| Key to ratings for zocor: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken and Dosage | Date Added | |
  | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 3 | High Cholesterol 250 | Aches in legs at night that prevent sleep. | Lowered cholesterol but Creatine Kinase (liver enzyme) tested high (400). Will likely switch. | M | 43 | 4 months 10 mg. 1X D | 7/24/2010 | 2 | Cholesterol | Took Baycol for several years back around 2000, then stopped when it was taken off market for causing the unpleasant side effect of death. Started on Zocor, took that for about 6 years until it became available as Simvastatin. Starting noticing side effects of ED in previous years, started reading about side effects. Stopped taking Simvastatin cold turkey March 2009 to give my liver and other organs a break. Started taking it again last fall when my doc suggested I needed to stick to it. Almost immediately I noticed side effects of ED. It has continued. It makes spontaneity almost impossible, and even worse is very frustrating. Stopping again now, don't care what my doc says. | M | 46 | 7 years 40 mg 1X D | 7/17/2010 | 2 | Triglycerides above 1000 | Abdominal distress, low back pain, muscle weakness, some memory issues, lack of drive, constant chest pains and arm numbness but all "none cardiac related" hmmm, migraines, lack of libido, and general over all wastefulness. I have this constant feeling of Imminent Demise. Too damn young to feel this damn old. | The drug dropped my cholesterol by 20 points, so would a forced march but with less side effects. Too weak to excercise now so original health condition is worse than if I did nothing. Death does wonders for high blood pressure issues also! | M | 47 | 4 months 40 mg 1X D | 7/14/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | Initially few side effects-cloudy cognitive function and difficulty sleeping that I wrote off to menopause. Minor side effect of tingling in hands. Doctor said carpal tunnel. In the last three months thing went down hill fast. Terrible gastrointestinal issues, horrible night sweats, difficulty sleeping and the feeling I was going to have a heart attack. Pain in collar bone and chest. Pain lower abdomen. | Do not take this drug. After finding this site last night I am intensely relieved that all of my issues are Zocor. I have been a runner for 20 years. Last night I discovered that statins cause tendon ruptures. No wonder I have severe achilles tendonitis. If you want tendon ruptures, poor health, anxiety, chest pains, stomach issues, sleep issues and memory issues-Zocor is the drug for you. | F | 53 | 2 years 20 1X D | 7/3/2010 | 1 | High total cholesteral but good HDL | muscle cramps in legs and feet, muscle atrophy, constantly extremely fatigued, serious abdominal pain that can't be diagnosed, chronic lower back pain and flank pain, hair loss, total loss of libido, possible memory issues. Only took this because of family history; tests show no cardiovascular problems yet. | Was shocked to see my life in the comments on this site. A couple of days ago my intuition said stop the simvastin! So I'm trying it, but was concerned about problems due to stopping--so I found this site. Until reading this site, I had deluded myself that perhaps my symptoms were due to age, but I have to say that I already feel surprisingly better since stopping this poison. I look forward to seeing what improvements may happen over the next few months--it will take me that long to get in to see my doc for a physical and by then she may get an earful. | F | 58 | 8 years 10 mg 1X D | 6/29/2010 | 3 | lipidermia/heart attack & 3 stent p | Muscle weakness & pain on right side, especially lower back down the right leg. I have also had various digestive upsets. Why would the drug only effect one side? | I have had past back problems but not for a long time & this seems different I can't walk to the dumpster without pain. Doctors are in complete denial about statin drugs, although I have to admit it did lower my cholesterol. No matter how good I eat & even taking niacin my cholesterol went up after stopping the drug, my leg hurts to bad to exercise. Any ideas would be appreciated | F | 55 | 5 months 40 mg 1X D | 6/25/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | Severe pain in legs. Memory loss and since quiting I am experiencing chest and back pain. | Chest and back pain has lasted over a week since quiting Zocor. I was making so many mistakes at work by forgetting details. Could not even remember how to put a call on hold. I have been concerned about heart attack untill I read this sight. How much longer will symptons last? | F | 57 | 7 days 20 1X D | 6/18/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | SEVERE MUSCLE PAIN. Crushing, crippling, disabling cramps in calf muscles along with stabbing chest pains. Burning, stinging thigh muscles. | Through process of elimination of other drugs previously prescribed, I decided to withdraw myself from Zocor 3 weeks ago. ALL of the pain has gone away!!! My endocrinologist/internist(now former) never thought my complaints about severe pain were related to Zocor. However, my brother-in-law, a rheumotolgist,told me to STOP this drug immediately. I now feel terrific. My life was substandard on this horrible drug. Being in constant pain created a lot of anxiety. I have seen 3 neurologists and pain management specialists, as well as 3 orthopedists. I answered my own question about the pain - I quit this drug. Statins, in general, can cause muscle pain. The FDA warning (March 2010) convinced me! | F | 50 | 9 days 20 mg 1X D | 6/11/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | Until this past week or so I had no "noticeable" symptoms or minor effects after my most recent blood test which showed a "reduction" in my overall cholesterol levels after two months. My doctor decided to continue my dosage at 20mg as per the original prescription until my next blood test in July. This morning I am experiencing severe upper abdominal cramping almost unbearably painful like having a knife turn in my upper abdomen. I am also very achy in my right kidney area with some shortness of breath and nausea associated to the abdominal pain. | I spoke with an advice nurse at my doctor's office this morning and they agreed that I should cease taking this medication immediately and see my doctor and get my labs moved up. I have NEVER experienced this level of abdominal pain in my life and I am generally healthy and relatively active and drink alcohol only moderately. Somebody recently posted "I wouldn't give this drug to my worst enemy.."? I wholeheartedly agree with that statement! I cannot see the benefit outweighing the pain and severe discomfort I am experiencing and I refuse to take another Statin of any kind if this level of pain is the price. If I was physically damaged by this drug I will be taking this to a personal injury attorney pronto and somebody will pay! | F | 43 | 4 months 20mg 1X D | 5/30/2010 | 1 | cholesterol | had chol of 236. Dr. put me one 20mg per day. I am a healthy 54 yr old with no prior problems. started having frozen shoulder problems and frozen knee issues out of the blue. never before had there issues and chalked them up to getting older.also, had profound fatique and muscle weakness. stiff joints at ankles. I fell and fractured my left ankle by going off the curbed. just chalked it up to not paying attention as I was having major brain fogginess. memory loss. my urine was a coke color and i had urinary urge frequently. also, abd pain. i felt like i was falling apart. i thought maybe it was my fibroids that was causing weakness and abd pain, had a hysterectomy and quess what it ended up in icu due to major hemodynamic fluid shift according to my cardiologist who by the way I have never needed a cardiologist, never had surgery before or any fractures before ALL THIS AFTER TAKING ZORCOR- MAJOR WARNING HERE PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION IT HAS REALLY PUT MY HEALTH IN DANGER. app | I am now doing better and have some rotator cuff issues of the right shoulder but it is improving. please read all side effects prior to going on any med. I did not and I feel stupid. If it wasn't for the fda warning on cnn i would never have did research. | F | 54 | 2 days 20mg 1X D | 5/25/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | I had already tried Liptor and Crestor, neither of which agreed with me, so my statin obsessed doctor decided I needed to try Zocor. My cholesterol seems to stick right at 240 without any medication. I had it down to 195 without drugs, but that wasn't good enough for my doctor. Well, about a month after starting the Zocar, I began to have pain on my right side. At first I didn't think much of it, it had happened before over the years, with no known cause. However, the pain became worse and more widespread. Soon my back, sides (left, right or both), stomach, lower abdomen, arms, elbows, and knees were randomly hurting; sometimes all at once, other times just in one or two