Simvastatin and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

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

Simvastatin for High Cholesterol "This is about the 4th time they have tried me on statins. After a week on Zocor, I have severe backaches, muscle aches, and pains in my wrists where I previously had carpal tunnel surgery. I have been on it for about a week. I will stop it since I trust my body's response to these medicines. If you experience problems with any medicine, don't keep taking it without telling your doctor."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2012

For High Cholesterol "I was on Simvastatin for approximately 8 weeks for high cholesterol. I experienced extreme muscle weakness in my arms and legs, along with severe muscle spasms at night. I also began to have increased depression (I have been on Paxil for 10 years), confusion, memory problems, and unexplainable irritability, anger, and paranoia. After 7 days without the Simvastatin, most of these complaints have subsided, although I am still having muscle pain and slight spasms at night."

• 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."

• Ste...
• May 6, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I took simvastatin 5 mg for only 1 month before I could no longer tolerate the headaches and the muscle pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago, always very mild pain and very seldom, but now I feel as if the statins have changed this. I have been off the statins for just 1 week. I tell myself that 5 mg for only 1 month should not cause any permanent damage, but I don't know. I'm now treating myself, no more doctors."

• Jca...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 24, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was put on this medication in 2011. It lowers my cholesterol, for sure. But the side effects make me skip doses. I feel muscle aches, headaches, and just a general ill feeling while taking simvastatin. It does lower my blood pressure too, though. I saw someone say their doctor recommended taking it every other day. That's kind of what I'm doing. Taking CoQ10 while on this medication helps. Ask your doctor about that. Best wishes to us all trying to get healthier! :)"

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2010

For High Cholesterol "I've used this medication for many years. I'm currently at 60 mg per day (single dose). It has done a good job, although my good/bad ratio could be a bit better still. However, I do notice muscle aches when I use it. If I stop it, they stop. They are generally not severe and not bad enough for me to stop using it. I've been told (by my doctor and others) that an over-the-counter supplement called CoQ10 can help this - I've not tried this as of yet. For people with muscle issues (check with the doctor if severe, of course), it may be worth a try (the CoQ10, I mean)."

• Mon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I started on simvastatin 4 years ago. During that time, I developed severe muscle pain and weakness. I also developed heart palpitations. Just recently, I missed several doses and noticed all those issues were almost all gone. I have been pain-free and feeling a lot better. It is a good medicine, but beware if you start having those issues because it may be that medicine."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2010

For High Cholesterol "Took generic simvastatin for 10 days. Lowered my cholesterol by 60 points from 200 to 140. Had to stop taking it, though, because of muscle pain side effects. Taking Crestor now for 5 days. No side effects so far. Wish there was a generic."

• 345...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2013

Simvastatin for High Cholesterol "Only been taking for about two weeks. Feel lethargic, achy, headache, hot flashes are worse. Depression, occasional stomach pain. Muscle pain."

• Anonymous
• July 3, 2009

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Side effect of extreme muscle pain. Used it, had muscle pain, stayed off for a while, went back on a lower dosage, and muscle pain returned."

• dal...
• September 28, 2010

For High Cholesterol "It lowered my cholesterol numbers and put my LDL and HDL numbers in the normal range. It did work for me, but I had some muscle pain in my legs, which would come and go."