died a few weeks ago. I couldn't believe what I found on this site. I immediately stopped the Zocor. I started to feel better right away but it was short lived. i felt great for 1 week and then it all crept back in on me for a week and then this last week I am back in bed with dibilitating fatigue and muscle weakness. I will now list my symptoms/side effects.
Shortness of breath; heart palpitations; droopy eye lid (left eye); eye lid twitch (right eye); optical migraines; numbness & tingling of my arms (from the elbows down) and my hands; My hands "fall asleep"; Itching all over; severe muscle weakness ( I have dropped things); muscle pain; joint pain (even the little ones in my toes); leg cramps; critically anemic (on 3 iron pills per day); ruptured ankle tendon (left ankle, currently being treated with a brace trying to avoid surgery); hot flashes/flushing; cold hands and feet; dizziness;, loss of balance; headaches; blurred vision; mental fog; confusion; loss of memory; loss of concentration; extreme and debilitating fatigue; insomnia; trouble staying asleep (wake every hour); huge weight gain; swelling of calves, ankles and feet; dark colored urine; gas; upset stomach; diarrhea; stomach pain; depression; anxiety; hair loss; bruises; mouth ulcers; back pain; tingling on top of head; heaviness in my thighs; EXHAUSTION! I feel like I am 100 yrs old. I have had nights that I thought I was dying and had panic attacks that I would not survive the night. I have 3 young children to take care of. I can not even put conditioner on my hair or shave my legs in the shower because I have to get out so quickly due to exhaustion. I have to lean on one elbow at the sink to brush my teeth. When I get out of the shower I can barely breath, I am wheezing, my heart is pounding and I feel like I will collapse so I have to get out and rush to my bed. I home school my 3 children and most days we do school in my bed. Everything is an effort. I can never plan anything because most days I am incapacitated. I may have a good day and can actually go out to dinner or Walmart once or twice a month and then I can't wait to get back home and get in bed because I am so worn out. I don't see how this drug can actually remain on the market. I am so angry and upset that my doctor never told me this could happen. When I asked about side effects I was told "oh no there aren't any really". My doctor never ran tests on me. I just can't believe this. I go tomorrow for blood work and I go to the doctor on Mon to discuss the results and all of my problems. I am so afraid that I have permanent damage to my muscles and possibly my heart. I went tot he doc months ago with shortness of breath and swelling and she did an EKG and said my heart was fine and I was not having congestive heart failure. I fear I was and still am! It is not normal to be out of breath just brushing your teeth and combing your hair. I hope we all get the answers we are looking for and that we all recover from this horrible drug. God bless you all!

I am only 42 years old and have been on zocor for the past 30 months. I've had mild tingling in my feet and achy joints along with slightly elevated liver enzymes and fatigue since then. Ever since my doctor increased the zocor to 80 mg per day ( because although my cholesterol level is normal, my triglycerides are still very high) , I feel like I am 100 years old! All my joints ache so bad and my feet and hands alternately tingle or feel very cold! I am also having trouble focusing when I look from something close up to something far away! I am also clumsier and more forgetful. Could these symptoms be caused by coenzyme-Q deficiency?

Has anyone experienced heart palpitations from taking Zocor? I've been on it for 6 months and about a month ago started having palpitations that are becoming more frequent, like daily at this point. Went off Zocor yesterday just in case that is the problem. Has anyone else had this symptom?

having bad night sweats and racing heart

Been on Zocor for two years went from 20mg to 40mg and since being on the 40mg I have increased leg & foot cramps so severe @ night that I have trouble getting out of bed, the foot locks up. Even getting up after sitting is a problem, sometimes my feet and legs go numb and I even fell a few times. I get very tired during mid day. The newest problem is my sight, I have notice that there is a blurriness that I don't know if it ever clear up, after telling my doctor this she said it was the arthritis and to take arthritis nonasprin and to stop the zocor for about a week, I am going to stop period.