places. It got so bad I could barely get out of bed or even walk. I went to my GP (not the doctor who prescribed the statins). Instead of believing a statin could cause it, he had me get a CT and colonoscopy to look for cancers, and when all of the tests found nothing, he told me it was just stress or "spast | M | 31 | 3 months 20mg 1X D | 5/20/2010 | 1 | Prescribed by a Diabetes consultant | Pain in shoulder, thigh and calf muscles, muscle wastage, memory impairment, hypertension, discoloured urine | I was switched from Rosuvastatin to generic Simvastatin, without consultation on cost grounds. I have been taking Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin and Simvastatin for 13 years. | M | 62 | 3 years 40 1X D | 5/20/2010 | 1 | To lower Cholstrol level | Severe Muscle pains. | Has ruined my life. | M | 72 | 24 months 1X D | 5/19/2010 | 1 | Moderate High Cholesterol | Every joint and muscle in my body hurt! Stomach/severe chest-heart attack symtoms. Also was taking Zetia. Simvastatin was added, I went down hill even faster. Meds recommended due to family history heart desease. | I'd rather eat dirt mud pies-than take Simvastatin or Zetia. It began Nov. 2009 with Zetia. Slowly became unusally tired, very sore muscles legs/arms & joint pain, but no activities to trigger. Explained away something I lifted. No flu or colds. Noticing chest pains/pinching, stomach problems. Days past-unexplained muscle,joint pain continued. Then came trip to ER with severe heart attack systems. All test ran-no heart problems. ER doc recommended adding Simvastatin to my meds. Talked w/family doc-gave the ok, so I began taking. What a mistake. Took Simvastatin almost 2 months, previous symtoms worsened, & ER trip # 2, felt like I was stabbed in center of chest-worse than the first ER trip. Confirmed no heart issues at all. Came home couldn't eat-it hurt in center of chest and mid back. Sent for test upper GI stomach,gallstones-all ok. Thought I was losing my mind and body. When all test revealed OK, I knew had to be meds, I stopped the meds!! Symtoms disappearing like magic!! After all this, began researching more,I found this site. I thank you all,I thought I was going crazy-my body was breaking down/hurting but test showing all ok-Listen to your body. | F | 41 | 2 months 20 mg 1X D | 5/19/2010 | 4 | High Cholesterol | Possible existing neck and shoulder pain accentuated. However, this is the fourth statin I have taken and the only one I am able to tolerate. I tried Pravastatin, Lipitor, and Lovastatin and had horrible muscle pain in my legs and general fatigue with all. My gynecologist actually told me that the side effects were not as bad with some of the older statins. That is my experience with Simvastatin (Zocor). | F | 56 | 3 months 20 1X D | 5/15/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | Knee join pain, ankle pain and shooting up legs, painful thigh pain which makes walking very difficult, have to be off from teaching because so painful. | Had strange muscle sensation in left ankle after two months, but just thought it was due to being on my feet all day. Then, the third month was taking ibuprofen, which didn't help leg pain. Then, suddenly, the pain got unbearable with the muscle pain, making my thigh muscles very tight, like walking on boards or concrete. I think more doctors should be reporting this because people are suffering needlessly. After suffering for two weeks, I looked up the only drug I had been taking daily...simvastatin..and couldn't believe the side effects that people have. I wish I would have never been put on a statin. | F | 52 | 4 months 1X D | 5/1/2010 | 2 | high cholesterol | I've noticed an alarming increase in hair loss. My doctor put me on Simvastatin to combat the cost of Zocor. My hair is thinning and very dry. I've done everything to try to prevent it(hair vitamins, oil treatments ect.) My cholesterol numbers are down but I'm stressed about the increased hair loss. I've even had injections by a dermatologist for 3 years without results. I don't know what to do at this point.If anyone had this problem and found a solution, please let me know. | 44 | 20 mg 1X D | 4/26/2010 | 2 | High Cholesterol | Taking Simvastatin and experiencing extreme lower back pain. See comments section. | Not sure if related so here is the story took meds for a month after about two weeks back pain begin gradually worsening daily until I could barely drive so I stopped taking and talked to my doctor. He did not think was related to meds. I waited until back felt better and started again with not much paid but a bit of lower strain until one day the pain all hit at once and I can now barely walk. I just stopped taking meds yesterday and not sure if is related becuase I have had back pain before but not for about 5 years as I am in better physical condition. I will no longer take this medicine related or not. | M | 39 | 4 months 10 MG 1X D | 4/22/2010 | 2 | high LDL | After a few days of taking Zocor I have become unable to sleep. The most sleep I get is about 3hrs. Try to get back to sleep but unable to. That is the only side effect I have noticed. Since I can't sleep I decided to look up side effects and it scares me to death...I'm going to give it a chance until I go back for my 6 wks blood test.....but I have a feeling I will stop the medication. | F | 65 | 2 weeks 40 mg 1X D | 4/16/2010 | 2 | high cholesterol | from day 1 noticed pain in right shoulder, unable to lift arm like tendons were pulled. Then a day or so later noticed pain in my neck that started right by the windpipe and rolled down to the shoulder joint and around the back of the shoulder. The whole right side from the base of my skull to the shoulder joint felt as if it was fulled or strained. Now hurts to yawn, cough, blow my nose, and sneeze.Decided to look online and saw these are side effects. But are they worth the damage??? I will stop taking this to see if improvement. | F | 31 | 7 days 20 mg 1X D | 4/16/2010 | 4 | hyperlipidemia | lowered LD cholesterol by factor of 2 | M | 67 | 150 days 20 1X D | 4/13/2010 | 1 | Slightly elevated LDL | The so-called "rare" allergic reaction: abdominal pain, dark urine, pains in thighs and feet, all-over tingling and flushing. Of more concern is possible related external resorption of one tooth which may entail an implant, development of chronic sinusitis, increased blood sugar and possible kidney damage. I rank agreeing to take this drug as one of the worst decisions I have ever made in my life. The side effects came on gradually and it was only after about two months that I began to realize what was happening -- should have investigated all possible side effects before I started taking simvastatin, as they are subtle and can easily be attributed to something else. Fortunately, my doctor agreed simvastatin was causing at least some of the side effects and that I should stop taking it. | F | 67 | 2 months 20 1X D | 4/10/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | This year blood in colon, swelling in abdominal area, had colonoscopy, possibly UC . Ankle joint pain. Inability to concentrate. Forgetful. Extreme low energy. Starting swelling in feet and legs at end of day,(possible muscle damage) protein loss in blood test. To young to feel this old. I am approx. 25 lbs overweight, had weight gain since on zocor and believe it is do to lack of energy. | Wonder if company was looking to make a lot of money fast because the drug does work on cholesterol levels but I have to ask if it was tested enough to see what the other effects would be. | F | 44 | 6 years 80 mg 1X D | 4/9/2010 | 4 | cholesterol | none | I tried many others that gave me joint pain - none on this one- cholesterol looking good too | F | 39 | 3 months 40mg 1X D | 4/7/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | TOO MANY ! MUSCLE ACHES, HEEL PAIN, MEMORY LOSS, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ! I COULD GO ON.... | WOULDN'T GIVE THIS - "MEDICINE" - TO MY WORST ENEMY. DR. REFUSED TO BELIEVE THE LINK, I KNOW THIS OLE BODY BY NOW. NO FURTHER SYMPTOMS ON STOPPING DRUG ! CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST, WITH FDA WARNING, & ABOUT TIME .... | F | 58 | 21 days 20 mg 1X D | 4/2/2010 | 1 | cholesterol | body aches and paid muscle sorness | M | 63 | 1.5 years 20 1X D | 3/29/2010 | 2 | cholesterol | Stomach and digestive issues, joint pain, brain for. | I've been on it for a number of years....not sure when I started taking it. Cholesterol numers are very good. For the last year, I've had almost constant digestive issues, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain. Thought I had Ovarian Cancer. Had abdominal ultra sound, ct and mri which showed a "fatty" liver. I don't drink alcohol. Stoped zocor for 3 weeks, felt better. Started it again & the symptoms returned. I've been off of it for 3 days and feel much better already. Have also had brain fog for ages and joint pain.and the symptoms returned. I've been off of it for 3 days and feel much better already. | F | 64 | 20mg 1X D | 3/26/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol and heart attack | Complete loss of libido. Lower back pain and stiffness; both shoulders 'frozen'; frequent urination; leg cramps and twitching at night (and sometimes in the day); muscle weakness; general fatigue and loss of interest in doing things; memory loss; reflux and heartburn. | I've been taking Zocor for ten years; during that time, it has helped lower my cholesterol readings, but I'm pretty certain now at a price. I'm discontinuing for a while to see if I get any relief from the back and shoulder pain and stiffness and the fatigue and loss of motivation. I've read many of the comments here carefully, and I think that there are two very important things to consider. One is something several have talked about, and that is the under-reporting of problems to the FDA and to the doctors prescribing this medication. The other is the general trend(s) being described...loss of libido, fatigue, stiffness and soreness, especially in joints, legs and back. My own personal surmise is that although this medication is effective in lowering cholesterol, its side effects and problematic interaction with our bodies have been seriously side-stepped by both the pharmaceutical companies and doctors in general. I'll try to return after this (my second) interruption of Zocor useage and report if anything has improved. | M | 61 | 10 years 40 mg 1X D | 3/24/2010 | 1 | cholesterol | I felt like I had the flu to the 10th power from the first dose. I went to bed 2hours early for 7days. I woke up stiff but able to go to work but I have had diarrhea to the point of bleeding. I also seemed to be a little unsure of myself, not the norm for me. I started itching by the time I left work and was still itching when I went to bed. My stomach cramped. My muscles ached. I had the most urgent urination. I have a wonderful Dr so I really didn't give the drug a second thought until I got ready to take the 40mg tablet on the fifth night I stopped and looked up side-effects. I had a nose bleed that day and I don't have nose bleeds so---. I couldn't find any other people with nose bleeds but flu like symptoms were everywhere. I have stopped the Simvastatin and changed to fish oil two days ago. I still have lingering effects. I still have a sore throat, cough, muscle pain, swollen glands, chest pain, diarrhea, stomach cramping and exhaution but the effects are lessening. Th | F | 54 | 4 days 40mg 1X D | 3/23/2010 | 1 | Cholesterol Levels | Sever arm pain.Loss of fine motor skills.sleepless nights. | Thought I was going crazy until the FDA article and the stories on this site.Stoped this treatment a week ago and still have the pain and loss of sleep.Think very carfully before useing this drug. | M | 49 | 3 months 40mg 1X D | 3/22/2010 | 1 | it is 1/2 of Vytorin -190 LDL/60HDL | First it was just cramps at night. After the second dr. I consulted told me to continue to exercise--that it was NOT related, I exercised hard and everything went awry. It is more than 2 yrs after stopping the drug and my muscles, calves especially, continue to get worse and they twitch like crazy after I exercise. Took it every other day. We think the drug triggered a latent metabolic disorder that never would have surfaced if "muscle cramps" had been listed as a side effect--as it is in several other countries, but not in the U.S. | The FDA just came out with a statement about Zocor - high dose (80 mg) possibly causing permanent muscle damage. I have that on a low dose. It's scary and frustrating. | F | 64 | 6 months 20 mg. 3X W | 3/21/2010 | 3 | high cholesterol | I experience muscle and back pain ever since the Dr. upped my dose to 80 mg. I am cutting back down to 40 mg. immediately! | Just heard today on TV, new health warnings for anyone taking Just announced on TV today, that taking 80mg of Zocor, Can cause Muscle damage and Kidney Failure. Contact your Dr. or Pharmacist and see if you can cut your dosage, They said especially Asian people of thin build are at risk | F | 58 | 5 years 80 1X D | 3/19/2010 | 2 | Cholesterol | Leg tiredness. Had bypass surgery in Oct and my cholesterol was roughly 230. Trying to run again, but muscle tiredness and aches are difficult. Is it the Zocor or the Coreg I am taking? | M | 58 | 6 months 40mg 1X D | 3/7/2010 | 2 | Cholesterol Levels | I believe these are all related to the Zocor as I did not have the issues prior. It first started with an eye twitch. From there almost like a respitory and stomach problem. My throat down to stomach felt as if I had been cleaning with bleach for hours and as though someone was strangling me. Trouble clearing throat, some heartburn with severe pain, but not normal heartburn. Feeling of something caught in throat. Enheightened sense of smell. On and off fever 99.2-99.4, then goes back to normal. Then to top that off, noticed on back of neck a few days ago around hairline, which seems to be an enlarged lymph node. Something is going on here!!! | Going to my doctor on Tuesday with list of symptoms. I am going to reduce the meds even if she doesn't suggest it to 10mg. My main concern is the lymph node as if I have some infection somewhere now. | F | 42 | 20 days 20 mg 1X D | 3/6/2010 | 1 | High cholesterol | After the first week, I noticed neck pain and thought it resulted from napping on the couch. This morning, I could hardly get out of bed. I had extreme pain in my left chest, neck and back. I could not lift my arm and wondered if I was having a heart attack. | I am a very active person. I teach elementary school and have never had an experience like this that I could not explain. It scared me enough to go to the neighborhood firestation so the paramedics check me out. Fortunately, everything looked ok and I came home and got on the internet. I am stopping Simvastatin today. Hopefully, this pain will go away since I've only used it for 2 weeks. | M | 59 | 2 weeks 40 mg 1X D | 3/6/2010 | 3 | Genetic High LDL | Also taking Zestril for High BP that came on late last year, so not sure which to attribute these minor side effects: Dry Mouth (especially at night while sleeping) Lack of sensation during sex Vivid strange dreams | I am 40, 6'-01", 218 lbs. I play ice hockey, walk the dog an hour every day, have a somewhat physically demanding job, do plenty of active work around the house, and have two busy young kids. I eat 3 healthy meals most of the time, I brown bag it to work, and only rarely would you ever catch me at the "drive-thru". I drink moderately and I don't smoke. Somehow though, at my age I have high bad cholesterol, and borderline high blood pressure. The thought of heart attack, stroke, heart disease etc... scares the hell out me, so I will take the minor side effects from either of my two medications. I am lucky to not have the serious negative effects as some of you here, but I'm also lucky that I went to my doctor and got on these meds, so I don't suddenly disappear from the population at a relatively early age. | M | 40 | 30 days 20 mg 1X D | 2/28/2010 | 1 | High Cholosterol | I have been on this twice per order of my Doctor to lower Cholosterol. What they don't tell you and don't remember from my history.I had frozen shoulder of this the first time in my right arm a few years ago, I stopped the med. It took one year to recover (PT,Meds). Now I was told I must go on it AGAIN, after trying Lipitor, I have frozen shoulder in my left arm this time. I will not take take this poison again ever, I took it for about two months. I am trying plant sterols for the cholesterol and my diet. Meanwhile I have to suffer with this pain in my left shoulder this time. There may be other side effets, but this is the one that has disabled me. | I have not any kind of help with any statin drugs, just side effects, and it is just not worth it.Doctor's don't know everything or they would stop trying to make me take a med that does not help me. | F | 55 | 40 1X D | 2/28/2010 History | 1 | High Cholesterol | Began taking 5 mg daily(broke the 10mg pill in half) for 4 weeks then upped to 10 mg because I was aware of side effects for statin class of drugs. After two months, began waking up at night with severe leg pain. After two days, physician directed me to discontinue use. Now, a week later, pain persists, though not quite as severe as before. I assume I'll be switched to another statin, but I will be keeping it at a lower dose for a longer period of time. | M | 52 | 2 months 10mg 1X D | 2/26/2010 | 1 | My total cholesterol was around 200 | I started out at 20 mg.'s/day for about 10 months, then upped to 40 mg.'s/day to get total cholesterol below 200,( it did lower it to 175.) BUT... I have progressively felt lousy- weak despite an aggressive work-out regimen. 