Simvastatin and Insomnia: What Users Say

• tmi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2013

For High Cholesterol "Since I started taking simvastatin 20mg at bedtime, I am not sleeping well, joint pain, tiredness, and my acid reflux is so bad I can't stand it anymore. Not sure if the simvastatin is the problem, but was not having the issues with my acid reflux while taking my Nexium until I started taking simvastatin. Talked with my pharmacy, and they told me that the simvastatin does not worsen acid reflux. It does seem funny. I was not having a problem with it until I started taking the simvastatin."

• Wel...
• May 27, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I took the medication for three days and quit. I became so ill and could not keep down food for three days. I was in pain in my chest and back. The pain was so bad I could not sleep. I took Tylenol, and it did nothing. I called my doctor's office and let them know I could not take this medication. I had a terrible reaction to this medication."

• Sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2012

For High Cholesterol "Was prescribed simvastatin for elevated cholesterol and family history of atherosclerosis. It was very effective in lowering my cholesterol and my side effects were minimal. I did experience insomnia after several weeks, which became increasingly worse over the two years I have been taking it. I was doing good to get five hours of sleep each night, sometimes only three, however never felt tired. I have decided to stop taking it for a while and am now sleeping a full eight hours and feeling less 'edgy'. Hope to lower cholesterol with exercise and diet."

• Bob...
• February 1, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I took this simvastatin for about a week and stopped. I was having insomnia, dull pain in my chest, numbness of both my legs and hands, and consistent pain in my left arm and neck. I intend to see my doctor this week."

• Sop...
• March 30, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I have been on 20 mg Zocor now for 3 months. Within the past 6 weeks, I have developed muscle ache in my legs, stomach, and ribs, insomnia that I never had before, along with depression and a general feeling of lethargy. High time I had a chat with my doctor, I think. If it's Zocor that's causing this, then it's not worth taking."

• Mrs...
• May 5, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking this medication for over 15 years and have experienced leg cramping, sleepless nights due to having to use the restroom, and pain in my hip area. But overall, the medication has helped me to lower my cholesterol over the years. I will say that maybe it's time for my doctor to lower my dosage from 40 mg to 20 mg."

• Flo...
• January 5, 2010

For High Cholesterol "Started taking simvastatin 5 days ago. I warned my doctor that statins caused cramping every time I took them. She assured me that would not be the case, she was wrong. Only 5 days, and I've lost a night's sleep and am in pain most of the time."

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2014

For Hyperlipoproteinemia "Simvastatin 40 mg, one tablet taken at bedtime. I weighed about 240 lbs. This medicine is effective at lowering lipids and triglycerides when taken regularly. Clinical trials prove these medicines lower stroke and heart attack risk. Also take soluble fiber immediately after meals when possible to supplement cholesterol reduction and vitamin B6 to lower homocysteine levels. Skip a dose if you are going to have alcoholic beverages that evening or day, so it doesn't overtax your liver. Same with acetaminophen. Most noticeable side effect is mild insomnia and some mild muscle stiffness, both managed with daily yoga and regular exercise. Hoping to get lowering dose to 20 mg in a month or so, assuming blood tests show positive results."

• Lis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 27, 2018

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have coronary artery disease (CAD). Open-heart surgery in 2002. I have taken 20 mg of simvastatin for 16 years. The last 3 years, I have been in chronic pain. My torso, rib cage, upper back, under my arms on my rib cage, both shoulders. Deep sore muscle pain and stiffness in my back. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after a spine nerve test. The doctor said no fibromyalgia but myofascial. After the trigger point shot, the doctor said no to that. Help!!!! The doctors do not know why I am in pain. I have been depressed since 2014. Lately, I have insomnia, nightmares, and am extremely tired when I wake up."

• tyt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2018

For High Cholesterol "Feel like garbage! Actually called in sick to work one day because of how bad I felt. Blah feeling, stuffy nose, constant hot flashes, weird dreams, don't sleep. Only been on for 3 weeks and I just can't take it. Will these symptoms pass? I'm 44, 5'6", 130 lbs - it's not weight - work out like a beast - but high cholesterol and heart disease run on my dad's side - recent numbers the bad LDL keeps rising, at 200, overall number is 275 - Doctor wants to try this, but I just can't. Going to give supplements a try."

• Eil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2020

For High Cholesterol "Took three 10 mg simvastatin tablets... 1st night insomnia, 2nd night slept but nightmare, and 3rd night slept but woke up feeling depressed and anxious. Dr. said this wasn't from the simvastatin, but I did so quit taking it, and it took 2 weeks to feel like myself emotionally again. NEVER will I take a statin."

• Ivo...
• March 20, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I've been on simvastatin for about a month. I have experienced foot and leg cramps, mostly at night, sleepless nights, maybe some memory issues, back and chest pain. I just spent several days in the hospital because of chest pain, which I had never experienced before. When I had upper right severe back pain (not spinal), I was also very lightheaded, and my legs stayed quite weak for over two days. I believe I'll work on my diet, stop the simvastatin, and pray that the Lord grants me the wisdom to care for my body in a reasonable manner. I'm 81 and not too shabby physically."

• Ash...
• August 31, 2010

Simvastatin for High Cholesterol "Today is my second day of taking 20 mg ZOCOR. I have totally lost my sleep. The brain is very active, and despite efforts to calm myself, I cannot sleep."

• jen...
• August 31, 2011

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I would never even know I was taking anything at all. I had to adjust my dose to a morning dose because it kept me awake, but other than this, no problems at all."

• Tra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2022

For High Cholesterol "Made me very sick, insomnia, ears ringing, irregular heartbeat, runny nose, anger, anxiety, my dose was 40 mg."