LIPITOR Reviews (ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM)Average Rating: 1.9 (1269 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare LIPITOR with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken longest to shortest. Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 |
More on LIPITOR: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR LIPITOR | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 1 | High cholesterol | The side effects came slowly and it took me a while to make the connection. I slowly started experiencing pain in one shoulder joint then the other. Then deep muscle pain in the muscle of one arm then the other. Finally after the muscles in my chest started aching and insomnia had set in...I called my doctor who took me off the 10 mg. dosage. Looking back I realize now that I had symptoms early on but chose to overlook them. Bad choice on my part.... I hope now that the 9 months of taking these meds hasn't caused permanent damage !! | After reading more about the medication I can only say that for me....I am done with taking statins. I will control my cholesterol by losing weight,exercise and diet..... It did lower my total cholesterol and my LDL's but the effect it had on my overall well being was too devastating.... | M | 63 | 9 months | 8/30/2004 | 1 | high cholesterol/triglcerides | severe edema with swelling of limbs, vision problems, weakness, muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis/muscle loss, rapid pulse, cough, poor coordination while walking, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, increased sensitivity to other drugs, sweating, nausea, frequent headaches, numbness/tingling?aching/ heavy feeling in limps, difficulty walking due to swelling in legs and problems with coordination, fatigue, increased | I was told that what I went through was a rare experience for people on Lipitor and other statins; but I had two reactions this past year to Lipitor first and then later to the Pravachol my DR. switched me over to. I can't remember how long I was on Lipitor (maybe 8-10 months). I was on Pravachol for 2 months when I ended up with similar problems. Stopped statins 4 months ago... still having a lot of problems but there was a dramtic decrease in symptoms after stopping both the Lipitor and the Pravachol. | F | 41 | 9 months | 7/13/2004 | 1 | elevated cholestorol readings | muscle and joint pains--particularly severe at night--lasting even after stopping medication, although decreasing in severity | I'm distressed that pain continues even after stopping the medication. I took the medication for 9 months (my doctor said the pains weren't from the Lipitor because there was no indication in the blood work)--finally stopped when could barely walk. I've been off the medicine for 2 months and pain is less, but still very present, especially in joints. | F | 57 | 9 months | 8/10/2005 | 1 | cholesterol reading of 265 | extreme muscle and joint pain; extreme fatigue; muscle stiffness; tingling in feet, hands, and finally legs and arms as well; inability to walk any distance---felt like 90-year-old; contact pain where weight presses against things--bottom of feet, back of legs against a chair etc. | I complained to my doctor after just 3 weeks of 5 mg./day about muscle and joint pains. (I stopped the Lipitor myself after reading the label warnings. The pain stopped within days.) He checked the CK reading, which came back negeative. I used to work out at a gym for one hour twice a week, and he suggested that I was getting older and the workouts might be too extreme. I went back to taking the Lipitor and began cutting back on my exercise. After 6 months, in agony, I went for more blood work--everything was negative. After 9 months I stopped the Lipitor myself, but by then I was a mess: couldn't walk, couldn't lift my arms, horrible neck and muscle pain, horrible pain in every tendon in my body, particularly the Achilles tendon and those on the back of the head. My family doctor was at a loss. I went to a NY neurologist, then to a neuromuscular doctor who said it sounded like Lipitor, even though I had been off the Lipitor for almost 6 months.He suggested coenzymeQ10, 600 mg per day | F | 57 | 9 months | 4/17/2006 | 1 | to lower cholesterol | 1/7/05-Chest pain, general weakness, depression, anxiety, "just not myself", insomnia, fatigue, memory problems, inability to concentrate. Doctors unable to "connect the dots" (Lipitor = above symptoms) | Sure it lowered my cholesterol. But at what cost? I told my doctor I was feeling weak. He commented "I see NO reason for you to be weak" (Even though he prescribed the Lipitor for me) Well needless to say that was the last time I saw him.I thought I had MS,Lupus,Fibromyalgia or some other illness that has the symptoms I was experiencing. I found that Lipitor could be the reason for all of these symptoms. So, on my own, I stopped the Lipitor (I was only on 10mg per day) Within 48 hours I felt my mood elevating back to normal. So far (I've been off of it for about 5 days now), my chest pain has improved by about 75%. This is no coincidence