3 weeks ago took a turn for the worst- severe headaches, nausea, extreme fatigue and malaise,extreme muscle weakness, and then this week severe muscle cramping and soreness- especially in both calves. My urine is dark and stinky. My wife notices that my hair is thinning. I was a strong 58- now feel like a sickly 80 year old. | I stopped Zocor 2 days ago, and am going in for bloodwork and urinalysis tomorrow. If it is the Zocor the public needs to be better warned...this has been a nightmare! | M | 58 | 365 days 40 mg. 1X D | 2/21/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | After 1 week of taking this drug, an extremely intense pain developed in my left shoulder, arm, and neck. Also some tingling and numbness occurring in my left hand. | Side effects are too much to endure for the benefit. Needless to say, I stopped taking this drug. | M | 61 | 7 days 10 MG 1X D | 2/12/2010 | 2 | high total cholestorl 236 | posted on zocor experience previously 12/09/09 & 12/20/09 | have now been on Crestor for 30 days with no side effects that I can attribute to the drug. Will switch to Crestor secetion to report future experience with this medication. After the hell of zocor, thank God there are so many statin options! In light of the dangers of high cholestrol, it is worth trying as many as possible until one that works for you is found. I am happy to report that I have regained my libido!!! | M | 62 | 60 days 20mg 1X D | 2/11/2010 | 1 | PAD, Heart Attack Dec 2008 | After 12-months on Zocor began feelings of toxic shock, lack of balance, losing consciousness/almost passed out, anxiety, short spikes in heart rate, etc. These symptoms have been going on sporadically from the beginning but worst over last month. | My doctor is a drug pusher, just like others say. I will chance another heart attack or death and leaving my wife and 10-year old son in this world for a chance to feel healthy. I hope I have a chance to avoid a heart attack since I had smoked for 30-years when I had a heart attack and quit 13 months ago. My diet is fairly healthy. I look like I am in very good physical shape and exercise one or two times a day at the gym. | M | 49 | 13 months 80 MG 1X D | 2/11/2010 | 4 | High cholesteral ( LDL) | Experiencing severe pain in back and right side of heel. | I have a sleeping disorder. Since I have been taking Zocor, I don't have to take my sleep medication any more. When I wake up in the morning, I feel energetic and well rested. | F | 68 | 12 days 20 1X D | 2/10/2010 | 5 | high cholesteral | no side effects | had 4x bypass in 1995, started taking 40mg zocor then, lowered cholestral from 290 to 135. No side effects at all. Now diagnosed with PAD in my toes, hope they can save them. | M | 53 | 15 years 40mg 1X D | 2/8/2010 | 1 | Have all side effects as everyone describe. After reading the post i stoped taking zocor 3 days ago hope i will get better soon...... | M | 46 | 4 years 40mg 1X D | 2/6/2010 | 1 | genetic high cholesterol | Little over a month of taking this drug, started to experience nausea and extreme dizziness. 2 episodes without passing out, third episode not so lucky - passed out in the shower, fell backwards out of the tub and hit my head, back and neck on cabinet. First ever 911 event. In the hospital for 3 days. Took Zocor first night in hospital - doctor said it wasn't connected - had the same reaction. Doctor then stopped the drug. All heart tests came back negative. Took Crestor for 2 months with no side affects whatsoever. Insurance co wouldn't pay for it and said I had to take Zocor. Guess they really have paid now, 3 days in a California hospital with every heart test under the sun has really added up fast. Given that my condition is genetic - diet does absolutely nothing - I don't have a lot of choice given that I'm at an age where this genetic condition starts to do damage. | F | 56 | 30 days 10MG 1X D | 2/5/2010 | 1 | I have the worst salty taste in my mouth. It never goes away. I'd rather have high cholesteral than deal with this. I stopped tne drug yesterday. I pray I go back to normal. This is poison! I have always been a healthy and smart person. I feel like I have been duped! | This drug is not worth the price you pay while on it! | F | 58 | 4 days 1X D | 2/3/2010 | 1 | High LDL | Kidney Pain, Joint Pain, Darkened Urine, Sleeplessness, Cramping in feet. Felt so bad one night I made sure to take my cell phone to bed with me in case I needed to call someone for help. | All of this after only 6 days of taking simvastatin! I had trouble with Lipitor and Crestor but nothing compared to this. Physician told me to cut 10mg tablet in half. Cut it in half again(2.5mg) after a couple of days to see if it made a difference but side effects remained just as bad. Wouldn't recommend this drug to anyone that has any sensitivity to medication. | F | 50 | 6 days | 1/26/2010 | 1 | NO | caused the disintegration of my muscles in a short period of time. Lost so much strength I went from lifting 25 lb boxes at work to not able to lift even 2 lbs without pain. No strength. Had a therapist and one doctor tell me to stop taking immediately. It has taken over 1 yr to rebuild my muscles. Still not there yet. | Should be taken off market. | F | 57 | 1 years | 1/24/2010 | 1 | moderately high cholesterol | hand tremor right awaym all the time | Doc does not believe it was due to the drug. after discontinuing it, the tremor improved but didn't go away. | M | 62 | 2 months | 1/24/2010 | 5 | cholesterol | Tiny sores on my head at first. Feel unmotivated but could be due to darkness outside. Stopped anti-depressant after years of very low dose. Biggest issue is weight gain. Not sure if it's my age, lack of activity. I wondered if I started to crave sweets after taking it, but wasn't sure if it was just because I felt if it controlle my cholesterol I could eat what I wanted. But this has continued. | Only on 10mg and it's brought me down to just above the healthy leevel. Tried 15 mg. but it didn't make any difference (1 1/2 pills). Main concern now is weight gain. Will focus on getting exercise and eating better and see if it helps. | F | 53 | | 1/23/2010 | 3 | Mild high cholesterol | Similar to a citrate reaction when giving platelets: Bilateral tingling in thumb, base of thumb, index finger, up the lateral forearm, lower lips and chin. | I called the doctor at the VA. He said to discontinue, and just exercise and diet. | M | 57 | 2.5 months | 1/21/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | Started Simvastatin 20mg in Jan 2009. Side effects crept up on me gradually until they became unbearable a year later. Have gained 10lbs, probably cuz of reduced exercise due to pain. Had pain in feet, toes, arms, hands and fingers. Month 5: Started having pain in my left arm. Month 12: Told my PCP that I have had this pain for several months and that it isn't getting better - he thought it was a rotator cuff injury, gave me instructions for exercises. This month, my RIGHT arm started to hurt also. First thought it's from overusing the right arm to compensate for left arm pain but I'm convinced it's the medication. Month 8: My wedding rings no longer fit because they were so tight and I was hoping that this was a temporary issue due to weight gain. Recently I had my ring size measured. I was a size 6.5 through the 1970s/1980s, and had been a 7 all through the 1990s up till last year August - I was told that it's a 9 now! I can't believe that my size would increase that much in such a s | I stopped taking Simvastatin on Jan 10. The pains are diminishing gradually but are still there. My arm pain is much better on my right arm but I still have my left arm pain and I do believe that I do have an actual rotator cuff injury and I need to keep doing the exercises to see if it will get better without some sort of repair surgery. My fingers still hurt although it doesn't seem to be as constant as it was previously. They are still swollen. I recently spoke with my sister and it turns out that she has had almost all the same side effects as mine which she first got on Lipitor a couple of years ago, then went off it and then started Simvastatin last year and got the same problems again so she went off it before the end of the year. I wish I had spoken to her about this earlier - we didn't know that we were going through the same issues as we live far apart and usually don't discuss health problems. | F | 54 | 1 years | 1/21/2010 | 3 | cholesteral | I've been gaining weight, for no reason. And I just can't get motivated to work out. Just total lethargy | Anybody else gaining weight?? | F | 51 | 2 months | 1/20/2010 | 3 | High colestorol | I started 40mg Simvastin 2 weeks ago a year after procrastinating starting it. A week later, I had extreme vertigo and my first 911 call ever, but the doctor the next day said it was caused by a sinus infection and prescribed an antibiotic (Azithromycin). Ever since, though, while I have no clear physical symptoms, I have felt a difference in fatigue/sleep. I'm 320 lbs. and get little exercise, and had irregular sleeping patterns while not working for a period right now, so my sleep was irregular already, but I felt like I understood the patterns/tiredness. Since then it feels very different. I feel a sort of constant tiredness, a 'crash' when I go to deep sleep, I haven't come close to