side effect of lipitor

A:I looked up atorvastatin (Lipitor) in the Micromedex evidence-based database and in the Drug Information Handbook (14th ed.). I found no evidence of depression as an adverse effect related to its use. I did find one recent article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that looked specifically at "statin" use and depression, and they were unable to show a link (source below). Could you please share your source of information? Depression is a very complex state and stems from a huge variety of causes. Some of these causes are psychological, but a good many of them may be physical or hormonal. Menopause, lack of sleep, improper diet/exercise regimens, early onset diabetes, thyroid problems, anemias - these can all contribute symptoms that look like depression or lead to chemical imbalances that would be considered clinical depression. There's no way to know without first doing a "complete workup" (blood tests, liver tests, etc.). It is *possible*, that atorvastatin may be causing to some other adverse effect (e.g. muscle weakness, changes in your blood cells). These effects can become noticeable at any time during statin therapy, which is why your mom probably has regular liver function tests - if she hasn't, then she needs to soon. You do *not* want to abruptly stop your statin therapy without first talking to your doctor. This is not to say that you should ignore these signs or symptoms, because depression is serious and treatable. You definitely want to bring this up with your doctor as soon as possible. It helps to bring a "diary" of how your mom feels on a day-to-day basis (physically and mentally). They will first try to rule out a correctable physiological abnormalities, and then refer to a psychiatrist for evaluation. Let me know if you need clarification. Good luck and best wishes for your mother!

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A:Possible Side Effects of Liptor (Atorvasatin) : SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach upset/pain. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY INFREQUENTLY cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this drug and tell your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, chest pain, or swelling in the arms or legs. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, change in the amount of urine, black stool, or severe stomach pain. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

A:There are several and can be easily looked up at the web site for the drug manufacturers. On a practical note.. Lipitor is atorvastatin..all statins can cause liver enzyme elevation and rarely liver injury. Muscle inflammation or myositis is another side effect we watch for very closely As far as todays medicine go...Statins seem to have way more benefits than side effects...the benefits also seem to be beyond merely decreasing cholesterol.. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme), obviously it can cause low blood pressure.. One of the most common sideeffects are a presistant dry cough. In susceptable people it can cause a sever form of allergy called angioedema which could be dangerous.. In people with blockages of the renal arteries it can cause severe renal failure... Again current evidence shows that for diabetics, patients with heart attacks, and Heart failure that this class of medicine may decrease death rate. Some side effects of ACE inhibitors can be overcome by changing to another related class of meicines called ARB's like Diovan.

A:normally if you get started on lipitor (or any other cholesterol medicine) you stay on it unless your diet and exercise get your cholesterol back down. the only serious long term side effect is rhabdomyalgia, which basically is muscle breakdown, which goes to the liver, and damages the liver. you should do routine liver function tests every 6-12 months while on lipitor, also checking cholesterol. rhabdomyalgia is reversible if you catch it soon, and it is easy to know if you get it. if you have sever muscle pain all over your body that is unexplainable, or your urine start to turn a darker color (like the color of Coke), then stop taking lipitor and call your doctor. the chance of this happening is <1% of all people who take lipitor.