Lipitor

I took Lipitor for about 8 yrs. No problems until the last 6 months or so. I started getting severe charley horses in my right leg. I asked the doctor about my cholesterol levels and he said they were fine. I asked to be taken off the medication knowing this was one of the side effects. Since doing so, no more leg cramps. I now watch what I eat to keep my levels normal.

I guess what I am trying to say is to know the side effects and keep a watch for them. Tell the doctor if you feel you are having any.

Good luck, Judi

Thank you!

Sheila, I took lipitor for five years when I first began to deal with high cholesterol treatment. I began to have serious muscle cramping and it was a side affect from that drug… my doctor switched me to crestor with a lower dose and for two years, great, no muscle cramps… then I started having severe muscle weakness but it turned out be a criticle shortage of vitamin D3. I was given mega dose of D3 for five months to rebuild the level to normal, and I continue to do maintenance dosages. You're right there is a lot of controversy about statin drugs… I too wonder if they are really necessary… maybe they are, or maybe not… but I know that taking them did me more good than not while my levels were sky roketing and out of control… My cholesterol levels are closer to normal now, with slightly elevated triglycerides, and I continue to work with my doctor on getting those down… I don't know the answers, and evidently no one else does either… we're all trying to figure it out I guess… I've read conflicting reports about this issue… I'm scrathing my head a lot in total confusion too… but meantime, I am choosing to continue taking crestor, just a lower dose as I keep getting the levels down… My experience is that exercise is a main factor in lowering mine, but there have been times that for one reason or another I simply could not get out of my sedentary routines… that is a bummer…feels like the bottom falls out of our life.. and there's only frustration in the climb out of the bog… All I can say is that if you continue to work with your doctor, and pay attention to your symptoms, and listen to your gut level intuition about things, you'll probably make the right choices for you… I've made some good progress, but I admit, it has been a grueling up hill climb at times… but I do savore those occassional small victories.. we all do… hang in there and keep fighting for your health…hugs

I've been taking lipitor and will be going to the dr this afternoon to find out how it's working. Will let you know.

Great thanks

My dr said my cholestrol numbers were still high, but we are working on lowering them. However, as far as affecting the bs levels, she stated that with me, that is not in question. That we need to work on getting my thyroid numbers in order, which are back in order, and then get the cholesterol numbers straight. She really didn't say that there was a direct connection between the cholesterol numbers and bs numbers. She said it could be a mixture of what other medical problems and medicines that you take. Sorry, I know that this does not seem to be of much help.

I also have a thyroid problem but he don't mention that…hmmm I dunno on the sheet where to find that reading if its here. hmmm Thanks!! Shela

As I stated, my doctor seemed to infer that the thyroid, along with the cholestrol, and diabeties combined were all inter-related. She seemed more concerned about getting the cholesterol and thyroid numbers in check. However, my bs numbers have been good, so maybe that is why she didn't seem so concerned. At least I asked. I don't know what else to tell you. Maybe at your next appt. you should ask your dr. whether or not your thyroid has anything to do with your bs levels.

Yeah, ty…I just the next appt is scheduled to see IF my levels lowered due to the Lipitor he raised, cuz I have blood work RIGHT before that week. But I have been taking it, though having rough time sleeping due to pain. So dunno if I can continue…I am trying though. And when I see him I will tell him I really don't like it. We'll see. Thank you though. Sheila

Yeah, ty…I just the next appt is scheduled to see IF my levels lowered due to the Lipitor he raised, cuz I have blood work RIGHT before that week. But I have been taking it, though having rough time sleeping due to pain. So dunno if I can continue…I am trying though. And when I see him I will tell him I really don't like it. We'll see. Thank you though. Sheila

Sheila, I was on lipitor first, and it was a terrible experience. I got muscle weakness like crazy, and sick to my stomach continually… I simply couldn't tolerate it. My doctor switched me to Crestor and I haven't had those problems. Crestor wasn't on the HMO approved list, so he had to get authrorization for approval. The only thing HMO requires is that you use one of their medications on the list first… So, maybe trying a different statin will be helpful… lipitor is famous for weakening muscle… take care friend, Jocelyn

Well I called and they told me to break the pill in half…which was what I was on…before I knew the side effects too…and I have been having bad times..anyhow I still have not taking it. I will go to my next appt. with sky high readings I don't care…I refuse to take it. See, I am currently in between getting a new pain clinic so off my pain meds…thats why I feel this so much now. Anyhow..thanks!! Sheila Oh, I am another one…errr I am blank what the heck is it OH YEAH.. doh!! Tricor. lol Blank moment, old age hitting me or something. I am still taking that one. Sheila

they told me to break it in half too, and I said, why, so I can be half and sick…??? no thanks… it isn't working and I'm done with it… geez… hope you get some satisfaction soon… hugs, Jocelyn

What are your cholesterol numbers?

Cholesterol 211
Triglycerides 287

But what's the breakdown? LDL, HDL, VLDL, etc. It could make a big difference.

LDL 141
HDL 41
I don't understand reading my numbers yet sorry, is this whatcha lookin for? Sheila