Statins are medications that are commonly prescribed to people who have had a heart attack or stroke to prevent subsequent events.
Generally, you should continue taking statins for life because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will return to a high level within a few weeks.
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However, there are some possible side effects to consider, including some that can affect your mood. Side effects will vary depending on which one you take.
Some side effects may show up in your mood. In fact, a study published in PubMed suggests that «severe irritability» this associated with cholesterol-lowering statins.
Another study, published in the National Institutes of Health at the US National Library of Medicine., says: “Although statins are widely tolerated, they may be among the growing list of prescription agents that, in some participants, may increase the risk of serious psychiatric events and/or behavioral changes.»
The study concludes that the findings suggest that cholesterol-lowering medications should be «added to the list of agents to be considered when new irritability or aggressive or violent behavior changes emerge.»
The NHS says you should discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the drug.
The main types of prescription statins are atorvastatin, fluvastatin pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin.
In addition to behavioral changes, there are other side effects to be aware of.
The NHS notes that many people taking statins experience very few or no side effectsthough others will experience «some bothersome but generally minor side effects, such as diarrhea, headache, or malaise.»
The health body adds that statins occasionally can cause inflammation and muscle damage.
The rare side effects include loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet and tendon problems.
Uncommon side effects include skin problems, such as acne or a red, itchy rash.
He suggests: «Talk to a doctor if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness that can’t be explained—for example, pain that isn’t caused by physical labor.»
It adds that a review of scientific studies on the effectiveness of statins found about one in 50 people who take the drug for five years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result.
It also says that statins they are among the safest and most studied drugs available today.
The BHF says: «It is important to take your medications regularly as prescribed. Most statins are taken at night, as this is when most of your cholesterol is made. Check with your doctor or pharmacist when you should take your statins.»
The NHS recommends keep cholesterol levels below 5 mmol/L.
However, it is estimated that three out of five adults have a total cholesterol of 5 mmol/L or more, and the average cholesterol level is about 5.7 mmol/L, which can be a risk factor for heart disease.
You may not be advised to take statins if you have high cholesterol, and instead you can lower your cholesterol through lifestyle changes.