Withdrawal Symptoms Lipitor (Page 2) (Top voted first)

How long before muscle aches and weakness subside after discontinuing Lipitor

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I've been (cold turkey) off of 80mg Atorvastatin for about 1 month after taking it for years. On day two I felt out of sorts. That was the only withdrawal 'symptom' I experienced. It was the Grain Brain book that finally motivated me to quit. I am 75, I would much rather die from things coronary than from Alzheimers, for sure! I am eating full fat everything, frying in lard and in butter. My GP will pee his pants next time I see him. I feel really good - been on low fat/cholesterol diet since 1962 when such a thing was really a challenge! What a delightful change this is!!

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I forgot to take my lipator last night is it safe to take it now it's 330 pm the following day

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Not everyone gets the same withdrawal sides effects. Some people can get off without a problem. If you stop cold turkey u will get more withdrawal sides effects. You have to wean off them slowly if your side affects are bad. Cut your dose in half for a week or ten day. Then try taking the half dose every other day for a week or two. Then every 3 days and so on as to how u feel. If your taking 40mg of Lipitor go to 20mg then to 10mg and even 5mg and then every second day and so on. This may help but I don't know for sure, Any strong drug I think you should wean off of, unless your doctor tells you different. Make sure your doctor knows what your doing and how your feeling.

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No one should be taking statin drugs, they are so harmful. They cause muscle wasting and your heart is a muscle. They cause heart failure (classified differently from heart disease). They cause dementia. Doctors believe the drug reps, and drug companies fund their own studies & they also fund the FDA. Doctors do not get to read the research that proves these statements because the journals that would publish them are also funded in part by drug companies. Go to Youtube and search "the cholesterol myth" and search "Lipitor side-effects." Do not let your doctor tell you it's all in your head, it is not. And if we don't tell them what we learn Your children will end up on these dangerous drugs. And please...spread the word.

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I had been on 80mg of Lipitor for 20 years. Six months ago started having joint pain ( ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders ) three to four months ago started having bad muscle pain and cramps in thighs, calves and feet. I have been losing weight although my appetite has not diminished and still eat like I always have. Four days ago was walking up stairs at work and thighs got so tight I couldn't lift my legs to take another step. After about fifteen minutes was finally able to walk back down. Went to my doctor the next day. He took all kinds of blood for tests. Results came back with very elevated muscle enzymes and vitamin D deficiency. He told me to stop the Lipitor immediately and if the pain goes away it was the Lipitor if not something more serious. I have been off for three days now and hurt as bad or worse than before. So far not experiencing any withdraw symptoms but am afraid of permanent muscle loss and joint issues. I go back in two weeks for follow up visit and if pain still lingers more testing for other causes. I wonder if the Lipitor can cause other problems he mentioned such as Lupus or Fibromyalgia. I guess time will tell. Good luck to those who are affected.

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REad the recently released book "Grain Brain." You'll be amazed. Based on it and personal knowledge, I quit statins after being on them for over 30 years. Now I eat saturated fats like they're going out of style, and feel great! Grain Brain hint: having a high cholesterol level is protective against Alzheimers! The drive to attain low cholesterol levels is what has driven the surge in Alzheimers.

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Me again. I'm off 80mg lipitor (atorvastatin) for 2 months now. I quit taking it based on the book "Grain Brain" which for statin users, should be required reading. It will open your eyes! Some years ago I learned that statins shut down the body's production of coenzyme Q-10. It is the lack of this enzyme that causes the aches and pains in the muscles. I've been taking Q10 for a decade, and had minimal muscular pain during that time, plus the withdrawal from statin use was less nerve-wracking. Anectodally, I suggest that those of you having withdrawal problems, start taking Q10 for a few weeks. See if that helps you.

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Hello everyone, I know how difficult it is to be in pain everyday; that's my life since the 7th August 2002. This would be a bit lengthy but I'm willing to let everyone know what Lipitor was doing to me. It would take hours before I can complete and submit this article because I can't sit for lengthy periods so I'd have to do it little at a time. I'd like you all to know the reason I didn't think it could've been the Lipitor that was making my hip and legs hurt.

I'm 59 years old and I was born with a curved spine (Scoliosis) which never really bothered me. But in 2002 when I was 47 my husband physically abused me and that really damaged my back. My doctor prescribed pain medications and I also took physiotherapy. My shoulder pains disappeared completely after couple months of therapy but my back still hurts to this very day.
The next year 2003, I did my medical and my LDL Cholesterol was high; my doctor prescribed 10mg Lipitor. By this time my pain was getting worse and progressing each year. I thought that it was my back pain worsening, I didn't realised the Lipitor was the culprit. I went to a spine specialist who said that I had Sciatica and he'd have to give me couple inj's. on my spine. I'd have to get it few times per month, for couple of months or maybe years; it may or may not help. I didn't do as he suggested because after what he said and few of his patients said at his clinic I wasn't comfortable to take that step. According to a lady who was in pain, she said that she had been taking the inj's. for 5 months and her pain hadn't eased at all.