I am 71 years old, I have been taking 80mg of ZOCOR ( Simvastatin ) for the past 16 years. five months ago I started to hurt in my lower back, hips,Knees,thighs, for two months then it traveled to my shoulders, wrist, hands, fingers. the Dr. gave me a round of prednisone (one shot and 11 pills) the pain stopped and everything was wonderful for two weeks,the Dr. stated that I had avused my body in the years gone by now the pain has started back in my shoulders, wrist, hands the pain is very strong,and my legs are starting to get weak again, I am taking Naproxen 500 mg two times a day and also taking Hydrocodne10mg every four hours also have Oxycodone 10mg to take every four to six hours, I have mentioned the results that I have read about the Statins in this forum but the doctor, does not act like it has any significance. does anyone have any suggestions??? if so please let me know, this pain is killing me, if you have any info. please email me at. ******

54 years old male on zocor (simvastatin) 40mg for 4 years, two years ago I start with problems in my shoulders (feel horrible) arms, hands and legs. Pain, numbness, cramp, tingling, muscle spams and weakness, my body is very weak.
I visited several doctors and pain management, therapy, medicine, nerve conduction test, MRI, CTscan, nerve block, carpal tunnel surgery, injection in my cervical and toracic spine I don't feel relief doctors doesn't knows the statin fault.
I found this page and I have been off zocor for 4 weeks and not relief yet.
Does any one know how long it takes zocor to get completely out of my system?

My mother took Zocor and has the similar side effects. But has anyone
had shaking hands or been told they might have ALS (lou Geric's disease)?

Please contact me if this has happend to you. My mother thinks she has less than 3 years to live.

Contact me at ****** Please! Thank you.

I had muscle aces and pains most of that time but near the end of the 3 weeks I would loose the use of my left arm for periods. I would feel faint and very weak. I have had restless leg since I was a child but my legs got much worse during the 3 weeks. Finally I remembered that if you had muscle weakness you were to stop Zocor so I did. The daily muscle weakness gradually went away but I developed severe restless leg and had to go on Requip. I also started having face spasms and “turrett” type spasms in my legs that would travel up into my arms and hands. My hands would clench and I couldn't talk plain. My head would jerk and my body would shake inwardly as if I were freezing. These symptoms were worse when I was stressed or got too hot. Eventually I had to quit my job, it was very high stress. Five years have past. I now stay home and garden and paint. I very seldom leave my home and my stress level is low but when I do get into a stressful situation I still have to deal with the “loss of control” over my body. My sleep is a nightmare every night. My restless leg syndrome is getting worse and I've had to increase my Requip and will probably have to do so again soon.

My cholesterol is very high and my doctor keeps trying to get me to go on some meds for that but I would rather die than add to the painful, exhausting struggle I go through now because of what Zocor did to me.

I am a 44 year old female with diabetes. I have high blood pressure and as a precaution was prescribed simvastian(zocor). I have only been on it for about 3 weeks...I have been feeling tired and very moody lately...but yesterday I woke up with my right leg swollen from the calf down my foot with severe burning pain and numbness. Now I have experienced Neuropathy in my left foot for years and somehow thought maybe this pain and numbness and swelling had to do with that...until this morning when I woke up to a severe pain in my right calf ( I immediately thought blood clot).. well I have a doctor's appt tomorrow to see what this is....right now Im sitting at work in so much pain and discomfort I want to cry...my feet are burning, my right leg and right shoulder are in burning pain...and my hands are numb and burning and in pain. I have to sit for hours at a time and cant just take a break when I need too...Ive only been taking this medication for 3 weeks and can not believe that all this pain and burning is from one little pill. Has anyone else had severe swelling from this medicine. Any other diabetics taking this medicine and having the same side effects? Im certain they are going to want me to stay on this medication and at this point after reading all these wonderful post, Im going to stop...Im even having difficulty in typing this post my hands hurt so bad. Im so angry that when I asked my Doctor about side effects he never mentioned these. he told me about being nauseated, constipated and so one...Ohh and I have also gained about 10 pounds in 3 weeks without changing my eating habits...anyone else have that? Thank you for letting me vent here. I was scared to death until I found this site. I was seriously considering leaving work and going to the ER room...Now Im just going to stop taking it and waiting this out till tomorrow....

