Lipitor and Cramps: What Users Say

• car...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 5, 2015

For High Cholesterol "I've been on Lipitor (Atorvastatin) 40mg for about 6 years and complained about leg cramps for 5 of those years. All I kept hearing was the 'low on potassium' with never a solution. The cramps have been unrelenting and at times, all day long. Legs, feet, toes, fingers. Talking to a friend about this the other day, she said she had to stop taking Lipitor due to leg cramps. Well, knock me down. I never associated this cramping with my cholesterol medication. I stopped taking it a week ago and haven't had one single cramp! Now I have to find another cholesterol medication but it sounds like all of them can have this side effect."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2009

For Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I used Zocor for the first statin following angioplasty in December 2009. I must state that I have a high degree of sensitivity to medications and a 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 the doctor wanted, so he prescribed Lipitor. I had the 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!"

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2009

For High Cholesterol "Have been taking 10 mg for about 2 years, doctor recently increased to 50 mg, my legs are cramping up and are sore from where they have cramped. I am going to doctor tomorrow to see if dose can be reduced."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2009

For High Cholesterol "I suffered frequent and prolonged cramps in my legs for anything from two to four times weekly at night, waking me from a sound sleep."

• And...
• January 10, 2016

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "This caused me severe muscle pain and cramps."

• Jac...
• November 22, 2020

For High Cholesterol "Severe leg cramps, joint pain, dizziness. My cholesterol has never been over 200. I have always walked, biked, and eaten right. This med has really messed my body up!!!"

• Cha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Horrible, I never experienced such cramping and pain. It was a nightmare."