Every time I would visit my family doctor I'd tell him that my pain is getting worse and now it wasn't just my back but also my hip and straight down to my ankles. He said that I had arthritis and it was a sign of old age combined; I was 50 at the time. After 8 years my pain was driving me crazy and in 2013, I was very scared as now I couldn't raise both my arms. I could not have dressed myself, shaved under my arms or even combed my hair and I live alone. I used to pray like I've never prayed before also I'd cried myself to sleep.

Then one night I had a dream; my deceased dad asking me why I was taking that tablet. I asked him which tablet he was talking about and he specifically said THAT LIPITOR! I woke from my sleep, jumped out bed and immediately googled Lipitor. I was scared and shocked but relieved to know what was causing most of my pains when I read the reviews on Lipitor. I searched many sites to find out about Lipitor and its side effects. Then I began researching all my prescribed medications and vitamins from that day. Thank God for the computerized world we are in today and you wonderful people; God bless you all!

I didn't go back to sleep because the morning caught me at my computer. I had breakfast and went to my family doctor. I told him that I didn't want Lipitor anymore and he said that I'd have to take it or else I may suffer a heart attack or stroke. I said "nope I'm not taking Lipitor and I don't care if I get a stroke or heart attack. Of course it wouldn't be nice but it's way better than having both hands and they're useless". He then asked how I knew it was the Lipitor and I told him my dream. He said ok don't take it for three months and we'll see what happens. I stopped the Lipitor cold turkey and never had any problems.

Within 8 months of stopping Lipitor my hip pain is almost gone, I don't have the ankle pain anymore and I could use both my arms again; thank God! When I went to my doctor I raised my both arms and asked him where's the arthritis and the old age and then said, I'm sure that people gets older not younger; he only smiled. I was already taking 120mg CO Q10 for couple years since my first family doctor told me that it would help me as I'm taking a Statin. So when I stopped the Lipitor I thought to myself that I should double the dose of CO Q10. Instead I more than doubled; I took 400mg and I continued to this day.

After three months of stopping Lipitor I had my blood test done and my doctor prescribed Ezetrol because my LDL Cholesterol was high. I "think" that the Ezetrol is working without any problems but I'm keeping a watchful eye for any signs of problems. It's over a year since I'm on Ezetrol and I do pray that I get no problems with it. Lipitor did not agree with me but I know few people who takes it and says that they've no problems whatsoever.

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I stopped taking Lipitor and in 3 months my LDL levels tripled (41-121) and total cholesterol went up 50% (140-220) I had some left over pills and started taking the stuff again today (see my doctor in a week but the readings scared the devil out of me)

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Yes, the Lipitor caused incredible muscle aches. Since my GP prescribed it, when I saw the cardiologist, she suggested I cut the pills in half. The pain wasn't as severe. HOWEVER, after 2 years on Lipitor (and diet modifications), I have found that my HDL is NOT going up, my LDL is NOT going down and my blood sugar is skyrocketing ( not that either doctor has said anything about possible Type II Diabetes!!) PLEASE RESEARCH FOR YOURSELF... Lipitor has recently been found to be the leading cause of adult-onset Type II Diabetes!!!! Take Care in getting off this Beast!! Cut your doses slowly...withdrawal is not pleasant! (Has anyone out there experienced Chest Pain as a result??.. just diagnosed as pericarditis FYI..I still think it's Lipitor withdrawal!)

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I also have been a generic version of lipitor for about 10 years and have had many side effects its been a long road of aches and pains. I just convinced myself it was this or that, but have always told my doctors of my concerns.I have experienced memory loss, cognitive problems and a word recall issues. I was convinced it was my medicine for my seizures, so I had my neurologist change my prescription from topramax to lamictal and nothing changed. I also have kept my primary care physician updated on all my medical problems. They both just listen but are not admitting it could be my medicine. The pain issues have moved from one body area to another, currently I am having feet pain I have purchased new shoes and have had no relief. I am running out of body parts to have pain inflicted on so I will see a podiatrist as a last resort. I finally have taken myself of the advorstatin and have started to take baby aspirin, I am due to get a physical soon so I will definitely make a decision about what to do. If my cholesterol is improved I am thinking that's it for me. I am annoyed at my doctors neglect to ignore such obvious symptoms.

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I just went off of Lipitor four days ago. I am very light headed and dizzy now. Is this a side effect of not taking the Lipitor?

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I was taking 40 mg of Lipitor for about a month and my calves and feet were cramping so badly on Lipitor that I stopped taking it about a week ago to see if that was causing it and the cramping stopped immediately, but I began to feel dizzy, lightheaded and very tired yesterday and last night, felt it on and off today. The hard cramps stopped, but my legs still ache some and feel tired. I have noticed that my ability to concentrate while reading is terrible. I have to keep reading the same thing over and over and it won't soak in. I have also noticed the noun deficit thing. I sure hope that these withdrawal symptoms go away. I am glad I found this website because I thought I was going to die. I have hope now that the symptoms will improve. I haven't told my doctor yet that I quit taking Lipitor, but I will. I am not taking any more statins.

