Key takeaways
- Fatigue is a potential side effect of statin medications like atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin, though not everyone experiences it.
- Managing statin-related fatigue may involve CoQ10 supplements, alternative medications, and lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and sufficient sleep.
- Besides fatigue, statins can cause muscle symptoms, liver abnormalities, digestive issues, and increased blood sugar, with side effects varying in onset and duration.
Overview
Statins are medications commonly prescribed to help manage high cholesterol levels. They work by stopping the action of an enzyme in the liver known as HMG-CoA reductase.
By reducing this enzyme activity, statins help lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Commonly prescribed statins include:
- atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- simvastatin (Zocor)
- rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- pravastatin (Pravachol)
- lovastatin (Altoprev)
- fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
As with most other medications, side effects are possible, although not everyone taking statins will experience the same ones.
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Is fatigue a side effect of statins?
According to a 2019 research article, some people report fatigue as a side effect of statins. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, a few potential factors may lead to statin-induced fatigue.
One possibility for why statins make you tired is that they disrupt the production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This is a substance involved in cellular energy production.
According to research published in 2019, statins may affect the mevalonate pathway, which produces various compounds in the body, including cholesterol, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Alterations in these pathways could also cause you to feel tired.
However, not everyone taking statins feels tired or low in energy. It’s also possible to be more sensitive to one statin than the rest, meaning you might not experience fatigue with a different statin drug.
Overall health, medical treatments, and other individual factors may account for the differences across experiences.
How to manage fatigue from statins
If statins make you tired, the following strategies may help manage this symptom and increase your energy:
- CoQ10 supplementation: A 2022 research review suggests supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help alleviate statin-induced fatigue and muscular pain. CoQ10 is involved in cellular energy production, and statins may lower its levels in the body.
- Consider alternative medications: A healthcare professional may recommend switching to a different statin or considering different cholesterol-lowering medications if fatigue continues.
- Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle changes may help address fatigue from statins and improve overall well-being. Regular physical activity, nutrient-dense foods, and at least 7 hours of daily sleep may positively affect your fatigue levels and give you more energy.
Experiences with statin treatment may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consider talking with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for managing fatigue while taking statins.
Does statin fatigue go away?
Statin-related fatigue may go away or ease as your body gets used to the medication. This can take a few days, weeks, or months, and varies from person to person.
It’s also possible to continue experiencing fatigue for as long as you’re taking statins. If your fatigue doesn’t go away, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Other side effects of statins
While statins are generally well-tolerated by most people, as with any medication, they may lead to side effects.
Some physical side effects that have been reported with statins include:
- Muscle symptoms: These can include muscle pain, weakness, or cramping. These symptoms may be referred to as statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) or statin-induced myopathy.
- Liver abnormalities: Statin use may sometimes cause mild elevations in liver enzymes, although chronic and serious liver problems are rare.
- Digestive problems: Some people taking statins may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Increased blood sugar levels: Statins have been associated with a slight increase in blood sugar levels, which can be concerning for people at risk of diabetes.
Rare side effects of statin use may include:
- rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown and damage)
- allergic reaction
- severe liver problems
- persistent memory or cognitive problems
Alternative medications for cholesterol
A healthcare professional may consider alternative medications if you cannot tolerate statins or are not experiencing symptom relief. These alternative drugs may include:
- PCSK9 inhibitors: These are injectable medications that increase the liver’s cholesterol uptake, resulting in lower LDL cholesterol levels. They are usually reserved for people with familial hypercholesterolemia or when medications are not effective in managing cholesterol levels.
- PCSK9 inhibitors include alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha).
- Fibrates: Fibrates mainly target triglyceride levels and can also have some effect on lowering other types of cholesterol.
- Fibrates include gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor).
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (EPA and DHA): Omega-3 supplements, such as prescription icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), can help lower triglycerides.
- Bile acid sequestrants: These medications bind to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their elimination from the body. This reduces cholesterol levels.
- They include cholestyramine and colestipol (Colestid).
- Others: Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a medication that reduces cholesterol absorption from the diet. It can be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications.
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While feeling tired is a possible side effect of statin use, it’s not a common occurrence.
The best way to determine whether your fatigue is related to statin use is to discuss options with a healthcare professional.
They can evaluate your situation, assess your medication regimen, and determine whether any changes in dosage or brand are necessary.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.