Atorvastatin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Brand names: Lipitor, Atorvaliq
Atorvastatin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 10 from a total of 291 reviews on Drugs.com. 29% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 56% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Atorvastatin
- Finos...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 28, 2021
For High Cholesterol "I was prescribed 10 mg and started having leg, heel, hip, and shoulder pain. My doctor lowered it to 5 mg but I still have pain. My legs and hips hurt when I sleep. I’ve taken 2 other statins before this one and had problems with those also. While on one statin, I couldn’t even climb a chair. My legs were so weak. I stopped taking the atorvastatin but I wonder how long it takes to get out of your system. I’m looking forward to feeling better again!"
- nana
- October 3, 2013
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "My cardiologist took me off Lipitor 2 weeks ago. My cholesterol is great after being on a low-carb diet. Previously, my body was covered in bruises at all times, which I had attributed to other medicines (Plavix and aspirin). I just realized I am bruise-free for the first time in over a year. Conclusion: it was the Lipitor causing the problem."
Frequently asked questions
- Can you use limes or lime juice while taking statin drugs (i.e. atorvastatin)?
- Do I need to eat food when taking atorvastatin?
- What are the side effects of statins?
- How long does atorvastatin stay in the system after stopping the drug?
- Tjano
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 27, 2019
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "Worst side effects I could imagine. The pelvic and leg pain was so bad I couldn't sleep for six days until my doctor told me to stop! The pain was worse than anything I have experienced, including childbirth! Doctors should not be so quick to jump to this drug! It also messed with my kidneys, I have been on antibiotics for 2 weeks trying to get them back to a normal level. In my opinion, don't take it!"
- egore
- February 22, 2020
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "After the first week of taking 80mg Lipitor a day, I experienced bad arm pain from my armpit to elbow. I also had tendon pain on top of a hot sensation of the skin on my arm and shoulder blade pain. Two doctors refused to consider that it could be the drug, but I never had a problem before. They are saying it is a deteriorated spine."
Are you taking this medicine?
- jcvdm
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 2, 2013
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "Have been on this for so long but recently I feel it creates nausea and stomach/abdominal pain. No matter when I take it, with or without food, I seem to get this reaction. My doctor is stumped, but I cannot get past this awful 'sick' feeling all the time. When I stop taking it, I do much better. When I start again, the same thing happens. My only other prescription is for high blood pressure and is the same as I have always taken, so we figure it is not that."
- mizza...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 14, 2012
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "Lipitor plus Zetia lowered cholesterol from 300 to 200, lots of aches, pains, and Charlie horses in the legs, especially going up and down stairs. High cholesterol is prominent in the family genes. Now have nasty skin rashes, red welts with itch that are awful. Dermatology, allergist, and GP have no answers. I am guessing it is the statins as it's the only other thing I take besides a low-dose aspirin."
More FAQ
- How do you manage muscle pain with cholesterol drugs?
- Do statins help treat COVID-19?
- What should you know about "Statin" Medications?
- Can I trust a generic drug manufacturer?
- here
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 11, 2022
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "My experience with this drug was not very good. I was prescribed 10 mg, 1 tablet to be taken per day. I was healthy with normal blood pressure and walked and exercised probably 4 miles per day and was generally fit and healthy. I was unable to take the tablet every day and ended up having to skip days because of the side effects. On day 3, it gave me a dizzy feeling and a sense of anger, like wanting to snap at someone for no reason. Day 4 was a spacey feeling, like floating, and generally feeling like I had no desire to want to do anything. I went out for a walk and got the most terrible muscle cramps in the calves, which came and went. Also, a panic anxiety feeling that lasted about a minute, which felt like I was going to die, and a general feeling of not being well. Then the doctor said to take it every other day, and this was causing me insomnia where I would sleep for an hour then be awake for 4 hours trying to sleep. Also, very low sex drive and a feeling like I was being poisoned. Eventually, I came off it."
- PASSI...
- October 5, 2009
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I was prescribed 40 mg of Lipitor for heart disease. I was on it for 9 months. It did lower my cholesterol, but had a lot of undesired bad side effects! Right away, I noticed memory problems, forgetfulness, confusion, and was just fog-headed. Then, of course, I experienced the usual muscle pain. I also noticed being moody for no apparent reason. I talked to my cardiologist, and he took me off of it."
