Statins and dreams : Hi all, I know... - British Heart Fou...

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Statins and dreams

CyclingTime profile image
19 Replies

Hi all,

I know that statins can cause vivid dreams according to the side effects sheet I have with my Lipitor Atorvastatin.

I never used to even notice my dreams until I started with those pills. Luckily my dreams are just vivid and memorable rather than hideous and scary!

My question is do people on the other versions of statins also get the same effect or is there a statin version that doesn't have the same side effects??

Thanks in advance

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CyclingTime
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19 Replies
Hrty profile image
Hrty

I've had the most vivid and often bizarre dreams since starting Atorvastatin back in November last year. Not scary but incredibly odd. Just switched to Rosuvastatin so will be interesting to see if they continue.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to Hrty

Yeah sounds like the same type of dreams I am having! Be great if you could let me know how you get on with the new ones

High_fives profile image
High_fives

I didn't know dreams were a possible side effect until now....

I started taking Rosuvastatin just two weeks ago and since then I've realised I dream alot more, not scary, just I never thought about or really remembered dreams until these past few days, not unpleasant tbh but maybe related to the statin

Thanks

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to High_fives

Yes sounds like you are getting exactly the same type of dreams as me, sounds like the different statins have the same side effect

Jaycey profile image
Jaycey

I am on Atorvastatin and take it in the morning due to side effects that were keeping me awake. The pharmacist said it is fine to take this statin at that time. Worked great for me - no more sleepless nights.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to Jaycey

That's interesting, when I was initially prescribed them my doctor said to take as late as possible at night so I will check that option out. Thanks

Jaycey profile image
Jaycey

Apparently Atorvastatin is the only statin that is not time sensitive. Ask your pharmacist.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to Jaycey

This is on the NHS Site, so I will be having a chat. Thanks!!

You can choose to take it at any time, as long as you stick to the same time every day. This prevents your blood levels from becoming too high or too low.

Sometimes doctors may recommend taking it in the evening. This is because your body makes most cholesterol at night. If you're not sure when to take your medicine, ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice.

VickyHK72 profile image
VickyHK72

your post could have been written by me! My husband glazes over when I start saying ‘I had the weirdest dream last night’ because he’s fed up of hearing about them! I’ve had one recently where a bat roosted in my mouth, one with a talking bear, one where I was kidnapped which was terrifying….I could go on! They are all extremely vivid and it takes me some time in the morning to get over whatever dream I had during the night. Sometimes they wake me up because they are so frightening/real. So I can definitely sympathise. I take 40mg atorvastatin, I’ve been seriously considering asking the gp if I can try a different statin as the dreams can be so disturbing and upsetting, but it seems like a trivial reason.

Davey77 profile image
Davey77

I thought I'd always dreamt a lot and never gave a thought to Statins being a factor. If it is, I'm sorry I resisted them for so long as I really enjoy my dreams.

I think in my case there are other factors, like the "Space Deck" mindfulness sound I use to send me off to sleep, but some of my most vivid dreams are as I'm waking up. I can hit the Sleep button on the alarm and go back into a dream.

I take Atorvastatin in the early evening, when I settle down with water and some grapes at the end of the day, simply because I keep them next to my chair.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

I've always had vivid dreams when I ever get to sleep so I haven't noticed any difference. Maybe it is a timing thing , although I take Crestor in the evening , I am an insomniac and seldom sleep until after 4am so that might be the reason why it isn't changing things for me.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

I have simvastatin and never remember any dreams

cocobearbhf profile image
cocobearbhf

ditto to above to an extent.

Really vivid dreams. Every single night.

Initially, they were horrific. Really bad nightmares. Dr suggested changing the times of my Bisoporol to earlier in the evening so it got into my system before taking the statin (I was taking them together last thing at night).

That has worked to an extent in that the dreams are now just vivid and ‘odd’ vs horrific. So, a step forward at least!

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime

Looks like we are all living the dream 😁. Thanks everyone I think there is enough information there for me to do some digging with the doctor

cateblanchett profile image
cateblanchett

I don’t know if this is a side effect of atorvastin or not, but it is along the lines of vivid dreams etc reported here by other posters. Since I started taking it, when I wake up and open my eyes there appears to be someone leaning over me very close to my face. It can be a man or a woman. Fortunately it only lasts about a second and then disappears. But the other night I saw a man run past the end of my bed. It was so realistic I got up and checked the house for an intruder.

I’m glad that others have reported about their dreams. It gives me confidence my experiences are due to the drug. Was startled at first but now used to it. 🤗

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to cateblanchett

Wow that would freak me out, so glad you have learned to cope with it!

cateblanchett profile image
cateblanchett

Thank you for your supportive reply. I realised after posting that people might think me crazy (grin). Since no one reported the same reactions as mine it led me to google. Apparently statins are also known to cause hallucinations ! My post might help others to be reassured about it if they have the same experience.

When I was in hospital because of a nstemi I had very complex hallucinations. The doctors/nurses told me it was caused by the medications. Maybe I’m especially sensitive to this.

cateblanchett profile image
cateblanchett in reply to cateblanchett

If anyone is interested just found out that my hallucinationa are Hypnopompic Hallucinations. They are benign and occur when waking up.

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime in reply to cateblanchett

Cracking name!! Hypnopompic!!

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