remembering a dream when I wake up, I wake up in a sort of 'still tired' feeling, I just 'don't feel normal' in a way. I can't tell if it's the drug or not, I started Mertformin and it at the same time for diabetes diagised a year ago, blood sugar went from 300 to sometimes over 400 without med to 175-2 | I just don't know if it is having any bad effects. I don't know how to even check my cholestorol without asking for a lab test, bt I'm interested in this 'different feeling' right now. I'm deciding whether to stop taking it ands see if there are any changes, it sounds like there are no problems stopping/starting, hope that's correct. | M | 46 | 14 days | 1/10/2010 | 2 | High Cholesterol | Right from the first day I noticed sore feet for no apparent reason. Woke up on the second day with a stabbing pain (similar to an extreme cramp)in my left bicep area from my shoulder to my elbow along with and ache in my left hand. These are my only two symtoms as I am only on my third day and am about ready to abort mission. I have read many negative reports online about Zocor that make me question whether or not the side effects are really going to be worth the possibility of lowering my cholesterol. It seems that there are many more side effects to look forward to if I continue to use this DRUG. I will give it a full week and make my decision accordingly. Destroying my body in one way to repair it in another is simply out of the question. | I realize that these medications (drugs) have different side effects on different people and some may tolerate it better at certain levels. I am a 44 year old male, 6' 4" - 215 lbs, with no physical ailments other than high cholesterol. I am alarmed at the fast rate in which the side effects from this drug seemed to alter my body. I will remain on this pill for a total of 7 days and after that if the adverse effects are still apparent I will no longer take this medication. I take no other medications at this time. | M | 44 | 3 days | 1/10/2010 | 1 | Cholesterol | 1st signs rash itching difficulty breathing; nausea; stuffy nose tightness in the chest; chest pain; weakness; pale stools; red, stabbing stomach pain; | 1st episode was in August of 2009; Came off because I thought I was getting the flu. No fever;no phlegm, got better in about 1 month. Went back on the drug in early November at 80mgs again. This time along with 2 niacin per Dr. orders because the zocor was working but not for another type of cholesetorol (not sure ldl etc..) that he thought the niacin would bring down. After over 1 month I thought I was getting a cold again; sluggish feeling had difficulty getting out of the chair. I felt intoxicated and could not walk. My 1st symptms started to get a tingling - then redness; maybe it was the niacin but the I was familiar with the diffulty of getting out of the chair so I came off the drug again because I thought I was getting sick again. Stiff upper back; spasms in lower back. I went to hospital twice no signs of any type of flew. I then got chest tightness and nasuau. I kept waiting for phlegm to come up from my chest but never did. I don't believe it after reading this board. After 3 weeks of being off this drug ; no I don't have nausua anymore; just yesterday my leg strength started to come back. Stools started to get a bit more solid. I am still in a fog like I'm drunk but it's not as bad as 3 weeks ago. I'm hoping it will go away. I'm realizing that throughout the year on this drug I always wanted to massage my head. Do not take this drug and if you do especially DO NOT MIX with Niacin. This is not a way to live life. Someone from this site should send this to the F | M | 39 | 2 years | 1/9/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | General Weakness, painful wrists and joints, shooting pains in various parts of body, hot sweats, memory loss, dizziness, palpitations, heartburn, belching, nausea, just feeling generally unwell and old before my time! | Was on these originally for about 6 months last year and came off them due to side effects. Dr advised me to try them again and have only been on them 2 months and all the side effects have reappeared again. Will not be taking again especially after reading all other comments on this site! | F | 51 | 60 days | 1/8/2010 | 1 | high Cholesterol | Now age 64. Started zocor 5 years ago at docs advice. Read several articles saying statins had many positive effects on whole health. Was happy to be able to take it. But....in the past 6 months noticed aches, deep muscle pain, more than normal fatigue, fuzzy memory issues, screaming calf cramping and feet cramping, weakness. Last weekend could hardly pickup my 3 year old grandson. I got scared. Was having a hard time believing it could be this drug that was causing all this. Was thinking I had symptoms of MS or some neuro muscular disorder. I like to dance and exercise but was feeling like i couldn't connect my brain to the movement I wanted to make, seamlessly. I have always had a strong kinesthetic awareness and never felt disconnected from my body at all. But i am beginning to realise that the statin has contributed or caused this malaize. Libido non existent for a long time. Believed this was all age and work related. Was exhausted over the holidays with 8 days of family visiting | Today is day 5 off the drug. Feel better already. Not 100% but improvement noticable.I think my symptoms are zocor related. And will stay off drug for 60 days then call the doc. Zocor alone did not bring my levels under 218. Diet and exercise with zocor did get it under 200. I weigh 126 and am 5'2". I must get weight down to 110. And maybe take fish oil.And exercise daily. | F | 64 | 5 years | 1/8/2010 | 1 | high cholesterol | Pain in hands, neck and shoulders (had previous problems on occasion, but seems suddenly much worse). Stiffness (never had before). Headaches, nausea, gas and frequent diarrhea. I thought the diarrhea might stop, but it hasn't completely. The headaches and nausea seem to occur simultaneously when my stomach is empty. I always have had to eat 3 regular meals to avoid the drop in blood sugar and accompanying nausea / hot flash, but it is much worse now. I had to pull over the other day when this "hit" me while driving I felt so sick. | I told my doctor today about all these side effects and we agreed that I would stop taking this medicine today. She is going to start me on niacin in 30 days to see if this will provide results without so many side effects; however, she did mention it causes hot flashes, but these can be reduced by taking the niacin with aspirin. I am also going to go on a diet to try to lose 20 pounds although we know that high cholesterol is gentic for me. I don't want to take any more statins so will try everything else before I take this again. | F | 50 | 20 days | 1/6/2010 | 1 | Cholesterol 210 | Update from 10/09/09 | I have been off Zocor for 3 months and have been gradually improving. My shoulder pain has gone, and my hip joints feel normal again. My left big toe has stopped hurting, but the neuropathy in my right foot has been diminishing only minimally. I hope everything's back to normal within the year. I also have improved memory and better spirits, so I know I made the right decision for me. I haven't bothered discussing this with my doctor since he is so brainwashed by the Pharma matrix, he wouldn't be able to hear me anyway. | F | 53 | 2.5 years | 1/4/2010 | 4 | high cholestrol | Started on 10mg of simvistatin [generic Zocor]. In 24 hours felt sick. Upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, headache, loss of balance. Have developed itching [rash] on right shoulder. Waiting to see if might be connected. Dropped my cholstrol by almost 100 points. However Dr. told me to stop taking until after holidays. As of Jan. 1st I started on 5mg [splitting the 10mg pill] Waiting to see what's next. | F | 59 | 21 days | 1/3/2010 | 1 | High Cholesterol | Started at 20 mg a day, but doctor felt the numbers weren't coming down fast enough, so it was increased to 40 mg. After reading through this page, it all makes sense. Headaches increased, sharp shooting pains, stiff neck, increased anxiety since I didn't know what the hell was going on with my body, awful leg cramps, increased weight, to the tune of 15 pounds since I started this drug in April. No sex drive whatsoever, much to my husbands dismay. | I also had the tingling/numbness in my hands and general weakness in my arms. Doc told me it was too much time on the computer...wells sorry, that's my job! Sleeping, what I would give for a full, uninterrupted night of sleep, I'm up 3-4 times everynight. I'm taking myself off of it until my next doctors appointment and see what happens. | F | 43 | 9 months | 12/27/2009 | 1 | At night cannot walk as legs give out! | F | 84 | 3 months | 12/25/2009 | 1 | HIGH CHOLOSOTOL | MY SIDE EFFECTS TERRIBLE BODY PAIN ALL OVER, CHEST PAIN, BACK PAIN, I FEEL LIKE I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. THATS HOW BAD IT IS. IM STOPPING IT NOW. AND HOPE I