
How To Deal With The Side Effects Of Statins?

Question: I've been taking statins since the late 90s. I learned in the last few months that they were the cause of my sore joint and muscles. I switched to a diff statin a couple months ago while at a funeral in the Midwest
and had new and diff aches and even painful back spasms last week. I had quit taking them for a few days and felt great so tried again but split the pills in half but miserable the next morn. can I just quit them? My regular doctor moved and I haven't replaced him since my medicare doesn't start till 6-1 and I've been at our winter house for 6 months. Just worried about stopping but can't take the painful side effects anymore.
and had new and diff aches and even painful back spasms last week. I had quit taking them for a few days and felt great so tried again but split the pills in half but miserable the next morn. can I just quit them? My regular doctor moved and I haven't replaced him since my medicare doesn't start till 6-1 and I've been at our winter house for 6 months. Just worried about stopping but can't take the painful side effects anymore.
Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Statins are prescribed for dyslipidemia as they cause atherosclerosis and results in cardiac or neurological illness.
The diet modification and drugs are given to reach target levels. If the cholesterol and Ldl are under range and no other risk factors then it can be stopped with advice from physician.
What was the indication for starting Statins.
In some patients statin related myopathy of other side effects can occur.
Rosuvastatin can be tried.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Take treatment as advised
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Statins are prescribed for dyslipidemia as they cause atherosclerosis and results in cardiac or neurological illness.
The diet modification and drugs are given to reach target levels. If the cholesterol and Ldl are under range and no other risk factors then it can be stopped with advice from physician.
What was the indication for starting Statins.
In some patients statin related myopathy of other side effects can occur.
Rosuvastatin can be tried.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D


In the 90s I had high cholesterol and smoked and drank quite a bit so a doctor golfing buddy put me on statins. I've had readings in the 140s the last many yrs and quit the hard liquor and smoking in the last yr although I had cut back on smoking for the last many yrs. I've had my blood pressure checked a couple times the last few months and surprised how my changed habits have affected it. I used to be 150+ over 82. I've been 113 over 73 and 132 over 75 the last two times checked. I've just heard you shouldn't just stop taking the statins but I'm tired of their side affects and feeling lousy.
Brief Answer:
Avoid stopping Statins, change if required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Stopping Statins may lead to rise in cholesterol levels and will be harmful.
You can either change the group of statin for side effects or monitor regularly levels if you stop it.
Get a recent report done and consult physician.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Avoid stopping Statins, change if required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Stopping Statins may lead to rise in cholesterol levels and will be harmful.
You can either change the group of statin for side effects or monitor regularly levels if you stop it.
Get a recent report done and consult physician.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina

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