Hi folks, my GP has suggested taking a holiday from taking atorvastatin 80mg for a few days when I want to be a bit more active or alert, such as a holiday in a few weeks. I’m post HA, four stents, ongoing MVA, and all the other usual drugs. I am exceptionally tired, with low energy, low concentration etc.
Cholesterol is right down now to 2.1, but I’m not landing on stopping them long term.
What do people here think?
Hello - I found it difficult to tolerate 80mg atorvastatin even though I persisted with it for months knowing it was the 'gold standard treatment post HA'
I felt they gave me stomach bloating and episodes of diarrhoea. The cardio Registrar suggested trying 40mg dose which the Pharmacist at my GP practice told me was still a very effective dose and associated with fewer side effects. Within a few days of reducing the dose I felt great and remain on 40mg. My latest cholesterol is 2.8 with good ratio. Pharmacist also told me some people take atorvastatin 2 or 3 times a week rather than stop taking it and as it has a long half life in system and it can still be effective. Usual caveat applies consult GP again rather than taking things into your own hands. Of course when on a cocktail of drugs it can be tricky establishing which one is causing you the problem. Lack of alertness could also be attributed to a beta blocker if you are taking one. Enjoy your hol
I would agree a half portion would probably be just as effective.
I managed to have my atorvastatin reduced to 20mg from 40mg as muscle pain was interfering with exercise. GP was not keen but agreed in the end. Several people in my stage 4 cardiac rehab class completely stopped their statins.
I personally think a reduced dose would be a better way than either taking a "holiday" or missing days.
Messages here on peoples personal experiences of symptoms, drugs etc, are, of course hugely valuable. But the professional staff here, or your GP are the ones for day to day professional opinion and advice, not members.
Thanks for comments, but keep them coming.
Should add, I have no intention of stopping or reducing. I’ve done the reading, and the reading behind the reading, and statins are worth the price for me. (And don’t get me started in the political and financial motivation behind the press coverage).
However, my GP describes them as a “ten year drug”, and a week off to regain some energy, especially while I’m struggling with other drugs, might be helpful or kind thing.
After my bypass the cardio nurses wanted to increase my statin from 20mg to 80mg as is always done. I resisted this and had a blood test that showed my levels had reduced from 6.7 to 3.1, so they kept it at 20mg, which was fine with side effects. Maybe you could reduce your dosage, or change type? I think the professional may be hung up on the higher dosages as they think it works better. Best of luck x
Your cholesterol is now extremely low. Please look more into statins and what they do to us and also how cholesterol isn’t the cause of heart disease. This is why so many people are stopping statins now. They are finding healthy ways to lower triglycerides and CRP which are the important levels to watch.
I've been suffering from much increased pain from an existing spinal condition and decided to see whether the statins were making it worse. I worked out the half life of my tablets and how long it would take to get out of my system and I stopped them for that time plus a day. My GP was quite happy for me to do that because statins work long term rather than just in a few days. I had 3 days gloriously free from pain but it all came back so I restarted them. A few days off isn't going to make any difference to your cholesterol levels if they cause pain but I doubt they would be the cause of your tiredness and lack of energy.
Cant beat a bit of self medication, but be careful and try and get your GP or other health professional advise first. I'm still struggling with meds 8 months post HA.
My GP agreed I could cut my atorvastatin 80mg in half and try it for a few weeks. That was 3 months ago and it has improved my feeling of tiredness, muscle aches etc, but not this terrible taste and gasping for the odd breath. Next order for atorvastatin will be 40gr.
I also tried cutting my Ramipril in half, after 6 days, I felt terrible and went back up to full strength twice a day, which 2.5 morning, 2.5 at night. Next step try cutting back on the bisoprolol, and see what happens, as that's also 2.5 twice a day.
I'm convinced its the bisoprolol making me feel like crap and giving me this horrible taste and the odd gasp for breath. I will consult me GP again by email to keep her in the loop.
If it doesn't work I will request a change of pill Bisoprolol to another make, then start all over again. until I get sorted. You just have to preserver with it, its not easy to sort.
Holiday enjoyment ..
statin side effects
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Holiday 
Statin Saga Continues