WILL FEEL BETTER I DIDNT HAVE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE TAKING ZOCOR. | F | 63 | | 12/24/2009 | 2 | high total cholestorl 236 | posted previously (12/9/09): I am adding this message to my previous comments in hopes of helping others. My loss of sexual function was helped greatly (after stopping simvistatin) by taking 1500mg of Acetyl L-Carnitine. While I am not an advocate of taking supplements or vitamins I was relieved to note almost immediate erectile improvement with this one. It is available without RX. If you try this and it works, you may want to relate your experience here in order to help others. | I have found out that simvistatin is able to get into the brain. Also, some speculate that since lipids are necessary building blocks of hormones, testosterone could be lowered by lowering the availability of lipids with statin therapy. What ever the reason simvistatin appears to have caused my loss of libido. My doctor has given me an RX for Crestor and I asked him for an order to get a baseline testosterone level before I start Crestor. Although Crestor isn't supposed to cross into the central nervous system (brain), it is going to take a great deal of courage to start taking it as my sexual function is only now (2 months after stopping simvistatin) approaching what it was before simvistatin. Life without an ability to have sexual experiences is very depressing. I can now totally empathize with postmenopausal women who SUFFER from loss of libido. It is hard to believe that a heart attack from high cholesterol could be more life altering (unless it killed you). | M | 62 | 60 days | 12/20/2009 | 3 | High total cholesterol | Started Simvastatin 20 mgs about two months ago. No problems until recently when started to get pain in front thighs/groin bilaterally, making walking difficult and painful. Also some stiffness in the feet on getting up in the morning. Was beginning to think I suddenly needed a hip replacement when it occurred to me to Google side-effects of Simvastatin. AFter reading so many posts describing similar symptoms am now going to stop the Simvastatin and see what happens. | While I'd like to have a lower cholesterol level, if the price of that is feeling prematurely old - as I have started to - I think I'd rather take my chances with high cholesterol. The link between high cholesterol and heart disease is still not proven after all. For those who can afford it a CT heart scan will show whether there is any 'furring of the arteries' or not. I had one and it was negative, which reassures me for now. | F | 50 | 2 months | 12/17/2009 | 4 | HYPERCHOLESTEROL | Been taking Zocor for several years and noticed more age related aches and pains (I'm 67). Recently was diagnosed with minor (partial) rotator cuff tendon tear NOT due to any increase in exercise or unusual activity. Doc recommended simple shoulder exercises surgery is an option if pain increases or range of motion declines. I play a lot of golf but rotator cuff is not an issue due to the swing plane (not like tennis or volley ball). Will report back to you in 6 weeks... | M | 67 | 3 years | 12/9/2009 | 2 | high total cholestorl 236 | TOTAL and profound loss of libido (first time in life I had no interest in any sexual interaction), loose stools/cramping, strange itchy feeling on head, poor sleep, hot at night, unable to maintain erection for long, but very favorable effect on prostate discomfort. I think it depleated already age-lowerd testosterone. | 20mg of simvistatin for 60 days, literature says side effects usually go away in a week or two after stopping. At one month after stopping, my libido is returning but ED continues, loose stools/gut caramping and hot nights are better. I have an appt with Dr., he said on phone simvistatin should make erectile probelems better not worse! I hope we don't get into an argument. | M | 62 | 60 days | 12/9/2009 | 1 | HIGH CHOLESTEROL, CHD | Took for two years before side effects showed up: constant diarrhea, occasional vomiting, severe chills then sweats, difficulty breathing so severe that was in ER two times about it, admitted to hospital and 1 1/2 days with oxygen mask, weakness, and really got so bad it threw me into atrial fibralation four times! Oh, yeah and my liver enzymes shot up too. THIS AFTER TWO YEARS with no side effects! | This stuff, if it isn't junk, should be very carefully monitored. I had to literally fight with my doctor before she accepted my getting off it. After only a week off it the diarrhea and other stuff is gone! | M | 73 | 2 years | 12/6/2009 | 1 | was told to lower my cholestrol | I have been ill for a year cough depression muscle pain | I hrsave taken myself off this med as I felt I was dying | F | 78 | 3 years | 12/4/2009 | 4 | lower cholesteral | none | M | 59 | 3 years | 12/3/2009 | 2 | High Cholestrol | Tired all the time w/ pain in back, legs and constant headaches. Most recently I have had twitching in my left eye. When I wake up each morning my body is sore...feels like I was bruised all over! | I never started at 20mg or 40mg! My doctor started me with 80mg of Zocor and 10mg of Zetia with 1 pill at night! I just turned 42 and although I had the medications for nearly 4 years I was taking it every once in a while. However, the past six months I have taken it every night---all 80 mg. Now I can only sleep on the sofa and I can't stay up late at all! I recently discontinued my Zocor. I am now almost a week and I am still sore. I am hoping to find end to my pain soon! | F | 42 | 4 years | 12/3/2009 | 4 | High Cholesterol | Some occasional lower/upper back pain and need to urinate a little more frequently. | I have been on this 10mg generic simivastatin for about 6 months now and I have to say it has done it's job. I went from a total level of 248 to a total 189 in 3 months. The doctor has increased dosage to 20mg due to the to good and bad levels were still a bit out of wack. Since the increase I have had no real ill side effects. Considering that any medication will have some negative effects I believe this is great. FOR THE PEOPLE SAYING THIS DRUG CAUSES ANXIETY AND ALL OTHER PROBLEMS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND I MYSELF HAVE HAD ANXIETY ISSUES AND THEY ARE NOT CAUSED BY THIS DRUG. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT. I SEE A LOT OF POSTINGS SAYING THAT THESE DRUG ARE CAUSING PSYCHOLOGICAL SIDE EFFECTS. THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE CAUSING THEM NOT A STATIN DRUG. | M | 34 | 6 months | 12/1/2009 | 1 | High Cholesterol | Rhabdomyolysis | Is there a CLASS ACTION SUIT on this poison? My mother was poisoned and can barely walk. We are getting her liver and kidney's tested. | F | 63 | 2 years | 11/24/2009 | 4 | high ldl | muscles pain, memory loss | M | 55 | 2 months | 11/21/2009 | 3 | elevated cholesterol | HEADACHES! Not sleeping well or soundly. | Wish there was a better way but I tried diet and exercise and it didn't help. | F | 53 | 7 days | 11/20/2009 | 3 | high cholesterol | Five hours after the first dose of generic zocor 40 mg I have intense abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea. The pharmacist suggested that perhaps I should have been started off on a lower dose. | F | 35 | 1 days | 11/19/2009 | 1 | My cholsterol was about 220. | After about two weeks on Zocor I began feeling overall weak and it was very apparent that exercise was not something that I could maintain as I had done prior to starting Zocor. I was recovering from back surgery, and exercise was a very important part of my rehabilitation. I had to give up exercise at the gym as I no longer had enough strength to ride a stationery exercise bike. The large muscles of my arms and legs were affected. After three weeks on Zocor, I notified my doctor that I was stopping it. It has been about two weeks since I stopped taking Zocor and I am a little stronger but am still greatly affected by the Zocor with weakness and shaking in the large muscles. I will NEVER take this medicine again. Unlike most of you, my doctor started me off at 80 mg of simvastatin (generic Zocor) even though I told him that sometimes I'm very sensitive to medications. The simvasatin brought my cholesterol down to 159 within two weeks. This has been a good lesson for me to be more aggre | F | 64 | 22 days | 11/14/2009 | 1 | high cholesterol | Zocor lowered my LDL but after 4-6 months I was experiencing lower back pain, pain in my feet and general weakness. This was so gradual and after I had been on Zocor for a few months that I didn't attribute it to the drug. I would describe the pain as extreme stiffness to the point of pain, not so bad when I was up and moving, exercising etc., but after sitting, driving or sleeping, it was difficult to walk for several minutes. I felt old, tired and unmotivated. | Dr. though arthritis, however, xrays revealed little of that. After stopping Zocor for 3 months, I am about 80% improved. Began taking 50 mg. of Co Q10 which seemed to speed up the improvement. -I have heard of benefits in pain