My experience with Zocor was related to increased difficulty breathing; SOB was present with all exertion no matter how light. After awhile, I just stopped doing much of anything. The smallest exertion, such as getting ready for bed {brushing teeth, hair, washing face and putting on a night gown} invoked labored breathing and a pounding heart. After a week off the drug, the symptoms all by disappeared; now, 4 months later, I am up and around, walking longer walks and not short of breath. My problems may have been related to muscle weakness, but the heart is a muscle and the lungs function in conjunction with the heart.

I have been taking Zocor for 6 months. In the past 3 weeks I have developed intense tingling and burning in both legs from my feet to my knees. I also have a feeling of numbness in my right foot that at times is in the whole ball of my foot but will move to the side of the ball of my foot. I have been to the ER twice and all my neuro checks were normal even though my legs felt like they were on fire. I just this past week had a MRI of cervical and lumbar spine. My doctor is thing the symptoms may be related to the significant arthritis I have in my neck and may be due to nerve compression at one of the discs but I don't think so. I was worried about MS and Guillian Barre as these can be symptoms of those diseases as well but I didn't have any other symptoms of those diseases. At my last ER visit the doctor put me on Neurotin for the burning in my legs. I just happened to think to look on line for med interactions and side effects of the meds I am on and would have never expected that Zocor could be the culprit. I was astounded to find that the tingling and burning was more than likely due to the zocor. I stopped taking it about 4 days ago and am showing some improvement but I am still taking the neurotin. Does anyone know how long it takes Zocor to get completely out of your syste.? I also have nerve conduction studies scheduled.

60 year old male on zocor for approximately 10 years. taking 80 mg daily.
only recently (within the last 18 months) i noticed some changes going on.
first i had joint pain in my feet, both feet, same areas. the foot pain went away but then the pain traveled up to the back of my legs, behind the knee,
when the muscle or tendons attach. every time i sat for awhile, then got up, the pain was brutal. that lasted about 3 months. later the pain shot up to the joints in my hands. both hands, same place on both hands. when i rotate my thumb or move it, the knuckle area of the thumbs, same place,
hurt bad. i will confront my health care provided at the va on these issues.
she disregarded my previous remarks and said arthritis, hands and feet and perhaps i overextended something at the gym on my behind the knee issue.
i think she is wrong. recently i had a severe cold and did not take the zocor for two days. the thumb pain subsided substantially. i resumed and the pain came back. now it feels as if the pain will travel back down to behind my knees again as i am beginning to feel a pull. any others out there with these issues???

I'am 45 year old female and I have been on simvastatin 40mg for at least 6 months. Here in the past 3 weeks I have had very weak legs and arms,they felt like they were wet noodles. I also was getting these week spells where it felt like I couldn't lift my arms or legs cause they was so weak.I had pain in my ear and big bad headaches that wouldn't leave. My heart feels like it skips a beat and I get very bad anxiety attacks. I have been to the ER several times and they can not find anything wrong. I even got very dizzy. The ER doctor told me that the dizziness and headaches was from a inter ear disturbance,well I think the inter ear disturbance might have come from the simvastatin after running across this web site. I'm going off the simvastatin tomorrow! Oh yeah and forgot to mention the weight gain and the tiredness and how I feel like a couch zombie. I think I'll stick to my salmon oil.

PLEASE HELP! My father, age 74, was on lipitor for a year or so and then was switched to zocor a few weeks ago to help control his cholestorol. In the past week, the tightening he experienced in his leg, while on lipitor, has become debilitating leg pain now while he is on Zocor. Ultrasounds have ruled out a blood clot. He has no pain when he sits, but he describes the pain has his calf wanting to explode when he stands and he cannot walk with out the help of a cain. The pain radiates from his leg up to his hip.

His cardiologist has taken him off the zocor for a few weeks to see if there is an improvement. It has been 3 days and he feels a bit of relief. SO here is the million dollar question: His labs indicate his cholestorol is normal now, most likely thanks to the statins.....can anyone suggest another form of meds that will help regulate his cholestorol....say COeq10 and fish oil? Any help is SO appreciated!!! Thanks to each of you for your posts. It is so comforting for my dad to know he isn't developing a new issue and that it can be resolved with the removal of zocor!

