DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been taking statins to control my cholesterol. I’ve taken Crestor, Lipitor and simvastatin. Unfortunately, they all seem to cause excessive urinating through the night. I’m tired all the time, and I have muscle cramps.
Is there something else apart from a statin that I could take or suggest to my doctor? When I do complain, he just goes to another statin, and none have helped so far. I’m 75 and male.
DEAR READER: Statin drugs have been a subject of controversy of late. Depending on a patient’s medical condition, physicians prefer total cholesterol levels to be 200 or lower. Unfortunately, using a statin or any other drug to accomplish this could lead to unpleasant consequences, as you have experienced. For instance, muscle pain, headache, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, increased urination, insomnia, liver failure and still more can result.
Cholesterol is vital for the normal function of literally every cell in the body. However, when in excess, it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque formations within the arteries). When plaque blocks arteries, blood flow is reduced to the tissues. When that plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms, further blocking the artery. When a sufficient reduction occurs, heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke results. So statins do play a beneficial role in the big health picture of prevention.
Your physician has prescribed numerous drugs in the statin category and you have suffered similar consequences with each of them. You might make an appointment to discuss a trial period of alternative therapy such as weight reduction, exercise, using supplemental B vitamins or niacin, taking over-the-counter cholesterol-lowering drugs with plant stanols and sterols, and modifying your diet by eliminating or substantially reducing butter, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, organ meats, cold cuts and cheeses. With his or her permission, give the program a period of a few months, have your blood tested to see if there is any improvement in both your levels and symptoms, and go from there.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