reduction while on statins when adding Co Q10. | F | 52 | 10 months | 11/13/2009 | 1 | High Cholesterol - hereditary | My bones ached all the time. I started to experience heartburns on a regular basis. This was never a problem before. Fuzzy thinking. Gained 15 lbs. during the 3 months I took Zocor. The worst part: I stopped taking it in November 2008 and the heartburn developed into serious acid reflux, that does not go away, so now, thanks to Zocor, I have to take regular medication to help with acid reflux. Also the pain in my right shoulder never went away. I don't know if it ever will. 2 lasting side effects so far. | This stuff is pure poison. My doc prescribed 40 mg. He did not start with the lower dose of 20 mg, which is beyond me. When I came back to see the doc because of all the side effects, he was in complete denial. I felt like an idiot and have since found a new doc who actually listens. Yes, the Zocor signicantly lowered my cholesterol, but who cares, I could not live with the side effects and still have them after quitting Zocor almost a year ago. This is unbelievable. | F | 51 | 3 months | 11/10/2009 | 1 | Elevated cholesterol level | Gradually started hurting and feeling stiff everywhere-thought it was old age and the effects of a very stressful year catching up to me. Numbness in my right arm and around right kneecap. Anxiety and depression. Woke up with swollen, painful wrist one morning with no apparent cause.Then extreme lower back pain and numbness radiating down to legs. When the shooting pains began from ankle up my calf (so bad, my leg jumped) it occured to me it might be the simvastatin. Had my daughter look up side effects on the internet. Stopped taking it that night. Next day felt so much better-I did a lot of strenuous yardwork and hardly had any stiffness or soreness that night.Most symptoms gone after 1 week off, except for the wrist still sore and sometimes swollen-worse right after I wake up. | Will never take another statin. I think it's all a big racket by the pharmacutical companies. My cholesterol is not that high and I feel fine and fit otherwise. | F | 53 | 3 weeks | 11/7/2009 | 3 | High Cholesterol. | I took Zocor and other statins for approximately 15 years at the 20mg level. I started around age 30 using various different statins depending on what my insurance company was getting the best deal on. I did fine until I hit 44 and I started having some anxiety and my blood pressure would pop up at the doctors office. I took Zocor for the vast amount of the time that I was on statins. The doctor felt that perhaps I was developing hypertension and increased the dosage to 40mg. I also noted some water retention in my hands and feet. I also started to develop nueropathy in my hands and feet. The 40 mg didn't really make much of a dent in my cholesterol levels. So the doctor bumped it to 80MG. This is when my hair started falling and my bowels slowed the a crawl. The last inch or so of my rectum stopped working so I would end up with some pretty nasty wipes for a while. It was just better to shower after wards. If you didn't it would slowly leak out for hours. My anxiety and sl | A warning for all the side effects of this drug can be so subtle it's really hard to tell what is causing it. | M | 46 | 15 years | 10/31/2009 | 1 | cholesterol | foot cramps with bruises to feet. Chronic foot pain now getting worse even after off a year. | F | 56 | 5 months | 10/30/2009 | 2 | High Cholesterol | The first side effects-excessive dry mouth, constant thirst, and diarrhea--began almost immediately, the day after taking the first dose. Then the chest pain and tightness began along with tingling, numbness, and a shredding feeling across the top of my chest from my throat/neck/collarbone to my breasts. Heartburn and belching. Chronic fatigue and lethargy, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Painful left groin in conjunction with a dull ache extending from left buttock to the back of the knee causing me to limp from time to time. Finally, intermittent blurred vision in one eye. | I stopped taking Zocor two weeks ago. Most of the physical side effects I experienced have gone. The depression, anxiety, and fatigue have also seemed to disappear (but just in the past few days) and I am sleeping again. What scares and angers me about this drug and the more than 3 months of unnecessary misery I experienced is that I, not my physician, made the connection between the Zocor and the symptoms I had. In prescribing Zocor my doctor only mentioned dry mouth, diarrhea, and minor muscle soreness as possible side effects. About 4 weeks after beginning the drug, I talked to her about the chest pain, tightness, and heartburn. She said my symptoms were the result of anxiety, and prescribed meds for that and for the insomnia. There was no mention of Zocor as a possible cause of the conditions for which she was now prescribing more pharmaceuticals. | F | 55 | 3 months | 10/21/2009 | 1 | Elevated cholesterol | Muscle weakness in legs and back, progressively worsening until recently I also developed ache in shoulder and arm. Have had several bouts of Plantar Faciitis in my foot as well. Leg cramps, and a sore shoulder,meant that at night I could not sleep on my side. | I was prescribed this by my doctor because I have a family history of heart disease and my cholesterol was at about 220. I have been on the drug for 2 years until I decided last month that enough is enough- I feel so achy all the time that exercise, even moderate walking has become a big effort. I felt more like an 80 year old, rather than 50. I have put on weight because of the lack of exercise, and now my blood pressure is getting high. So my doctor suggested meds for that as well. Instead, I have stopped the Zocor, I will consult a dietician and follow a vegetarian diet, and hopefully soon be out walking again. At least I sleep better now- no more leg cramps! I tried to report this to the FDA as a few of you suggested but their website is impossible. No wonder side effects are reported in a small % of patients....I can't imagine many people bother to report this. | F | 50 | 2 years | 10/19/2009 | 1 | hyperlipidemia | My teenaged daughter was prescribed this medication in generic form and within a month had a psychotic break. She was hospitalized for three weeks, given antipsychosis medications and never improved. When I found a small article about psychosis on this med, I requested she stop taking it. Within a week she significantly improved, although is still not completely lucid yet. We will be reporting this as an adverse reaction to the drug. She has lost a month of her senior year of high school, and may still not return for another week or two. Watch your family members closely on this medication. | F | 17 | 28 days | 10/17/2009 | 1 | High Cholesterol | After six months on Simvastatin (Zocor) 40 mg per day. I had a TGA. I went to the VA Dr. 3 months later for liver blood tests. I told the Dr. about the memory loss for 30 min. and he said it may be a TIA and sent me for more tests. | After researching on the internet and finding my exact symptoms occuring in many others I'm confident that the CT and carotid ultrasound tests will be negative and instead of the Dr.'s suspected TIA it will have proved to be a TGA. I've been fatigued, need a nap, lack of interest, foot tendon pain and memory loss. After 9 months I am in the process of discontinuing my statin treatment gradually from 40mg to 20mg per day for 2 weeks and 10mg for one last week. | M | 67 | 9 months | 10/12/2009 | 1 | high cholesterol (210) | I was okay for 1.5 years (nothing noticeable), but last year I began sleeping all the time, didn't care for anything going on around me, hip joints started aching, very foggy-minded, depressed, didn't care if I lived or not, then arms began aching along with my big toe(!). After reading "Overdosed America" (strongly recommend this book), I quit taking Zocor on 9/20/09. On 10/7/09, I awakened from the dead as if someone flipped a switch. I clean the house, socialize, and have a real interest in life again. My arms still ache, but hopefully that will go away. I cannot believe the difference. Please read the book, everyone. The doctor writing it is not a quack out to make a buck. He himself was shocked by his investigations about the so-called effectiveness of this new medical fad, especially for women. I am alive again and will only take herbal remedies from now on. Since 75% of heart attack victims don't have high cholesterol, I am not worried. Good luck, all. Don' | F | 53 | 2.5 years | 10/9/2009 | 3 | High Cholesterol | Pain and Swelling in Toes and Fingers | We'll haven't thought I had any side effects up until now. But my brother has been pushing me to look into the side effects, and sent me the link to this site. For about the same time, since I started on Zocor (later simvastatin, the generic), I've been having these terrible pains in my toes, accompanied with swelling. The pains moved from toe to toe on one foot, then into my other