I am a 58-year-old woman that changed from zetia to zocor about 6 months ago because of the price of zetia AND I had tolerated the zetia ok but my chol was still elevated. My initial dose of zocor was just 10 mg, even though I had a lot of aches and pains from the slighest exertion I really did not connect this to zocor. After my last checkup, the doctor wanted to up my dose to 20 mg daily because my chol was 228 (liver functions were all ok). I have been doing that for 6 days and my legs have become very achy, my left knee has swollen above my kneecap (which is very painful), and my lower back hurts. I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping and feel draggy all the time. I got on the net to research these symptoms when I found this site. I am going to go off this med and see if my condition improves! I will post an update as to the results.

I'm a 54y/o female prescribed zocor for slightly elevated cholesterol. Too it for 7 months before I clued in to the cause of my many symptoms. The muscle and joint pain, head fog, blurry vision, weight gain, stomach upset, fatigue, etc... The muscle and joint pain were excruciating at times --especially in my left hip...which had gotten so bad I needed a walking stick for support. Felt like I was 95--and never going to feel normal again!
After reading many postings I decided to stop my zocor 6 weeks ago and am very happy to report an improvement in many of my complaints...although far from where I want to be.
I am curious as to the withdrawal effects others may have experienced. The first week coming off I had stomach aches and I had awful headaches which thankfully did stop. The stomach aches and touchy digestive system still plague me though. Am I the only one experiencing this?....

I was prescribed Zocor for high cholesterol. Almost immediately I began to experience body aches -- some days more severe than others. I would take ibuprofen and it would help. Then, I started getting a pretty strong pain on my hip which radiated down my leg onto my foot. The pain was so severe, even the Motrin 800 mg. pills didn't help it. I am 53 years old, but I felt like a 90 year old. I had problems walking, especially after sitting for an hour or so. I had problems with stairs. Even laying down was painful. I tried heating pads, ointments, etc. When I told my doctor about it, she said that this was a typical side effect of statins, and that because I am diabetic, I need to continue taking Zocor to keep my cholesterol down. Just the other day, I stopped taking Zocor for 3 glorious days and guess what? NO pain!!! I resumed it because my doctor insists that I stay on it, but I wish there was something else I could take that wouldn't cause pain.

Hello Everyone,

I am 33, male, I have been doing sport actively for at least 10 years (swimming and running) and I have been leading a health-conscious diet. I have a hereditary high-cholesterol condition, a type which appears in adulthood (so they say). Since 2004 my blood tests have showed roughly the following results: HDL 1.1, CHL 6.2, LDL 4.1, TRI 4.38 (mmol/L).
I have been taking Zocor 40mg for about less than a month and recently I have been experiencing cramps in my left lower arm, fatigue, itching (this morning for example I was woken by the cramp in my left arm, not nice). I have just read all your posts and have decided to abort my Zocor treatment at once. I have bought Q10 capsules and vitamins and started to drink 4 liters (herb tea) a day. I hope the pain will soon abate because now I have a totally dysfunctional left arm (I can't grasp because of the pain).

I am going to write in a week's time about the de-Zocoring of my body. In the meantime, I wish a speedy recovery to everyone.

Peter

I have been on zocor for over a year, about 8 months ago I began to have pain in my left arm, got and injection and it was better it started again in my left arm , this time there was pain , tingling, numbness, swelling , it got better but it moved to the right arm which is twice as bad, I am often brought to tears from the pain..I sometime describe the pain like shutting your hand in a car door. My Dr keep giving me the same meds.

I have experienced burning in my arms, legs and feet. If you have how long did it take to stop after stopping Zocor? I have been off for 3 weeks and no relief.

I was prescribed Zocor approximately 1 month ago. I began taking the Zocor and immediately on the first night I had slurred speech. It went away after two nights...but I continued to have horrible headaches for about a week. Finally, I thought I was in the clear. After about 3 weeks, I had a little spasms in my left leg...from the foot to the hip. It went away...and a few days later it showed up in my right leg...from my foot to my hip. My right knee is currently on fire...and I can't walk really well. I have a tendency to dray my right leg behind me. It gets better after a period of rest, but as soon as I try to walk...it's back again. I stopped taking Zocor a few days ago, and I see the doctor tomorrow.

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA, I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR, LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF
100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based in part on the clinical findings of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, which he also reported to the FDA:

Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually - those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most ominously - heart failure. In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

I am 31 year old been on zocor for 8 months. Doctror prescribed it for cholesterol was 230. I have had muscle weakness, pain in shoulder, chronic neck pain,anxiety attacks, hives,and uncontrolled itching,and have been put on meds for depression.I am stopping the medication tomorrow thanks for all the posting very enlighting. Will post again in a few months.

I've used the Zocor generic, Simvastatin for approximately 7 months with no problems. Suddenly, I began to experience pain in my muscles and joints. From one day to the next, my body was in excruciating pain especially my knee, I could barely get up from a seated position, and could barely lift my legs to walk. I told the doctor, I felt like a very old person. I am 53 and never had any problem with my knee. The doctor advised me to stop taking the pills. Now, all muscle pain is gone, but the knee pain is still huge problem. I am wondering if this will ever go away or will I be crippled for the rest of my life. Prior to this, my only illness was high blood pressure. I know that my recent problems are from taking Simvastatin.

I'm a 52 year old female and have been taking Zocor for about a year. During the past few months, I've noticed increased muscle pains in my upper legs. It's to the point that I actually hurt when walking, even for short distances. I have also gained about 15 pounds in the past year. It could just be "middle age spread" but I can't help but wonder if this drug is the cause of it. I've also had some visual disturbances in the past month or two, like something that just won't clear out of my eye.....like a film across my eye. Anyone else with similar symptoms? I go back for a physical in a few weeks and am going to ask my MD about another medication. I have genetically elevated cholesterol and low cholesterol diet has not helped previously.

I have been on Zocor for one year. I am a former athlete used to dealing with pain associated with playing and training at a high level. Since using Zocor, my energy level has decreased significantly, very tired, before, during and after workouts. Muscle pain specifically in my neck, back and legs has significantly increased without cause. I have a constant feeling of a stabbing pain in my abdomen, accompanied with nausea, bloating and abdominal gas. After seeing some of the posts on this site, has there been a lot of reporting of abdominal pain? Bloating? Gas?
I too, have had trouble sleeping, accompanied by unexplained itching, and now after seeing these posts probably some mild depression. I believe I've had some short term memory loss - but then I can't really remember - LOL. Is the drug worth it? Physicians all seem to downplay the side effects, justifying the desired lower cholesterol, as more important than the side effects.........is it?
At 46 years old and formerly a competitive athlete at an elite level, I'm wondering if feeling better by NOT taking the drug is better than feeling worse and taking it. My training regimen was very intense prior to starting Zocor - NOW - it seems as if I can't keep up any longer. Any response to these problems would be greatly appreciated.

i was a healthy 35 year old male but had high cholesterol, so the doctor prescribed lovastatin (mevacor) and tried it for a month but developed muscle weakness. months later, i'm still experiencing severe muscle spasms and my neurologist is stumped -- mri's, spinal tap, emg -- all normal. I just want to feel normal again. can anyone help? please email me!

This is my second post on this subject. The short story is I had a stroke at 43 years old, doctor prescribed Zocor to me, 90 percent of side affects posted here.

I went back to the doctors afraid I was going to get the treatment from mmy doctor that most others got "your crazy, and it's psycholog". To my surprise the doctor knew exactly what I was going through with the only information that I was on Zocor.

The doctor was aware of the undocumented side affects and told me stop taking it immediately. She prescribed Lipitor and so far so good.

Most of the side affects have gone, the foggy head totally gone. The doctor said I was lucky to be recovering so quickly as most take months and some times years from the damage of Zocor. The longer you take it the longer the recovery time which makes sense. The doctor said that Zocor is cheap and highly dangerous.

I urge anyone coming across this website to see your doctor for a medication change ASAP.

I will post again in six months and give an update.

Like many posts describing side effects, I was not sure that all the new little health-related issues I've been noticing were connected to taking Zocor. I'm thinking that perhaps my issues are related to the drug, especially since the only other drug I take is Levothyroxine (for hypo-active thyroid). I have been on the generic for two months. (I'm a 39 year old female.)

In the first month, my total cholesterol score was 278. After taking it for one month with no change in diet or physical activity, it reduced to 207. So, the drug does work! Now I need to determine if the cost is worth it.

