Statins - effects on RLS

[H12X]

It has been a couple of years since I posted on this wonderful site, you have taught me so much.

I have refractory RLS controlled with Temgesic for the last 3 years. My doctors surgery has just put me on statins and RLS has begun to creep into my life again. Would anyone be able to confirm that the statins are causing this?

My surgery simply does not understand RLS, therefore I am medicated by a wonderful doctor at Papworth Hospital who listened to my research from America.

I read all the postings from you wonderful people, only an RLS sufferer could write such articles, they are always so helpful and mean so much to us.

[SueJohnson]

Yes statins make RLS worse. Nexlizet (Nustendi (UK) is a cholesterol lowering drug that is not a statin, but I don’t know if it exacerbates RLS symptoms. Ezetimibe (Zetia) - reduces cholesterol although It doesn't reduce cholesterol as fast as the statins, but according to Chris Columbus it didn't trigger his RLS and then there is Triglide which seems safe. You might want to discuss these with your doctor. A more difficult way to reduce cholesterol is to go vegan. My husband lowered his cholesterol from 221 to 131 this way.

[H12X in reply to SueJohnson]

Many thanks for that info Sue. Thinking about going vegan!

[50568789]

After years of refusing statins I was recommended by my cardiologist this year to take on Avorstatin at 80mg daily. Lo and behold at my recent blood test, cholesterol levels are fine, however RLS had been worsening. As a trial, agreed with GP to reduce statin to 40mg, while also switching Tamsulosin to morning instead of evening. RLS now minimal. Whichever was the guilty party, or both, don't care as long as RLS stays dormant.

[H12X in reply to 50568789]

I so agree - RLS rules my life, albeit Temgesic has given me some relief. I would do anything to stop RLS so I’m inclined to stop statins for a while then ask my surgery for an alternative once life has settled down.

[50568789 in reply to H12X]

I read on here about vibration therapy and thought maybe nothing to lose to try an alternative. Bought a Therapulse online for about £40. Strap it round your leg and let it work. Yes, I was sceptical but it's now part of my arsenal, there in the background to fight the demon when required.

[SueJohnson in reply to H12X]

Nexlizet (Nustendi (UK) is a cholesterol lowering drug that is not a statin, but I don’t know if it exacerbates RLS symptoms. Ezetimibe (Zetia) - reduces cholesterol although It doesn't reduce cholesterol as fast as the statins, but according to Chris Columbus it didn't trigger his RLS and then there is Triglide which seems safe. You might want to discuss these with your doctor. A more difficult way to reduce cholesterol is to go vegan. My husband lowered his cholesterol from 221 to 131 this way.

[H12X in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you. I could easily go vegan, it’s been in my mind for some time.