Common And Serious Side Effects Of Statins

Dizziness

Although it is rare, patients who take statins could experience occasional dizziness, and the risk of this side effect may be greater for women over sixty years old. Taking Aspirin along with a statin could lead to increased dizziness, and dizziness tends to occur most often in those who have been taking statins for less than a month. Dizziness can increase the risk of falls and subsequent injuries. During an episode of dizziness, individuals should try to sit down as soon as possible. If a chair is not available, patients might wish to hold on to a table or another piece of furniture to steady themselves. Statins may lower blood pressure in some patients, and reductions in blood pressure could stimulate dizziness. It may help to monitor blood pressure regularly while on statins, and this should be done at home and the doctor's office. Patients will need to be particularly careful when getting out of bed in the morning. Ideally, they should sit up in bed for a few minutes and rest their feet on the floor before gradually transitioning to a standing position. Individuals who experience dizziness should mention this side effect to their physician. Further tests may be needed, and it might be possible to switch to another drug that does not cause this effect.

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