I am certain. Hopefully my other symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, memory and insomnia will alleviate as well. By the way... my "new" doctor had prescribed an anti-depressent for me. I never filled it, as my instincts told me it was something more... I am generally a well balanced type of person. My depression did come on rather sudde | F | 46 | 9 months | 1/7/2006 | 1 | 1/7/05-continued... not all of it "posted" before. Here is the continuation. | I never filled it, as my instincts told me it was something more... I am generally a well balanced type of person. My depression did come on rather suddenly, about the same time as when I started the Lipitor. My advice to you would be to listen to your BODY, it may be trying to tell you something. Try diet and excercise to lower cholesterol (this is Pfizer's recommendation also, see their package insert) But... SORRY Pfizer... this is one gravy train you're not getting everyone on. | F | 46 | 9 months | 1/7/2006 | 1 | Cholesterol after Bypass surgery | Major neck and lower back pain and soreness, fatigued all the time and mild depression. | I never really had high cholesterol but did have blocked arteries and had to have quadruple bypass. I know it doesn’t make sense to me either. It’s hard for me to judge this medicine just yet but going to look at taking a lighter dose the side effects are pretty serious. | M | 47 | 9 months 80mg | 10/5/2019 | 2 | High Cholesterol | SEVERE AND UNCHARACTERISTIC DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AGGRESSION, AND MOOD SWINGS. I cannot stress this enough- my personality comepletely changed after beginning this medication. I am typically an easy going, positively thinking, emotionally stable, and motivated person. But after starting Lipitor I've gradually descended into a world of extreme anxiety, hopelessness, lonliness, and self loathing. I've never in my life been so depressed, so obsessively focused on morbid, terrifying thoughts, or so negative about everything in my life. After being off of this medication for only 48 hours, I am already beginning to see an improvement in my moods, but this will be a long journey back to my old self, I feel. Oh yes, and I also suffered from: Gas, Constipation, EXTREME FATIGUE, weight gain and bloating, and occassional bouts of diaharrea. It lowered my cholesterol, to be sure.... But it also significantly lowered my quality of life. | This website has been an absolute lifeline for me. My doctor had seemed so completely unwilling to accept that my symptoms could've possibly been related to my taking Lipitor. However, I know my body and know when things are not as they should be. I have been feeling this way since almost immediately after I took my first dose. Hearing that so many other people have experienced the same exact symptoms as me has given me the courage needed to STOP this medication. So many of my family members and friends have had bad reactions to this stuff- I can not trust it, and will be looking for another way to get my cholesterol under control, if possible. Be very careful and very informed before you start any new medication. Don't always trust the word of your doctor as "the only word" and take it at its face value. When it comes to your body, you have every right to dictate, understand, and call the shots about what does and does not go in to it. | F | 22 | 8.5 months | 12/3/2005 | 5 | high cholestrol | abdominal cramping, gas | My cholestrol was lowered from 267 to 175. I went from 20mg to 10 mg and it is still low. | F | 44 | 8 months | 5/9/2001 | 5 | High cholesterol due to diabetis 2 | This med worked wonders for me.Am only gratefull to the pharmaceutical company that makes it.My lipids are at normal level in the past 2 H1C tests.As adiabetic you are at higher risk for stroke and heart attack so taking Lipitor defininitely lowers the risk.No side effects. | Expensive medicine but luckily my insurance covers it. | F | 43 | 8 months | 12/15/2009 | 5 | coronary artery disease, high chole | extreme fatigue, short term memory loss, muscle weakness, hip pain, some cramping in toes. | Have been taking 10 mg of lipitor for 8 months. Also on strict low cholesterol diet and taking magnesium, omega 3, olive oil. Lowered LDL from 186 to 80 and total cholesterol from 260 to 130. have also lost 40 lbs. Heart doctor says I should continue taking lipitor because it is good for the arterial walls and heart. However, because of increasing bad side effects (especially extreme tiredness and general feeling of malais) am going to discontinue use and maintain strict diet and exercise. Benefits of Lipitor on cholesterol levels have been very good but am increasingly concerned about long term side effects. | M | 59 | 8 months | 4/23/2004 | 4 | High Cholesterol and Tyiglycerides | Does not appear to be giving me negative side effects | My ordeal began with leg problems long before my bypass and any drugs were taken. After surgery I was given list of drugs of which Lipitor was one. I take 80mg./day at night along with asprin, 100mg of Atenolol and a host of others. Sorry to say my leg pains