How long does it take for muscle pain to go away after stopping statins? If you suffer from high cholesterol, you’ve probably come across statins. They are used to lower bad cholesterol, which minimizes the risks of suffering heart ailments and strokes. Unfortunately, statins can cause side effects such as muscle cramps that seem to go on endlessly, but it’s not the case.
Muscle pain caused by statins usually goes away within 2 weeks of stopping statins. If the pain persists, you should ask your doctor for a diagnosis. You could be suffering from another ailment such as hypothyroidism, which causes muscle pain. Other medication you are taking could also be responsible for your muscle pain.
This post explores why statins are beneficial and harmful to your health. We’ll also look at how to mitigate the muscle pain reaction to statins.
The Benefits of Taking Statins
Statins prevent the liver from synthesizing excess cholesterol, thereby reducing the risks of heart ailments such as atherosclerosis. They also enhance cardiovascular functions by preventing the increase of plaque in the arteries. That stabilizes plaque, preventing heart attacks and other heart-related complications.
Anyone suffering extreme inflammation can take statins to lower it. They also help to minimize high blood pressure complications by relaxing heart arteries.
The Disadvantages of Taking Statins
Statins can cause side effects such as muscle pain, stiffness, cramps, and weakness. Some people also complain of bone and joint pain after taking statins. These negative effects often occur in people 40 years and above.
People suffering from untreated chronic ailments such as diabetes are also at a higher risk of suffering from Statin side effects.
Other side effects you may suffer from taking Statin are headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. Statin may also cause digestive problems such as flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation. There is also some evidence that they cause memory issues and fatigue.
How to Take Statins
According to experts, at least 30 percent of people taking statins experience side effects such as muscle cramps. Therefore, if you suffer from such pains, consider changing the statins you take.
Some statins like Simvastatin are more likely to cause these side effects than others. Other Statins you can try are Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, and Rosuvastatin.
You should also note that some medications can increase your chances of suffering negative side effects from statins. Consider stopping these types of medication while taking Statin to prevent side effects. Some examples are antidepressants, antibiotics, and antifungals.
Reducing your statin dosage may help you deal with its negative effects, such as muscle issues. Some experts also recommend anyone suffering from statin side effects stop taking them until they go away.
If taking statins causes you to suffer muscle pains, watch your diet. Reducing foods high in trans and saturated fats will help you lower cholesterol and reduce your need for statins.
Exercising moderately and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can also keep you from suffering muscle pain and other statin side effects.
Conclusion
Muscle pain goes away within 2 weeks of stopping statins. Anyone who suffers from pain after 2 weeks of stopping statins should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
While statins are some of the best medications for cholesterol issues, they are not the only option. If you suffer from extreme muscle pain because of Statins, consider changing your prescription.
Some examples of cholesterol-reducing medications you can try are Ezetimibe and Fenofibrate. However, if you choose to take statins, do it under a doctor’s supervision. They will assist you whenever you suffer side effects.
