Can simvastatin cause memory loss?
Neurological side effects
The FDA warns on statin labels that some people have developed memory loss or confusion while taking statins. These side effects reverse once you stop taking the medication.
Is statin induced memory loss reversible?
Although randomized controlled trials have not confirmed cognitive impairing effects with statins, continuing evidence suggests statins have the ability to cause reversible cognitive impairment in some patients.
How common is memory loss with statins?
People who took any kind of cholesterol drug—a statin or some other type—were nearly four times more likely to report memory loss right after starting on the drug, compared with people who didn’t take any kind of cholesterol drug.
Is simvastatin linked to dementia?
Our results showed that strong statins, such as rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin, were associated with a larger reduction of dementia, whereas standard statins, such as pravastatin, fluvastatin, and lovastatin, were not associated with a reduction of dementia.
Do statins give you brain fog?
Statins and Brain Fog
While statins have a lot of health benefits and are safe for most people to use, there are some side effects. These can include: Muscle aches and pain. Memory loss or brain fog.
What are the long term side effects of simvastatin?
The most common statin side effects include:
- Headache.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Flushing of the skin.
- Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia)
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Abdominal cramping or pain.
What cholesterol medication is linked to memory loss?
Statins are among the most frequently prescribed medications. Some people taking statins report side effects, including memory loss. In 2012, the FDA even added memory loss, or confusion, as a potential side effect on the label of all statin medications.
What happens when you stop taking statins cold turkey?
If you quit cold turkey, your body can go into shock. It is not recommended that you stop statins suddenly if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, as it can put you at a higher risk of recurrent heart attack. You should speak with your doctor before stopping the medicine under any circumstance.
Which statin drugs cause memory loss?
Results: Of the 60 patients identified who had memory loss associated with statins, 36 received simvastatin, 23 atorvastatin, and 1 pravastatin. About 50% of the patients noted cognitive adverse effects within 2 months of therapy.
What can I take instead of statins to lower cholesterol?
7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statins
- Fibrates. Mostly used for lowering triglyceride levels in patients whose levels are very high and could cause pancreatitis.
- Plant stanols and sterols.
- Cholestyramine and other bile acid-binding resins.
- Niacin.
- Policosanol.
- Red yeast rice extract (RYRE)
- Natural products.
What is a one common side effect of taking simvastatin?
The more common side effects that can occur with simvastatin include: headache. nausea. stomach pain.
What is the best statin to take with the least side effects?
According to a research review people who take simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) may experience fewer side effects.
Can you get off statins Once you start?
It’s possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, it’s not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because you’re more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins.
What cholesterol drug is linked to dementia?
Statins Used to Lower Cholesterol Linked to Doubled Risk of Developing Dementia. In patients with mild cognitive impairment, taking lipophilic statins more than doubles their risk of developing dementia compared to those who do not take statins.
Do most cardiologists take statins?
What a Cardiologist Wants You to Know. About 35 million people take statins in the United States, but research says only 55% of those who are recommended to take a statin are taking one.
What should you avoid while taking simvastatin?
Drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice (more than 1 quart each day) while taking this medicine may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems. Do not drink large amounts of alcohol with simvastatin. This could cause unwanted effects on the liver.
Why do statins have to be taken at night?
So, why do people take statins at night? Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.
Can you quit statins cold turkey?
What are the most common side effects of simvastatin?
The more common side effects that can occur with simvastatin include:
- headache.
- nausea.
- stomach pain.
- constipation.
- muscle pain or weakness.
- joint pain.
- upper respiratory infections.
How long should you take simvastatin for?
You usually have to continue taking statins for life because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will return to a high level within a few weeks. If you forget to take your dose, do not take an extra one to make up for it.
What foods to avoid while taking statins?
Grapefruit juice is the only food or drink that has a direct interaction with statins. Statins do not directly interact with any food but people taking statins should moderate their intake of saturated fats to help lower their LDL cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
When should you not take simvastatin?
Your doctor will probably tell you not to take simvastatin if you have liver disease or if the tests show that you may be developing liver disease. tell your doctor if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day, if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you are Asian, especially if you are Chinese.
Can I drink coffee while taking simvastatin?
Caffeine is a nonspecific adenosine receptor blocker, and thus drinking CC may block the myocardial protective effects of statins.
What foods should be avoided with simvastatin?
What should I avoid while taking simvastatin?
Do not use more than 20 mg per day of simvastatin together with amiodarone (Cordarone®), amlodipine (Norvasc®), lomitapide (Juxtapid™), or ranolazine (Ranexa®). When used together with higher doses of simvastatin, these medicines may increase your risk of muscle injury and could result in kidney problems.