- jbart
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 3, 2020
For High Cholesterol "I was started on this on a Tuesday and stopped taking it by Friday. I was only prescribed 10 mg a day. The first day I started feeling nauseated all day and was unable to eat. I started getting headaches and was so sleepy I could barely keep my eyes open. I stopped taking it and still have muscle cramps and pains. I emailed my doctor. Never in my life have I had high cholesterol. It's only a little above 200. But my doctor seems super worried, so tried me on a statin. I do not recommend statins to anyone. This was SUCH an awful experience."
- Anonymous
- August 12, 2011
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I was placed on Lipitor 10 mg after trying all of the other cholesterol-reducing drugs. I developed, after three days, a very stiff neck and overall muscle soreness. The doctor ordered a CPK test and my levels are off. She discontinued me on this medication. It must not be suitable for everyone. I will continue with my diet and exercise. My cholesterol must be hereditary since I follow Weight Watchers, have lost weight, and I exercise daily."
- former...
- April 17, 2016
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "This medicine did a number on my legs. Had numbness, the legs felt like lead, wobbly. I had been a mail carrier and walked 10-11 miles a day, retired but continued to walk 4-5 miles a day besides being very active with DIY projects and part-time job. Took Lipitor earlier this year. It got the numbers down, but I had 3 ER visits in one week and spent the night in the hospital because my legs were acting up and it scared me and my heart did weird things. Lot of stress for me and my family. We have good insurance, but this will still probably be around $2000. I would not recommend Lipitor to anyone-there are other cholesterol meds out there."
- Nhbgf...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 29, 2016
For High Cholesterol "On it for 6 years. Adverse effects sneak up on you. It makes you old before your time. I had neuropathy in feet and finally in hands, pain in neck and legs. I dragged my feet when I walked, finally my mind was so foggy I couldn't remember what I saw the instant before or remember what I read. I would fall asleep in an instant after sitting down. My wife wouldn't let me drive except in the neighborhood for fear I would doze off. I wonder how many 'old' people have caused auto accidents because of statins. I could not do simple arithmetic. I am off of it as of 2 months ago and am slowly improving. This stuff is awful and should be taken off the market. I rate it 0."
- Farruq
- November 1, 2016
For High Cholesterol "I have been on this drug atorvastatin 10mg for about 2 years. After taking it for one year, I developed so many side effects which I didn't know were due to this drug. I experienced severe headache, dizziness, migraine, hot flushes, sweating, chills, shivering, pains on one side of the body, sinus pain, sore eyes. I felt like I ruined my life and wasted a lot of money hoping for a cure. I went to ENT doctors, cardiologists, physicians, neurologists, etc., but nobody listened to me. They only prescribed painkillers and nerve tablets. I used to cry all the time, wondering if I would die. Finally, I did some research and found patient reviews. I decided to quit this medicine, which was awful. After one month, I am slowly improving. Thank you to this site for helping patients as today's doctors have no time to listen."
- Marti...
- December 23, 2015
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I took 40 mg Lipitor daily for 2 weeks and experienced complete muscle paralysis in my legs and arms. I had to stop taking Lipitor. The next doctor prescribed Crestor. Crestor worked alright for 1 month, but then I experienced paralysis in my arms and legs again. The paralysis disappeared in several days after stopping the cholesterol-lowering meds. The doctor then prescribed Niaspan (prescription-strength Niacin) which also caused paralysis in my thighs and arms within 2 weeks. The paralysis disappeared in 2 to 3 days after stopping each medication. The doctor decided I need to take 500 mg Niacin with food 4 times per day, which has helped me greatly without any paralysis. I also decreased foods that are high in cholesterol and exercise more often. I am 72 years of age."
- Be aw...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- February 6, 2018
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "My cholesterol level was 322, and my doctor prescribed Lipitor. I started to feel very weak. I was in pain constantly, and I felt very tired and sore. I could not even do my daily chores. I thought I had some kind of flu. I continued to take Lipitor for about a year, and the symptoms just got worse. After the second year of taking Lipitor, my constant pain, soreness, and tiredness worsened, and I lost my appetite. The doctor ordered a liver enzyme test. Lipitor was damaging my liver, and I was also experiencing trouble with my kidneys. Though I didn't realize it then, Lipitor was the culprit of my aches and weakness and was not effective in lowering my cholesterol much (only to 308 after taking Lipitor for more than two years.) I am not taking Lipitor anymore, and I don't feel tired and exhausted. My doctor continues to order a liver enzyme test every year. It has never come back normal anymore. Please be careful!"