have not went away, and by reading many of these postings it appears to exaggerate this condition. Doctors looking elsewhere but have found nothing. I found information about leg pains being caused by restless leg syndrome. I sure hope I don't have that! Started at 262, after 8 months down to 108. Lipitor diet and excercise have lowered my cholestrol. | M | 51 | 8 months | 7/23/2004 | 4 | high cholesterol/triglycerides | Minor joint soreness, fatigue, have a hard time getting up in the morning. I used to hop out of bed ready to go. Right knee always sore and swollen. | After 8 months, I have lowered my cholesterol to a safe level using Lipitor. I am also on Lopid to reduce Triglycerides. I take Glucosamine and Chondroitin to reduce joint soreness...seems to be working so far. | M | 36 | 8 months | 2/27/2005 | 4 | preventive | Due to bad family history and some early calcification, taking 10 mg at bed time quickly lowered total cholesterol to new target well under 200. After taking it for 8 months developed widespread muscle pain - neck, back, hips, legs, and hands. Aches and pains interupt sleep. Very stiff upon waking and hands hurt so much can't make a fist. Weakness when standing after sitting. Early in the day I move like someone much older. Pain diminishes throughout the day. lst doctor said probably had arthritis but could not explain overnight appearance or widespread discomfort. Second doctor said has been seeing lots of patients who have similar problem with statins and blood tests not confirming inflamation. Has suggested I stop taking for around 3 months to see if symptons go away. If pain disappears will try another statin. Also taking Fosamax 35. | F | 55 | 8 months | 3/1/2006 | 3 | High Cholesterol | I have Rhuematoid Arthritis for 35 yrs and have been on many arthritis meds. I currently am on Relefen for inflamation, Prednisone 5mg, every other day and Enbrel injections once a week. I have no problems from these drugs. Eight mos. ago another doctor put me on Lipitor 10mg daily because my chol was 240. Over a period of 6 mos., it went down to 159, which was great, BUT I started having terrible aching pain in my arms about that time which was radiating down my arms from my shoulder to my hands and I could not sleep well at all. I lost all the strength in my muscles and was fatigued all the time. I was blaming my arthritis for my pain for months and months. I started taking extra Relefen and Prednisone which helped only temporarly. I could hardly lift a glass of milk without using both hands, I was so weak in my arms and hands. One day it just hit me...."Maybe it's the Lipitor". It was the newest drug I was taking. So, I just quit taking it and within 3 days my arm | I suggest anyone who develops a bad symption within a week or month of going on Lipitor, or any other statin drug, quit taking it and call your doctor. There are some important reasons why some people HAVE to be on a statin in some cases. | F | 69 | 8 months | 5/3/2006 | 3 | High Cholesterol | My feet feel like I have stone bruises just in front of the heel. My hips hurt on both sides when I get up. I walk like an old person. My doctor noticed a rough sound in my lungs and a heart murmur that was never mentioned before. I'm having tests next week for both. | I was OK taking 20mg but the doctor raised me to 40mg about 4 months ago. It's only since then that I've had these symptoms. I'll probably quit completely though. I'm not physically able to do anything much. And at a young 50 that is just not acceptable. | F | 50 | 8 months | 1/28/2005 | 2 | High Colesterol | Well I already had arthritis in the hips, I had no idea that my sudden deteriation into a world of pain may have been due to this drug. But its a bit strange how it suddenly go so bad so quick. | So I spent $22k on arthropscopy on both hips, with mix results. Still getting a lot of pain. Just stopped taking the Lipitor 2 days ago. Lets see if the hips get better. | M | 48 | 8 months 10mg 1X day | 2/17/2015 | 2 | High Cholesterol | Muscle pain, mostly in my legs but to a lesser degree in my arms also. Hip pain in my left hip, sometimes severe enough to cause me to limp. A buzzing sensation in my lower right leg. This is a fairly recent occurance. Severe and frequent muscle cramps, mostly in my lower legs and feet. Knee pain. Generally, I feel terrible. I have no energy. I have constant pain, sometimes severe. Two days ago I stopped taking Lipitor. | M | 50 | 8 months | 8/10/2004 | 2 | high cholesterol | insomnia, muscle aches | It's 1:00am, taking 10 mg, haven't slept in over a week. Plan to stop taking Lipitor tomorrow. It did lower my cholesterol tho. | F | 42 | 8 months | 11/12/2006 | 1 | High Cholesterol | sleeplessness, peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness), bizarre muscular sensations, rash, itch | Effective at lowering cholesterol, but not without side effects. Do your research. Inform your GP as soon as you experience anything strange. This class of medication was most likely produced by a marketing department, rather than sound scientific study. | M | 39 | 8 months | 11/13/2006 |