foot, now into one of my fingers. I've been going to a Podiatrist, had XRays, MRI's, bone scans, and all are showing inflammation, and actually swelling of my bones, which I found odd. But it has still never been diagnosed, and I've been living with it all this time. I just quit taking it, might be feeling a little better, but I'm gonna give it some time to see if there is a connection. Check back for update. | M | 41 | 5 years | 10/2/2009 | 1 | Prescribed for high cholestrol | Only took Zocor for about 2 weeks. Arm muscles began to weaken. Dr. said don't worry, drug only affects large muscles (??). Maybe, like the heart? I stopped taking the drug long before Dr. said she would switch me to Lipitor. I refused to take any statins. Cholestrol up to 444. Muscles are wasting away and painful. Leg cramps unbelievable. It has been over 8 years since this started and getting worse. Taking CoQ10. Cholestrol still high, but my father had over 420 count at age 82, so what is the big deal? First find out if a high count is a problem. | There is nothing Zocor can do to replace the muscle mass I have lost, and what damage is going on with my heart? Wish they would come up with an answer to stop the ongoing damage. | F | 68 | 2 weeks | 9/30/2009 | 1 | High cholestrol | Lower back pain, upper back pain, arm pain, fatigue, weakness, cloudy thinking--terrible drug | Look at the Harvard Med School warning about these statins www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Dyslipidemia/8489 I am a slender man with a cholestrol level of 140. My doc told me it was too high (!) and I needed a statin, so he put me on simvastatin 40 mg saying it was a low dose. After several months I developed severel low back pain, was in for 2 weeks. In that time my wife did research and told me that it was the statins, so I stopped taking them and my back pain went away. 4 months later and back at the doc, who told me it was all in my head and to get back on the statins, so I did. That was three months ago, and here I am in bed, again, with a sore back and intense pain going down my arms. I have been like this for a week, unable to do anything. I am so tired. My wife reminded me (how easily I forget--cloudy thinking) that I had these same problems before and that I need to get off this darn drug! She went out and bought me some CoQ10 to rebuild my muscle strength and I am taking niacinamide 2x daily 500 mg. Not only that, my wife says that a cholestrol level of 140 for a guy my age is good, why take the statins? | M | 62 | 10 months | 9/25/2009 | 2 | high cholesterol | muscle pain in the legs, extreme tiredness...never felt like I had enough sleep...have been on this drug for several years | F | 67 | 3 days | 9/23/2009 | 2 | Yes | Side effects came on slowly so it was difficult to pin them to Zocor.Neck muscles would tighten up so much that I felt dizzy, visual disturbances, almost like pre migrane.Pain in Left side of neck and shoulder.Thought I had a pinched nerve..Bloating,strange sensations in both arms like my muscles were not coordinating well,blurred vision in the morning,Stopped taking Zocor and bingo all side effects are going away slowly. | Watch your diet, these side effects are horrible.Although it did bring my cholesterol down to acceptable limits I'm not sure that putting up with these side effects are worth it. | M | 56 | 7 months | 9/19/2009 | 2 | High Cholesterol | lump in throat feeling, sore throat, "sore" tongue, stuff nose/nasal dryness. | M | 43 | 2 weeks | 9/9/2009 | 1 | high cholesterol | Joint pain in knees and feet. | Started taking Zocor in December 2008. By mid-January I was in almost constant pain, without apparent cause. First noticed the pain in my knees, felt like it was focused just underneath both kneecaps. I would take the pill at night as recommended and then wake up in the morning with pain. I knew there was no reason to have pain after sleeping for several hours, and not having the same level of pain when I went to bed. I'm 38 years old and in good physical condition. I am in the military and running has been a way of life for me for the past 12 years, never had ANY problems with my knees until now, but it started suddenly just a few weeks after I started on Zocor. There is NO doubt in my mind that Zocor is the culprit. To verify this to myself, I stopped the pill for a week and my knee pain quickly improved. I have tried to get more than one doctor to listen to my story but they seem either uninterested or openly doubtful. Zocor has done its job--my cholesterol numbers are back in the normal range, but it has cost me the ability to move about comfortably. Stairs are a nightmare, and sometimes it hurts too much to walk across level ground. I can no longer run or ride a bicycle unless I stop taking Zocor for a few days first. | M | 38 | 8 months | 9/9/2009 | 1 | to manage cholesterol | been taking zocor for 10-12 years, begain on 20mg - brought my levels down but doctor advised increasing dose to 40mg - clinical trials indicated longer term benefits from 40mg. Leg cramps, poor sleeping, burning feeling in large leg muscles when I stand or walk for more than 10-15mins, unpredicatable diarrhoea, poor concentration, irritable, loss of muscle mass and strength, went back to Dr -no mention of possible side effect, prescribed anti-depressants, I have been googling the symptoms for months till I found the link to zocor. Seems to be obvious now. Stopped the zocor and will go back to GP. On the B vitimans and fish oil plus exercise - hope my drive and fitness will return but fearful of long term damage | Friends (2) had been taking zocor for 20 plus years, both developed severe pancreatitus and died of pancreatic cancer within 18 months - be very careful of this drug. I cant be sure of the link but I am very suspicious. | F | 51 | 12 years | 9/5/2009 | 1 | High cholesterol | Hair loss, hot flashes, feeling of being out of it, foggy, couldn't think clearly, very agitated and angry, very short temper, muscles in my arms and legs hurt, felt lousy. | Been off Zocor for 2 weeks and feel like a new person. Give this poison up! My poor excuse of a Dr. suggested I up my intake of Zocor to 30 mg. I did that and at the same time started a diet, long story short, I quickly lost 15 lbs, had my cholesterol tested, it was down to 120. Called the Dr. and said I don't think 120 is normal, her response? 120 is great, keep taking the Zocor. Within 35 days of losing the weight and uping the Zocor the symptoms started, my hair started falling out, a lot, my mood was terrible, I was foggy and out of it (not like me), I was getting agitated and angry all of the time (not like me), my arms and legs hurt, I had terrible hot flashes. I wrote all of this off to PMS, just getting older, etc. I started researching all of the possible reasons why my hair was falling out because the Dr. had no clue, of course, and finally I came across an article about statins. Bingo! I learned that any cholesterol reading under 160 is cause for concern, mine went down to 120 and I was still taking 30 mg of Zocor, what an idiot! I learned that your hormones, organs, your entire body, especially your brain needs cholesterol, period, to function correctly. I stopped the Zocor 2 weeks ago and I feel like a new person, my hair stopped falling out on day 5, no hot flashes, my mood is almost back to normal and I feel great. I will never take Zocor or anything like it again. | F | 47 | 1 years | 9/4/2009 | 1 | High Cholesterol | I was on Simvastatin (generic for Zocor). There are many similar drugs in this category including Crestor, Lipitor etc... I strongly encourage any of you to discuss the possible side effects of that drug with your doctor and should you decide to take it pay careful attention to how you feel. I felt fine for a year or so after beginning Simvastatin then my health crashed. I am 39 years old. I run, lift and Box daily so there was no good explanation for an immediate loss of energy, complete loss of sex drive, stamina, focus and drive. The worst effects though may have been the loss of memory and mental clarity which even now has not fully returned. I have been off the drug since Jan' this year and I would say that I am probably about 80% but I hope that I will recover fully in time. Only after I took it upon myself to do an in-depth search of the internet based on my symptoms did I find that MANY people on cholesterol lowering drugs have some of these same symptoms. With that said, | Some additional resources: http://www.medicinenet.com/simvastatin/article.htm http://www.mombu.com/medicine/human-head/t-statin-adverse-effects-faq-memory-loss-amnesia-dementia-lipitor-lovastatin-optic-nerve-lens-2212371.html | M | 39 | 3 years | 9/2/2009 | 3 | high colestrial | Had ben taking 2omg for three years wit no side effects. Dr. raised me to 40mg. Started to have muscle pains in legs. Started on COQ10. That helped with pain, but now have trouble sleeping, a side effect of hte COQ10 | F | 62 | 60 days | 9/1/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |