Atorvastatin and Headaches: What Users Say

• riv...
• February 20, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Wish I could rate this a zero. After only 3 days on atorvastatin 20mg, I experienced constant headache, muscle pain and weakness, dizziness, couldn't sleep, tingling in the arms and legs, and ringing in the ears. Well, turns out after doing more research into these toxic drugs, I was indeed being slowly poisoned. Stopped after 9 days and things are improving slowly. These drugs stop the essential HMG-CoA pathway in the body which produces many molecules that are essential for cellular health. They also build up in muscle tissue in their toxic lactone form. This is especially serious if you have acidic blood pH. There are genetic variations in the body's ability to clear these through the liver that can lead to a dangerous build-up of these drugs in your body. This basic biology is all hard science and confirmed by peer-reviewed studies. Educate yourself and make your own decision before letting your doctor scare you into taking these dangerous drugs."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2020

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "Horrible drug! Was taking 40 mg once a day. Side effects were just terrible. Headaches, nauseous, dizzy, spacey, and just felt terrible overall. After a few months, I decided to cut my dose in half. The next morning still had some side effects but not nearly as bad as the prescribed dose I was on."

• sad...
• March 21, 2019

For High Cholesterol "My doctor prescribed me atorvastatin 10mg, 8 weeks ago. My numbers are in the 200s. I was very hesitant because of the bad side effects I have heard other people tell me about, but everyone is different, so I decided to give it a try. As of today, I took myself off of it. I have gained 12 lbs, experienced muscle weakness, muscle aches, back pain, brain fog, memory issues, confusion, headaches, and fatigue. I explained to my doctor that I was having bad side effects, and she told me to stay on it and just 'wait it out' and the good will outweigh the bad. I have become very inactive and sleep all the time. I haven't exercised at all, and with the weight gain, that has made my health deteriorate...not improve. I am going to try Niacin instead. In the long run, I realize that eating healthy and exercise is the best way to keep my body in the best shape possible. My health is important to me, but so is my quality of life. Try this drug at your own risk."

• jba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was started on this on a Tuesday and stopped taking it by Friday. I was only prescribed 10 mg a day. The first day I started feeling nauseated all day and was unable to eat. I started getting headaches and was so sleepy I could barely keep my eyes open. I stopped taking it and still have muscle cramps and pains. I emailed my doctor. Never in my life have I had high cholesterol. It's only a little above 200. But my doctor seems super worried, so tried me on a statin. I do not recommend statins to anyone. This was SUCH an awful experience."

• Far...
• November 1, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this drug atorvastatin 10mg for about 2 years. After taking it for one year, I developed so many side effects which I didn't know were due to this drug. I experienced severe headache, dizziness, migraine, hot flushes, sweating, chills, shivering, pains on one side of the body, sinus pain, sore eyes. I felt like I ruined my life and wasted a lot of money hoping for a cure. I went to ENT doctors, cardiologists, physicians, neurologists, etc., but nobody listened to me. They only prescribed painkillers and nerve tablets. I used to cry all the time, wondering if I would die. Finally, I did some research and found patient reviews. I decided to quit this medicine, which was awful. After one month, I am slowly improving. Thank you to this site for helping patients as today's doctors have no time to listen."

• Eri...
• March 17, 2017

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "When I was originally put on this statin, it was on a low dose of 10 mg a day to reduce cholesterol. I had, or recall, very few side effects. I combined the drug with exercise and diet. My cholesterol was lowered and remained low. Doctors have kept me on the drug, and now at the age of 71, I experience headaches, a bloated rumbling and very uncomfortable digestive system, hives, muscle aches, and other adverse effects that interfere with my diet and exercise. Doctors seem to be reluctant to lower doses, but these adverse effects are now materially affecting my quality of life."

• dor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2016

For High Cholesterol "Started this drug a few months back and started having health problems; did not associate with the meds. The list is long on the adverse effects. Dizzy, loss of balance, pain in head, ringing in ears, pressure in ears (went to ear nose and throat, said it was not in my ears). I have heaviness and weakness in my legs, hard to walk far. Sleep problems, walking and talking while asleep, seizures lasting a few seconds. This week other joints started hurting as well. Hey, the good news is, my cholesterol went way down. I quit taking this med yesterday. Lowering my cholesterol is not worth all the side effects. I am glad it works for some, but have researched this drug and so many have had a bad reaction."

• Tai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2018

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol "I did not have a clue that Lipitor could give me so many severe side effects! Lower back, back of my legs, headaches, running nose, memory loss. I go blank for a few seconds, and lastly, speech impediment! I have a medical appointment with my primary doctor next week and I will discuss with him..."

• Box...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this for several years. I have felt nothing but miserable while taking it. I have had cramping, muscle pain in my legs, stomach issues, headaches, and pain in my arms. I kept asking my primary doctor if this could be the cause of all this, and he kept saying no. Well, I have changed my primary doctor and done away with this terrible medication!"

• Lip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2016

For High Cholesterol "In the first few days of taking Lipitor, I was unbelievably tired, weak, and dizzy. I had muscle aches, dry mouth, and a headache. I felt on the verge of having a heart attack. I felt nauseous, and these symptoms just got worse the longer I took it. It got to the point where I was so dizzy I couldn't drive my car. I had to get off it immediately."

• Bon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2020

For Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I was on statins for about 3 years. My cholesterol was never that high, but my doctor was concerned about the buildup of bad cholesterol affecting my heart. Started Zocor at 20 mg and after 3 years, 40 mg. I had an experience of blurred vision and thought maybe I should go to the ER. They did an MRI of my brain and found I had a very small old stroke. Before I was discharged, the doctor changed me to Lipitor 40 mg. I saw a neurologist, and he did more brain scans with dye this time and also did an MRA of the veins from my neck. All looked good, with no blockage, and the veins to the brain looked good too, with no narrowing. After about 3 weeks on Lipitor, I got bad side effects with a headache, brain fog, muscle ache in my legs, back pain, and dizziness. I played golf that day and was barely able to finish. Came home, and after doing a lot of research, decided to stop taking statins. The long-term side effects are scary. I will watch my diet and control my cholesterol that way. Will never do statins again."

• GJL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2013

For High Cholesterol "I took it one day and had to stop. Didn't read the pamphlet, and I took it before I went to bed. Not for me since I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease with back muscle spasms. I also have thyroid, vertigo, sinus problems, stomach, and bowel issues. I have been on painkillers for my pain for over 10 years, so I was afraid that this medication was not going to mix well with my medicines. But, the next day, my right ear was completely blocked, I had a headache with fuzziness. So weak, I had to take the day off of work and go back to bed, slept all day. My face was a gray color, and my eyes looked like I was in pain. I drank a lot of water to flush this one pill out of me and felt much better."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I had a heart attack, and my doc gave me this to take. Within days, I was worse off than before my heart attack. Always dizzy, confused, diarrhea, muscle cramps, short of breath, insomnia. I quit taking them, and I feel so much better now, and it's only been 4 days since I quit taking them. This script is horrible and needs to be taken off the market! Oh, also headaches every damn day, which I never ever had before."

• Unk...
• August 2, 2015

For High Cholesterol "When taking atorvastatin, I have developed many side effects. I have had headaches, dizziness, lack of energy, weakness, like I'm always tired, chills, fever, cramps, sore eyes, and mood swings. Although this medication seems to work well."