In the past week, I've noticed several of the side effects listed in some of the posts: sharp pain in knee (feels like there is a paring knife in it!); lower back pain; joints creaking and popping; skin on tips, sides, and underneath of fingers kind of blistering-hardening and peeling off; brain fog in the morning; difficulty maintaining a deep sleep; crazy dreams; general increase in skin blemishes; heartburn; loose bowel movements; and increased sinus congestion.

I`ve been on Simvasatin for years- 10 mg. Secrist at ctcn.net The last 2 months blured vision, nausea, numb foot, hands & chin, burning feeling in legs & bladder. stopped the medicine about 4 days ago, will it ever get back to normal? Arlene

Has anyone been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) after taking Zocor? My mother was just diagnosed and we feel it could be due to the medication. She is/was also taking Toprol.

Everyone should check these web sites to keep themselves sane. I've asked my Doctor about numbness in my arms and hands. I was told that there is no way for it to be from Zocor. The burning pain brought me to tears. I've been on this medication for 8 months and I'm removing myself from this medication. I will advise if and when there is improvement.

I am 27 years old, male, and have had type 1 diabetes since I was 8.

My doctor prescribed Zocor repeatedly in 2007(for high blood pressure) and I was reluctant to taking it because I have no respect for any of the miracle drug companies and feel that they are only looking to make money, not help anyone with their health problems. I finally started taking Zocor (generic) in Nov 2007, then started getting some strange side effects that my doctor never mentioned when I asked him.

My side effects were, but not limited to, muscle pain in the legs and back. I noticed sharp pains in my knee like arthritis and Charlie horses in the calf during time at sleep. I noticed these after about 1 week of taking the drug and lasted through till the end. I stopped taking the drug in Dec 2007 and been off it since. I have yet to talk to my doctor about it, but I talked to his nurse and she recognized the symptoms. I reached my conclusion long before speaking to her however.

Now 2 months have passed since I stopped taking the drug and the pains in my back and legs have disappeared. The arthritis type feeling in the knee has gone away. I have more flexibility and none of the pain that I felt while taking the drug. I am astounded that the clinical trial for this drug doesn't note the muscle pain; at least the notes from trials I found on the internet didn't note it as a side effect.

Is anyone here when referring to Zocor taking the generic or the brand name? I have had trouble with vivid dreams and after several months I am exhausted from this sleep interruptions. I used to take the name brand before they had the generic
and had no problems at all.
The vivid dreams started after taking the generic.
Any responses would be appreciated.

thanks

I can't really say I have anything new to report. I had been taking Lovastatin for maybe a couple of years, first 20 mgs, then 40. I don't remember having any problem with that. Then about 4 months ago my Dr. switched me to Zocor, 80 mgs because my cholesterol was 240. First I started having numbness in my feet and legs, cramps in my feet and Charlie horses at night in my legs. I mentioned it to my Dr. but he just seemed to feel it's part of the aging process and not to worry. Then my knee started hurting so bad I couldn't bend it and could hardly get up and down the stairs. I went in and they said I had arthritis and gave me Nabumetone and Vicodin which I didn't want to take because of the side effects. I finally gave in because the pain was getting worse. I was supposed to take two pills bit I only took one and I only took the Vicodin if I just couldn't stand it any longer. I took the drug for about 3 weeks and I wasn't getting any better. In fact my other leg started hurting, and my elbow and two or three times my lower jaw felt numb and I thought, Oh my God, I'm having a stroke. Anyway by some miracle I found this web site and see that many others are suffering the same symptoms that I'm having. What is wrong with the doctors? I am trusting my Dr. with my life. I'm sure he's heard similar complaints before about these drugs, but he acts like it's no big deal. I told him I don't want to take this anymore and he said well sometimes people do get some muscle pain but you can take a over the counter medication, not sure of the name, CO-2, something like that.
I'm wondering what's happened to the Dr's integrity? Why do they keep pushing these drugs when they know they are harmful? I guess I have to look for another Dr. My Dr. is with Kaiser. I guess they all pedal the same poison. So sad that we are controlled by the drug companies for profit. They are killing us. Look what happened with the HRT drugs. Meanwhile I'm afraid to quit this drug cold turkey since I was on such a high dose so I'm cutting the pills in half, 40 mgs, and then in about 2 weeks I will go to 20 and hopefully by then I will have selected something natural and safe. I am 67 years old. Before this I was active and I used to walk my dog a mile everyday. I can no longer do that. Right now my leg hurts so bad I don't want to take another pill but I'm scared if I quit cold turkey something terrible will happen. It's a holiday...

