Q: Are there any medications that will not make a person dizzy or light headed? I have been on Lipitor and currently am taking Zocor. Please help. This light headed and dizzy feeling is keeping me from enjoying life. Thank you.

A: Lipitor and Zocor are in a group of drugs known as statin drugs that are, as I have frequently said, prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels and to lower a person’s risk of heart disorders and stroke.

There are a number of other medications that can interact with these drugs and present unwanted effects. They include some vitamins, anti-fungals, heart medications, steroids, herbal remedies, prescription and over-the-counter products. Therefore, it is important your physician have a complete list of all products you consume.

Side effects include muscle pain, dizziness, confusion, chest tightness, fatigue, weight gain, increased thirst, loss of appetite, jaundice, and more. So, it appears you are on top of things by linking your light headedness with your medication.

You don’t indicate whether you have high cholesterol levels or a cardiac condition for which your physician might prescribe a statin drug. Therefore, only your primary care doctor or cardiologist can determine if the drugs you were/are on are vital or if a substitution can be made. For example, there are other options to consider. Niacin (vitamin B3) is an over-the-counter that can help lower cholesterol levels in some individuals. The initial dose should be 250 mg daily with gradual increases up to 1,000 mg. It should always be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. For some people, this product can cause a rash, for which an 81 mg aspirin may be taken approximately 15 minutes prior, or Benadryl which can be taken instead. Flushing tends to decrease over time as the niacin is continued. Prescription drugs include a form of niacin known as Niaspan which has fewer reported side effects and is not a statin. Cinnamon also works for some people. It can be sprinkled on toast, cereal and on other foods to help lower numbers. For still others, flaxseed seems to do the trick. It is available in capsule form to take with a liquid or in powdered forms that, again, can be added to breakfast cereal and other food items. Then there are over-the-counter products such as Cholest-off that is plant-based and available at most pharmacies. Welchol, Questran and other drugs work by binding cholesterol to bile acids and might be discussed with your physician as options..

You should also review your dietary habits and make appropriate changes there. Snacks that contain tropical oils taste great but they contribute to high cholesterol levels. Avoid saturated and trans fats, replacing them with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And, be sure to add exercise to your daily routine.

Readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Reports “Understanding Cholesterol” and “Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order for each report to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Reports, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.