- Katnic
- July 27, 2015
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "On Lipitor, I developed Polyneuropathy in my left foot, this nerve pain sensations. Stopped Lipitor and problem went. Took several weeks before it left my body. Everyone on Statins should be taking Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinol to help prevent muscle pains. I prefer quality of life to one of pain. I am an active, healthy 83-year-old with high cholesterol."
- Eric
- March 17, 2017
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "When I was originally put on this statin, it was on a low dose of 10 mg a day to reduce cholesterol. I had, or recall, very few side effects. I combined the drug with exercise and diet. My cholesterol was lowered and remained low. Doctors have kept me on the drug, and now at the age of 71, I experience headaches, a bloated rumbling and very uncomfortable digestive system, hives, muscle aches, and other adverse effects that interfere with my diet and exercise. Doctors seem to be reluctant to lower doses, but these adverse effects are now materially affecting my quality of life."
- MsAnn...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 10, 2018
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I had tried about 3 statins and could not take them due to the aches and energy loss. I then was given Lipitor. I took it for 3 months with no problem, then I started having memory loss. I stopped the drug and that has now been about 2 years. The loss is better but still comes and goes. Being a pharmacist, I am keenly aware of side effects, and that is major!"
- Sal
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 22, 2018
For High Cholesterol "This drug caused shortness of breath, sleep apnea, and cramps. I could not walk 50 feet without resting from the shortness of breath. Taking CoQ10 helped with the cramps. I tried different statins and they all did the same thing to me. For 6 months, doctors tried to find a cure. I stopped taking the statins and the sleep apnea and shortness of breath went away in 5 days. The doctor had a hard time believing it was the statin. I hope this helps someone."
- DHZorro
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- February 11, 2023
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I have been taking Lipitor for several years and developed severe leg and back pain. It was hard just to walk. I stopped taking it for one month, and my leg and back pain went away. Does anyone have an alternative to this destructive drug? I have changed to a low-cholesterol diet, but I know I need to have a less harmful drug to keep my cholesterol down. All comments are appreciated."
- addo
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 17, 2014
For High Cholesterol "Never had such side effects as I did when taking atorvastatin. Quality of life went out the window, unable to dress myself below the waist because of very bad muscle pain and weakness in the legs, unable to walk more than 100 yards. Unable to bend down. Have now stopped taking it and quality of life is now back to normal after one week."
- sfzhm
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 1, 2015
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I'm 58, always kept in shape, and ate well, but LDL was still elevated. I'm not sure if it's coincidental, but I have more energy, better in bed, and have not had an atrial fibrillation episode since I've been on 10mg daily. I know it sounds like a commercial, but that has been my experience. My main or larger arteries are clear of plaque, but I may have had blocking of the smaller ones, and the Lipitor may have helped clear them. Or I'm just lucky."
- Dereya
- November 14, 2015
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I have been using Lipitor for only one week but am feeling fatigue and muscle pains. My cholesterol dropped from 130 to 100, but there were too many side effects. I decided to stop and now I am feeling okay."
- Cindy
- March 15, 2017
Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I had extremely high hopes for this cholesterol buster and had the best attitude and hopes for this medication, but it definitely did not work out. My cholesterol level was 225, and my left carotid artery, via a Doppler, was 50-70 percent narrowed. Changed my diet immediately, started exercising, put plans in play to stop smoking, and in thinking with Lipitor, I'd give myself the best possible chance to reverse the plaque. Doctor prescribed 10mg, was only able to tolerate it a week. The first 4 days, no side effects, excited as heck, the 5th day off and on I started experiencing a twilight zone brain fog that would last 10-15 minutes. Felt like I couldn't clench a thought, felt foggy, happened 2x the 5th day, 4x the 6th day, no more..."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "This drug is the absolute worst in the world for me. I have been on it for five years or more and being in bad pain for three of those years. I have been on Tylenol three, Codeine Contin, and hydromorphone, and the doctor argued every time when I went in to get more pain meds. My legs have been in unbelievable pain for so long I can't honestly think of the time when I was not in pain. I just started reading about this and stopped taking Lipitor and told the doctor that I would never go back on it again. In about a month, I have started to feel better, but I am left with weak legs and a huge bill from the chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, exercise therapist, and naturopathic doctor. I have had three trips to the hospital emergency department with no help in the long run. I am very, very angry. I hope my lingering pain goes away soon."