I have been on Lipitor for several years, but switched to generic Zocor (Simvastatin) for 3-4 weeks because of the high co-pay. I didn't seem to have any bad side effects with Lipitor (or not as bad as Zocor), but have had swollen ankles, sore knees, and difficulty walking for the past couple of weeks--that's why I'm here--to see what others are experiencing.

I was reading the various side effects and I have one more to add. Has anyone experienced vertigo--not dizziness but spinning. It lasts for about 15 seconds and it's enough to scare you to death! I've also noticed that the whites of my eyes turn red.
I've also experienced pain in my legs, heels and knees. It's so difficult to walk that I had cortisone shots in my knees and three series of epidural in my lower back. No doctor ever thinks it could be from medication. I've been on Zocor 10mg for two years
I've gone to more doctors now than I have in all my years. Everyone is a specialist. No one treats you as a whole. Now I have to go to a neurologist for the vertigo.
I'm thinking all this is related to Zocor. The only other medicine I take is Protonix.

I am a 48 year old male. Was placed on Zocor last year. Since the day I was placed on it, I have felt weak, no ambition, no drive, feel like a zombie. I eventually had pain in my legs so severe that I had to take Hydrocodone so I could sleep. The skin on my thumbs and two first fingers peels off. I haven't had a good nights sleep since the second day I was on this crap. I haven't been taking it since June and still have a lot of problems. I still am very weak, no energy, tired all the time, skin is still peeling off my fingers, can't think, can't keep a straight thought. I have pretty severe pain in my hips that started when I was on Zocor. Also, my knees are very weak, and they pop every time I get up. At the time I stopped taking it, I was unable to make it up a flight of stairs.
My doctor constantly denied any link between any of this and the Zocor, but amazingly, after I stopped taking it, some of the symptoms reduced. I still suffer from many.
I was a small business owner with 7 employees and have since lost everything. I have been unable to find a job now for almost a year. The doctors are all "programmed" to think and tell you that these are good for you.

I am male 37 years old. In June 2007, my blood test shows 249 total cholesterol. After that, I was taking super B-complex, fish and flax seeds pills. It went down to 213 total cholesterol (40 HDL, 136 LDL and TRI 176). And I asked my family doctor to give prescription for Zocor(I asked particular drug because I will get good discount rate at my employer's place). he gave me Zocor 20 mg. After taking 1-month medication I felt some inconvenience during sex . You don’t feel it normal. I can’t do much exercise and some times feel depressed. I usually do 1-hour exercise or any form of exercise (Yoga). After Two months I tested my blood cholesterol level. It shows now total cholesterol 181(LDL 93, HDL 42 and TRI 223). And also showed ALT and urine protein little elevated. Now I stopped medication for past two days, feeling better at day time but night I am having weird dreams and indigestion problem. I guess these are withdrawal symptoms. I would go for natural medication like regular exercise, diet (oat meal, high fiber content, less sugar, less white rice). No more Statin drugs. Any one have same problem?