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Give it at least a month. I was in horrible muscle pain. Not joint pain. Felt like I ran a marathon after no exercise. I could hardly walk up stairs. So sore. Very weak. I lost so much muscle strength. I could bare hold a full pot of coffee. After a month the pain was gone. Never taking this poison again. I feel normal. Got my muscle strength back after stopping this med. I took it 17 years.

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What your doing is courageous. Due your research on line. I just found a huge amount of info on "you tube" films. Try "iheahthtube" search for Stratton nation & There is a guy who pops up as an ex big pharmacy drug dealer that now uses his education for naturally occurring Med's to heal. Can't renege his name but a young guy very learned. Good luck.

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I have been off generic Lipitor for about one month after taking 10gr daily for about three months. By cutting them in half for two weeks, then taking half every other day, I did not have a lot of withdrawal problems. The itching, joint pain, bloating, diarrhea, and gas finally have gone away. Also I am sleeping better. One lingering problem is the stuffy nose and phlem in back of throat. It had been causing a cough which is a bit better now. I have not been back to share all of this ... yet. When I do, I'll also share a written account of these side effects, how I weaned myself off generic Lipitor, and the result. I did begin CoQ10 as a precaution. Thanks so much for all of you who shared your trials - it really helped me!

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In 2007 was put on Vytorin - had muscle weakness (legs and arms feeling numb, falling easily, loss of balance, extreme tiredness, foggy thinking, rashes, depression. At start of January 2008, went off Vytorin and by 1st of February 2008, no longer had symptons. January 2014, an ENT insisted I go on 10mg of Lipitor or risk a STROKE or HEART ATTACK soon. I had sworn I WOULD NOT EVER take a statin again, but relented. On 6/30/14, told my Primary Doc that I was going off because having same symptons as in 2007. I had to agree to a waiver that he did not agree with me, so I did. In less than a week, pain in legs, arms, rashes and r.foot/ankle swelling GONE! So, in my body, the statins cause the problems - take away and problems stop. I'm going back to Gemfibrosil that I used between 2008 and 2014. It lowers my tri-glycerides even below 50. Good Cholesterol is OK, but LDL is a little high, but it's always been since I was 50 (now 82) - The triglycerides are most important in my body - if they're low, I have energy and good outlook on life.

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I'm finally symptom free! It took 3 months after stopping Lipitor. I'm due for more blood work for cholesterol levels. My doctor told me if my levels are still high he wants to try me on another statin. He said he has patients who can't tolerate one kind of statin but can tolerate a different one. His wife is one of them. I'm very reluctant to try another one but heart problems are an issue in my family and I have to find a way to address cholesterol issues.

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Thanks to everyone who bothered to write in. I almost didn't. My depression and low self-esteem (possibly a result of 14 years of Lipitor?) ,,, Just about talked me out of it. I have gradually grown weaker over the last few years,, and muscle mass has declined alarmingly. Muscles and joints have been giving some pain and very unpredictable weakness. Eg: two days ago I squatted to lift a fairly light box,, on the way up, my knee "popped" and I've been limping and trying to not put weight on it.
I have been telling myself that it's just that I'm getting older (I am 65) . Now I'm not so sure. Maybe it's the Lipitor. I've only been taking 10mg... But still.

And I've had 3 heart attacks... the first was 15 years ago, that's when I was first given Lipitor. Did it help? Who knows... But 5 years later, another heart attack, and more stents. And I didn't question the need for Lipitor,,, my dad took it for 40 years and lived to be 86,, then, 5 years later another heart attack- quadruple bypass surgery... and, of course I continued my Lipitor.. why? Because someone told me to. My doctor. Who probably has no idea of these negative conversations and considerations.

Who knew that cholesterol was anything but BAD!!!! No one bothered to tell me how many ways out bodies rely on cholesterol. Well. I am going off Lipitor. I think there are many many things I can do about my cholesterol... if I even have "bad" cholesterol. I'll get bodywork done right away and keep track of my symptoms. Recently my depression has been so deep I could willingly die... Lipitor the culprit? Don't know. Muscle wasting? Low energy? I'll check in here in a few weeks. Zenja

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Zenja - Depression is a very real side effect of statins. I'm so sorry that you have suffered so badly. I was only on them for about 2-3 yrs and cannot believe how they made me feel like I was aging at the speed of lightning. I am 65 and thought there is now way I will be able to do my yard work etc., let alone be able to travel anywhere after I retire. Since I have been off them for about 4 months now, I feel 100% better. I'm able to mow my very large yard without taking any breaks, I can walk up stairs again without feeling like I am going to die. Good luck to you! Keep us posted.

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