Atorvastatin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Sensi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2017

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I started taking generic lipitor in February/March 2017. My lab work came back and total cholesterol was 311. At first I started taking 20mg a day. By the 9th day I was an emotional mess. Anxiety, anger, confusion, leg pain, stomach pain and heartburn. I decided to take the 20mg every other day. All the side effects disappeared. Works great. I heard back from my Dr who says to continue the every other day dosage because its working and its tolerable for me."

• 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"

• Totally...
• October 7, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I took 10mg atorvastatin for 8 months. During that time I slowly had the following side effects; extreme tiredness. Memory loss and confusion. Muscle weakness trouble walking. My arm muscles became useless. Joint pain in my middle finger where I had trouble bending my finger. Facial twitching. Pressure in my chest Thyroid nodule swelling. Blurred vision off and on and extreme sensitivity to light. Uncontrollable eye jumping. I have been diagnosed with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which I fully believe that due to the sensitivity of light. The LED lighting in a grocery store damaged my retinas. But what I can't understand is out of all the doctors through out all my symptoms not one connected it to atorvastatin! I was drinking gallons of water, I began to have trouble urinating. That is when I started researching the detailed side effects of atorvastatin! I was completely horrified of the dangers and I stopped taking it."

• Lilwsky
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2019

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I’ve been on Pravastatins 20 mg. For 5 yrs. Cholesterol was 225. It never went down. I do enjoy my cocktails, wine in the evening..nothing changed. My liver enzymes for 18 years always stayed at 20-21 ( range is 4-43) in August 2018, went in for my quarterly bloodwork..no change. Doctor put me on Lipitor 20 mg with next bloodwork to be done in January. Well, I also started the Keto diet in January..high fat, protein diet..low carbs, sugar. Surprise!! My cholesterol went from 226 to 165! Glucose was down and very good! However..it compromised my liver.. my enzymes skyrocketed to 99 and 110 (again range 4-43) he immediately took me off Lipitor...now, he doesn’t want me to drink any alcohol for 2 months..test will be in March..so, what’s the culprit?? Diet or Lipitor? He said to continue with diet, just cut the fat down.."

• Senor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2016

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "Atorvastatin did lower my cholesterol quite a bit, but within the first couple of weeks I developed muscle pain in the back of one knee. After another week, I developed muscle pain in the calf of the other leg. My doctor doesn't think this was caused by Atorvastatin. He believes it is arthritis. He ordered an xray of knee and blood test for liver function. Waiting for results. If pain is from arthritis. I will continue taking medicine. If Atorvastatin is affecting muscles or liver, I may discontinue or ask to switch to another statin."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2009

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "43 year old male been on 20mg lipitor for 3 months, alot of side effects for first month mainly muscle spasms and uneasy stomach. Cholesterol went from 240 to 120, cut dose in half, and no more side effects."

• Skip
• April 28, 2016

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I am 65 and active, to include hiking, walking in the gym yard work, etc.. Been on 10 mg of Lipitor or generic for 20 years. Within the past 2 years I have experienced increased lower leg discomfort and within the past year what appears to be lower leg muscle loss, chronic plantar fascia, leg muscle tingling, and a feeling of weakness in my lower legs. My primary care doc, who is Lipitor intolerant, attributed it all to age, cervicle stenosis, etc. Have quit Lipitor and Prylosec (been on this for 10 years) and will readdress with my doctor (who's an internal medicine doctor) when I can get in to see him again in 3 weeks. Some remediation of mental fogginess which has plagued me recently, but to date no releaf on leg issues."

• Tainbow
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2018

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "I did not have a clue that Lipitor could give me so many severe side effects! Lower back, back of my legs, headaches, running nose, memory lost. I go blank for a few seconds, & lastly, speech impediment!!!! I have a medical appointment w/ my prime doctor next week & I will discuss w/him...."

• Gourd...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2018

For High Cholesterol "Get off this medication as quickly as you can, and do NOT take another statin ever. I was on a dose of 40mg daily for 2.5 years. I experienced muscle weakness, although I exercised daily, sexual dysfunction, memory lapses, joint pains, and many other symptoms associated with statin use. The topper: three months ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Only after doing a little research on statins did I understand that cholesterol is essential for health and actually protects against cancer, among other things. It's necessary for the formation of brain cells, muscle tissue, and sex hormones. I stopped taking my statins about 6 weeks ago and already feel better, though it will take some time to fully recover. So do your research, people. I believe this is a truly dangerous drug, as are all statins. And it does nothing to increase length of life."

• breez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2017

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "About 2 weeks ago my Dr put me on Lipitor for my cholesterol. I've been having all kinds of side effects from it but I didn't realize it until today, I've been beside myself with itching, I keep getting these stinging sensations, like I'm being bitten by fire ants, I'm prone to insomnia (very severe) and it made it so much worse, despite the fact that I have been feeling I was coming down with something serious (constantly exhausted). I've even developed blisters in my NOSE! and I have the red spots it's insane. No joke I seriously have about 80% of the listed side effects even the unreported and rare. I hope no one ever has to deal with this craziness."

• Boxers
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this this for several years. I have felt nothing but miserable while taking it. I have had the cramping, muscle pain in legs, stomach issues, headaches and pain in arms. Kept asking my primary doctor if this could be the cause of all this and he kept saying no. Well I have changes my primary doctor and done away with this terrible medication.!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2013

For High Cholesterol "At 40 mg, I experienced numbness, tingling, and burning in my toes and fingers. Cold fingers and feet as well. This occurred over a period of 3 weeks. Stopped taking the pill, and symptoms disappeared. I experienced similar issues when taking lipitor 40mg as well. I can tolerate doses only up to 20 mg."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2012

For High Cholesterol "I have only been taking this medicine for 1 month, 10 mg every other day. Already I am experiencing severe joint and muscle pain. This has happened to me every time I have taken statin drugs. I will be going back to my doctors to discuss further and look for an alternative."

• Godzi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

For High Cholesterol "Wow! I was floored. Long time trying to do get my cholesterol low on my own with no medications. After finally trying atorvastatin 10 mg for the first time, it brought all cholesterol and triglycerides under control to more than acceptable levels. For now until my next lab test I will continue to stay on it. I am not experiencing any side effects."

• pj1962
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2015

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "In the past year I have experienced four occasions of hyperlipidemia, rhabdomylosis, and acute renal failure. All four times I woke up in ICU and had a lengthy stay in the hospital. I am still taking atorvastin, have muscle aches and pains, with weakness, joint pain and stiffness, and restless legs, with no control of movement. I am miserable most of the time. Recently my doctor stopped the lipitor for the next six weeks to see what changes may happen."

• Lipitor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2016

For High Cholesterol "In the first few days of taking Lipitor I was unbelievably tired, weak and dizzy. I had muscle aches,dry mouth and a headache. I felt on the verge of having a heart attack. I felt nauseous and these symptoms just got worse the longer I took it. It got to the point where I was so dizzy I couldn't drive my car . I had to get off it immediately"

• Cathy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been on Atorvastatin for about three months . I kept telling my doctor that my legs hurt. So she ordered a EMG [Electromyography measures muscle response] which I refused. She’s trying to make it sound like I’m crazy and it’s all in my head that my legs hurt or that there something else wrong when in fact it’s from the atorvastatin . I’m sorry to say this but I think doctors are all about the money because if she would’ve told me the side effects of this drug I wouldn’t of taken it in the first place. I feel horrible all the time I feel like I have to throw up all the time my legs hurt my foot is numb I called her up today and said I’m not taking that medicine ever again I’ll be taking niacin instead that also helps to lower your cholesterol"

• cholb...
• December 30, 2016

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for High Cholesterol "Started with 10mg daily. After 3 months my cholesterol level just in borderline, so the dosage was increased to 40mg daily. This dose gave me muscle tissue pain on my right knee so I self discontinued."

• sanaa
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2023

For High Cholesterol "My doctor prescribed me this medicine, 10mg once a day, for high cholesterol and triglycerides. A week into the treatment, I started feeling awful: dizziness, unbearable knee and joint pain, extreme fatigue, and constant dizziness that made it difficult for me to function. Additionally, it has disrupted my body's thermostat, causing me to experience intense hot flashes and excessive sweating even in an air-conditioned environment. I spoke to the doctor about these symptoms, but he dismissed my concerns, which is why I'm here looking for answers. I have decided to stop taking the medicine to evaluate myself and the risks, as the side effects are too awful to live with."