• Cre...
• September 24, 2015

For High Cholesterol "Started on 10 mg daily in May. Began having headaches daily, and my joints in my hands increased in pain, especially in the AM. I am in my 4th month now, headaches are much better. Hands still hurt but seem a little better. Now my back aches a lot, and I feel tired every morning. It's like I stayed up half the night, making it a chore to get up and get ready for work. I worry about all the things this drug may be doing to my kidneys, liver, and muscles. However, after 3 months, my cholesterol and LDL dropped significantly. I would like to maybe decrease to every other day or maybe try diet and exercise again."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Have been taking Lipitor for 2 months. Went to the doctor for a yearly check-up and blood work. My white blood count was low at 2.8. The only changes I have made since the last check-up are the addition of Lipitor and a keto diet. The last 2 weeks, I have been dizzy and have headaches and insomnia. Not sure if I should quit taking the drug or quit my diet."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this medication before with no side effects. I stopped for a while, then went back on it. Weeks after starting, I felt horrible. Headaches, muscle aches, ringing in the ears, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. I ended up in the ER and then later saw my doctor, who told me about the side effects and to stop taking it. Hoping to feel better soon. This medication is HORRIBLE, it shouldn’t be prescribed. The side effects are worse than the benefits. I rate it a zero."

• hfu...
• April 16, 2015

For High Cholesterol "I had high cholesterol for 2 plus years. After less than 2 months on atorvastatin, my cholesterol is normal. I have had side effects, headaches and muscles aching, but the atorvastatin works and worked very quickly for me. Great medication!"

• Unh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2022

Atorvastatin for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease "I was put on 20 mg of Lipitor for high LDL and atherosclerosis of the aorta. I also have a hole in my heart. I started getting headaches and migraines 24/7, memory loss, and wicked moodiness (and I'm normally a happy person). It took me a little over a week to realize it was the Lipitor. I stopped immediately, it was hard for me to work, and I had no personality because I felt awful. I have to get the groin heart surgery done to close the hole in my heart anyway, so I am willing to take that risk rather than take that medication ever again!"

• Jan...
• June 27, 2017

For High Cholesterol "Difficulty commencing in meds, but eventually settled down. I have been on this medication for 12 months, after 2 months, I developed neuropathy, but it wasn't considered that this may be the cause. This week, after being on it for 12 months, the GP has stopped it to see if there are any changes to symptoms. What I would like to know is if anyone has any experience of withdrawal effects from this as I feel dreadful after being off it for 5 days. Legs are like jelly, wobbly, nausea, headache, and extremely tired."

• Cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Been taking 80 mg atorvastatin since 2016. Dr. lowered to 40 mg. I took for two days and felt dizzy, had a headache, felt lightheaded. Not feeling very good! So I took another 40 mg to make it 80 mg like before. Within two hrs., my symptoms were gone. Think I will stay on 80 mg."

• Ble...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I took atorvastatin 20 mg, and I experienced the worst symptoms ever! I took the medicine for 2 1/2 months. I had a loss of appetite, memory fog, insomnia (I slept a maximum of 2 1/2 hours a night), weight loss, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, muscle pain in the legs and chest, my right leg was so bad I could barely walk, my hands were weak, headaches, my throat felt like it was closing, I developed hives on my back, I had the worst burning sensation on my back and in my chest until my skin was literally burned from the inside out (my skin had turned 3 shades darker than normal), I had heart palpitations and was hospitalized twice (10/20 and 11/20) because my heart enzymes were elevated, they said that I was threatening a heart attack! I went to the ER on 12/8/20 and 12/9/20, and no one could figure it out! I changed doctors, and on 12/10/20 he took me off of atorvastatin and put me on a Mediterranean diet! My doctor checked my blood work again on 4/21, and it went down! And now, 8 months later, I still have symptoms!"

• mor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 5, 2025

For High Cholesterol "I experience a bit of pain in my left chest, thought it might be my high cholesterol causing a bit of a block in my blood vessels to the heart, so I took 40 mg of atorvastatin that night. The next day, I experienced muscle ache, whole body ache, weakness, a headache, cough, fever, flu-like symptoms, and was sick for the whole day. I stopped taking the medicine, now I feel well again. This is not the first time. But I'm still confused about what causes it."

• Les...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this pill for 2 months now. Experiencing the same side effects: muscle aches, cramps, headache, nausea, and stomach problems. By reading what others say about this drug, it helped me to understand why I'm having all these pains without realizing that it's due to this drug. Got to see my doctor."

• Cla...
• November 23, 2016

For High Cholesterol "A drug with many side effects. I had migraines, painful headaches. I don't want to see this drug again! It's really too bad."