Like many other older folk we were put on Statins some time ago but we find it causes nightly vivid dreams and talking to other friends, also on Statins, seems its a lot more of a common problem than they let on about. We were originally on Simvastatin but now on Atorvastatin which they say is not as bad for causing such dreams, but not for us. Wondered if anyone also experiencing this has actually come off Statins and found that the vivid dreams are relieved or have found some other way to reduce the problem ? Needless to say we have looked around the various medical sites without any answer.
I only spoke to a pharmacist at my GP surgery about starting to take Atorvastatin yesterday, he assured me the side effects were not as bad as the older types. He also said there are quite a lot of different ones they can use if you get side effects with one or the other. As NICE has decided we need 15 million more people on statins, ( sounds like just a shot in the dark to me), I dont think they will be satisfied until we all take them. So I look forward to some sweet dreams in the future.
I am on Atorvastatin and have been since August. I am prescribed 40mg but cut them in half as I was nauseas and had calf issues. Dreams, usually not, but last night I dreamt I was doing a Charity Auction and had to check out theVIN nimbers on cars in case they were stolen and the fur coats in case they were made from protected animals!!!
I'm sorry to hear of your bad side effects. I have had vivid dreams all my life and I have never taken statins. Some of my dreams feel real, not like a dream at all. I hope the side effects you're experiencing may subside with time.
We discussed this on another thread recently. I had them put on my medical records not to offer me Statins and I shall decide if I need them. Some people (in my opinion, more than they let on) get problems with aching muscles mainly in the legs but elsewhere as well. This can be solved by either coming off them or changing to a different version. I have heard of only very few with a problem with dreams. Usually coming off them or reducing them can help but discussing it with a doctor should be your first resort. Doctors have a problem because they are told to advise you to have them (my doctor refused to take them - he's retired now but not dead ).
Just a thought @ricky101 , what time of day are you taking it and what dosage, I think I'm getting 20mg tablets, he said can be taken evening or morning.
I normally have vivid dreams but they stopped about the same time I started taking Atorvastatin! Thankfully, they returned this past week as I was missing them. For me, my dreams are like a visit to the cinema.
I know where to get magic mushrooms, but possession can be illegal. Also I'd rather use my yearly GP consultation for something important; like why is it so difficult to get an appointment.
It depends on the type of Statin your are given. Some state your take them before bed, as some think that worsens the vivid dreams. Atorvastatin can be taken anytime, we are on them now and take them in the morning, but no change to the dreams. Your GP should be doing regular checks ( yearly or more often) not only to check how its affecting your cholesterol and lipids, but also Liver functions as it can affect it adversely, hence being changed from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin. Never had any of the commonly reported muscle problems, but everyones different and expect it could also depend on any other medication you might be on. Hopefully you will be trouble free.
My doctor has wanted me to take statins for the last 15 years cholestrol of 5.5 at the moment but I am happy with my diet and lots of exercise at the moment This is for information only I am just reading this book it is interesting to say the least but the jury is still out Summary Statins are the so-called wonder drugs prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels and claim to offer unparalleled protection against heart disease. This book exposes the truth behind the hype, revealing high cholesterol levels don't cause heart disease, and, a high-fat diet - saturated or otherwise - does not affect blood cholesterol levels.
I am not taking it for cholesteral isssues. I recently had a carotoid Ultrasound showing my arteries are completely clear and like that of a young woman.
Your GP obviously trained elsewhere to mine; as I've never been invited for any check up or test. Blood pressure only gets done at hospital appointments.