I had Hodgkin’s Disease in 1981 at which time they removed my spleen.
I was given a supply of Erythromycin antibiotics as a prophylactic, as a result of my Splenectomy to counteract any ongoing infections etc. and I have used this now for years, on an as necessary basis rather than continual, with good results.
In 1994 I suffered a Heart Attack and they found my Cholesterol level to be 9.6. I had Angioplasty and a Stent was inserted to hold the artery open.
Following that, I was prescribed Zocor (Simvastatin) to reduce my Cholesterol level.
My eyesight, which has always been very poor as I have Cone Dystrophy, deteriorated over the next three years to a point where I was registered as blind in 1998. The form indicated “Primary loss of central field”.
I suffered various side-effects from the Statin including General Weakness, Panic Attacks and Palpitations. My Cholesterol during this period averaged around 7.
The Doctor changed my Statin to Lipitor (Atorvastatin) in 1998.
In 2000 I complained to the doctor that I had severe muscular problems, to a point where I had to wear knee supports just to climb the stairs. He referred me to the Physiotherapist who manipulated my legs and gave me exercises to help strengthen the muscles. I was unable to walk after that for about 2 weeks!
By sheer fluke, I went on holiday in 2001 and forgot to take my Statins with me. I did not start taking them again straightaway when I returned and I noticed my muscles improving. As I had an appointment with the doctor, I started taking Lipitor again and found that my muscles again deteriorated.
Apart from the muscle issues I experienced lethargy and some digestive problems.
I suspended taking the Statins in October 2001 and my muscles gradually returned.
My Cholesterol crept up to 9.2 and I was referred to the Lipid Clinic at St. Bartholemews Hospital in March 2002.
The specialist there put me on Lescol (Fluvastatin), together with a diet of fruit, beans and chicken.
My muscles continued to return but I suffered from sleeplessness, nightmares and headaches and generally felt unwell. My Cholesterol did, however, reduce to 6.1 and my Triglycerides fell from 14 to 2.3.
In July 02, I stopped taking Lescol (due to erectile dysfunction) and my general well being improved immediately.
I was not prescribed any other Statins at that time and by February 2003 my muscles had returned to almost normal but my Cholesterol had crept up to 8.7.
In February 2003 the Lipid specialist at Barts tried me on Supalip 180 Fenofibrate together with Ezetimibe, due to my intolerance to Statins
On this combination I suffered from fatigue, impotency and again, muscle wastage so I stopped taking any Cholesterol reducing medication for a few months and my Cholesterol rose again to 8.3.
Between May and August 2004 the Clinic tried me on Pravastatin and Ezetimibe but I still suffered from fatigue and impotency and stopped taking any Statins, with my Cholesterol at 7.3 and Triglycerides at around 7. Lipid clinic suggested trying Rosuvastatin (Crestor) but I had had enough by then and thank my good judgment for not taking it, as the side effects are reportedly worse than other Statins.
For the next 3 years, I felt fit and strong with no problems with my muscles nor any sleeplessness, panic attacks etc. In July 2007 my GP took a blood test. My Cholesterol level was 7.4 with Triglycerides at 7.
Over the last few months, I have been taking my glasses off more and more to be able to see more clearly. In the last few weeks the clarity of my vision has improved considerably and I can now see people’s faces and generally much more detail. Red things, like buses and traffic lights are now considerably brighter and I am now able to watch TV from a distance again rather than sitting a foot from the screen. I find I no longer need to wear glasses with a special red tint to improve my vision.
My vision appears to have almost returned to the level it was in 1994 before I had my heart attack and Statin therapy.
I have recently found that one of the side-effects of some Statins is blurring of vision, particulary the statin Zocor, and that this is also a symptom of Rhabdomyolysis which is caused by the taking of Erythromycin with Statins. I do not know what the nature of the blurring is, but nobody has ever mentioned that Statins could affect my eyesight.
Looking back at the timings, I had been on Zocor for 3 years when I was declared blind, and it could be only now that I have been off Statins for 3 years, that my eyes are recovering.
Whilst researching the side-effects of Statins which include, in particular, muscle breakdown and blurred vision, I have found that they should not be taken with Erythromycin!
I believe I suffered blindness, resulting and much discomfort for years as a result of misdiagnosis of the side-effects of the Statins and the prescribing of Statins whilst being prescribed Erythromycin.
I believe that Cholesterol levels in people who have had a Splenectomy are abnormally high and people who have a Splenectomy should be warned to immediately go onto a low fat diet and not have toasted bacon sandwiches on the way to work every morning as I did!
The Lipid Clinic also suggested that my complaints about various side effects were psychosomatic and even told me not to look at the side effects leaflet with the pills, just to give them a try for 6 months..
I recently visited my GP and suggested that the combination of Erythromycin and Statins was the cause of my severe muscle breakdown and eyesight deterioration and questioned whether the Statins should have been prescribed when I was on Erythromycin. He advised that he would not do so, would suspend one or the other, but that they probably knew more now than they did a few years ago.
I just wonder how many other people have been suffering for years, just thinking their health and vision is deteriorating with age, when it is probably the medication they are on!