• TRu
• April 29, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I'm a 47 yr old overweight female. I've had high blood pressure my entire life but never cholesterol issues. I went in for blood work in Jan. 16 and was shocked to learn my LDL-p (particle count) was off the charts at 2,800 (should be 700 range) and my LDL small particle count was 1,500 (should be under 500). Additionally all my blood lipids were way out of range. I was given 40 mg of atorvastatin but after reading how horrible statins were, I got scared and only took 1/2 daily. I just got my labs redone and since January-April (3 full months), all my blood lipids are in normal, optimal range. I did alot of research on the effectiveness of lower dose statins and have not had any issues with taking 1/2 my pill daily. Results speak."

• John...
• September 22, 2020

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "My cholesterol has always been in the normal range, about 145, although my LDL/HDL ratio, 90/55, is not optimal. I eat healthy, 10% body fat, work out over 300 days a year. But a heart scan at 60 gave me a shock, showed a lot plaque in my LAD, not good. Started Lipitor 10mg daily, cholesterol dropped into the 90s, with LDL of 50. Went to 10mg/5mg alternating days, last lipid panel showed cholesterol at 114, LDL 72. I have never had any negative side effects. Two very athletic friends with high cholesterol used statins but quit because of muscle pain I third athletic friend, with cholesterol of 300, uses a statin, cholesterol into normal range with no side effects. So if you have high cholesterol, don't be afraid to give a statin a try, start low and titrate up, if the side effects are too bad, quit, but you may be one of the lucky ones like me and my third friend, for whom a statin is very effective and does not have side effects."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2009

Lipitor (atorvastatin) for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I used Zocor for first statin follin angioplasty December 2009. I must state that I have a high degree of sensitivity to medications and high degree of allergies. With Zocor, I experienced abdominal cramps increasing daily, muscle pain and off and on nausea. The cramps were a concern because I have experienced anemia in the past. My doctor, whom I trust with my life, suggested that I not take Zocor. After several months I had blood work, my LDH still higher than doctor wanted, so he prescribed Lipitor. I had same bad effects, but on a higher level. Fortunately, my doctor trusts my reports. There is one "weird" change that I have not shared with my doctor, but I am sharing with all of you. In several days, and increasingly, I am losing hair. Help me!"

• GJL
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2013

For High Cholesterol "I took it one day and had to stop. Didn't read the pamphlet and I took it before I went to bed. Not for me since I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with back muscle spasms. I also have thyroid, vertigo, sinus problems, stomach and bowel issues. I have been on pain killers for my pain for over 10 years, so I was afraid that this medication was going to not mix well with my medicines. But, the next day, my right ear was completely blocked, I had a headache with fuzziness. So weak I had to take the day off of work and go back to bed, slept all day. My face was a gray color and my eyes looked like I was in pain. I drank a lot of water to flush this one pill out of me and felt much better. "

• Alano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have tried on several occasions to stick with a daily dose. But each time I had to back off due to muscle pain and severe diarrhea. The diarrhea got so bad (needed to go urgently) that I found myself not wanting to socialize as much or leave the house for long periods. Several close calls made me apprehensive. When I did take this starting my lipid panel was back to normal. But the side effects were to much to stand. So I will be not be going back to daily statin doses. And yes I have tried other stations down through the years. Same negative results."

• Bones
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I was on statins for about 3 years. My cholesterol was never that high but my doctor was concerned about build up of bad cholesterol affecting my heart. Started zocor at 20mg and after 3 years 40mg. I had an experience of blurred vision and thought maybe should go to ER. They did MRI of brain and found I had very small old stroke. Before I was discharged Doctor changed me to Lipitor 40mg. Saw a neurologist and he did more brain scans with dye this time and also did a MRA of the veins from my neck. All looked good with no blockage and veins to brain looked good too with no narrowing. After about 3 weeks on Lipitor I got bad side effects with headache, brain fog and muscle ache in legs and back pain and dizzy. Played golf that day and was barely able to finish. Came home and after doing a lot of research decided to stop taking statins. The long term side effects are scary. I will watch my diet and control my cholesterol that way. Will never do statins again."