Muscular tension, weakness, and cramping are common side effects of statins. These may also lead to muscular and overall fatigue. Having a healthcare professional adjust the dosage or switch prescriptions often eases the symptoms.
Statins are medications that lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in your body. Fatigue is a common side effect, but not everyone is affected by it. Read on for more side effects and frequently asked questions.
Fatigue can be a side effect of statins for some people. However, not everyone taking these medications will experience it.
According to a
These statin side effects may affect the quality of your sleep or demand more energy from your body, making you feel more tired than usual.
The mild side effects of statins often ease after a few weeks of treatment.
Moderate to severe side effects and complications of statins are rare. When they are present, they may also cause fatigue.
Muscle pain and damage
According to research, muscle pain is a possible side effect of statin use. It may include soreness, tiredness, or even weakness in your muscles. The pain may be mild or severe enough to affect your daily routine significantly.
If you have any new or unusual muscle pain or fatigue after starting a statin, discussing it with the prescribing doctor is important. Muscle pain associated with statins can progress to muscle damage, a potentially lethal but rare condition called rhabdomyolysis.
In addition to pain, rhabdomyolysis may present with darkened urine, reduced kidney function, and, in some cases, kidney failure. It can progress to liver damage and may result in death if left untreated.
Liver damage
Researchers have found that using statins may cause your liver to produce more enzymes than needed. If your liver enzyme levels are low, you may be OK with taking statins. If they’re too high, the doctor may need to switch you to a different medication.
Healthcare professionals may need to check your liver enzyme levels regularly if you’re at risk of liver damage. They may order a blood test before and after you begin taking the medication.
Type 2 diabetes
According to research, diabetes is not a side effect of statins. But some people with contributing factors may see increased blood sugar levels while taking statins. If not managed correctly, this may increase the chance of type 2 diabetes.
If you have a family history of diabetes or a personal history of prediabetes or contributing factors, it’s important you let the prescribing doctor know.
Discontinuing statins
Working with a healthcare professional when discontinuing statin use is highly advised. Stopping statins suddenly without medical supervision may lead to adverse effects and could cause a rebound effect in cholesterol levels.
Why am I so tired when taking statins?
You may feel tired after beginning statin therapy while your body gets used to the medication. Other side effects, like nausea, aches and pains, and muscle weakness, may also result in fatigue. Having a healthcare professional adjust your dosage or switch you to a different statin brand usually offers relief.
What is the most common side effect of statins?
Statins may not cause any side effects. However, if they do, you may experience nausea, muscle aches and pains, digestive changes, and fatigue.
Do statins drain your energy?
Statins do not drain your energy but may cause mild side effects, like nausea and muscle aches and pains, that may make you feel tired.
How long does it take for your body to get used to statins?
Every body is unique. You may experience the cholesterol-related benefits of statins during the first week. Some people may experience mild side effects that could start within the first week and last a few more. Sometimes, if side effects don’t resolve on their own, a doctor may want to adjust your dose.
Fatigue is not a common direct side effect of statins, but it’s a possible consequence of experiencing other side effects like nausea and muscle cramps. Not everyone taking statins will feel tired or experience other side effects, though.
If you notice new symptoms after starting statins, consider communicating these to the prescribing doctor. Sometimes, adjusting the dosage is all it takes.
To avoid adverse effects, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional when discontinuing the medication or changing the dosage.