Insomnia/fatigue

I have been taking simvastatin 40mg tablets for the past 5 years. I am 53 years old, a bit over weight but not obese.
I am a HGV lorry driver working long unsociable hours for the past 30 years without any health problems, until 3 years ago. 1/ I was referred to a consultant after suffering severe pains in my knees, I was diagnosed with arthritis as being the cause.
2/ I was referred to a consultant after suffering severe elbow, arm and neck pain, again the diagnosis was arthritis/tennis elbow. 3/ 12 months ago i was referred to a sleep clinic. Has i was having problems sleeping couldnt sleep for more than 3 hours even after doing a 15 hour shift, this lead to daytime fatigue i felt like i was dragging a ships anchor behind me all day. Got really concerned about my ability to cope with driving all day.I was then diagnosed with sleep apnea. I then spent 6 months off work sick as my driving license was under review.
After 7 months of therapy for sleep apnea i had seen no improvement to my condition. Then in march this year i went on holidays for 3 weeks decided not to take my CPAP therapy with me, also forgot to pack my simvastatins. After 3 days without therapy or statins i started to sleep for 8 hours a night and have continued to do so. I have now been off simvastatin for 1 month and no longer suffer from sleepless nights or daytime fatigue, and no longer need to use CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This drug robbed me of 3 years of my life.
I no longer suffer with knee/arm or neck pain.
Be very careful if taking statins, They have many side effects that go undetected by doctors.

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Wow, it is a shame to read of what you've been through, but unfortunately you aren't the first person and will not be the last to experience such issues from a medication.

Many people go through this, especially with Statin medications and most doctors aren't really aware of all the possible side effects, so they don't recognize them.

Learn more Simvastatin details here.

I am very glad you figured it out and solved the problem. How are things going with getting your license back?

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Hi
I am now back in work working 12/13 hour shifts with no problems, my license will be reviewed in december when i will have to have a medical. I have an appointment in the sleep clinic in september. hopefully i can convince them that ther diagnosis was wrong, and my sleep disorder was a result of statins. Then hopefully DVLA will be happy to let me continue to drive without any restrictions.

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