Does cholesterol medicine make you tired

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Does Cholesterol Medicine Make You Tired?

Introduction to Cholesterol Medications and Fatigue

Cholesterol medications, particularly statins, are widely prescribed to manage high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, patients often report various side effects, including fatigue. This article explores the relationship between cholesterol medications and fatigue, drawing on recent research findings.

Fatigue as a Side Effect of Cardiovascular Medications

General Neuropsychiatric Consequences

Cardiovascular medications, including those used to manage cholesterol, can have several neuropsychiatric side effects. Research indicates that many cardiovascular agents are associated with higher rates of fatigue and sedation compared to placebos. Additionally, there are case reports of medication-induced mood syndromes, psychosis, and cognitive disturbances . This suggests that fatigue could be a common side effect of these medications.

Specific Findings on Statins and Niacin

A study examining the safety and tolerability of simvastatin combined with niacin in patients with coronary artery disease found that symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and muscle aches were reported by 9% of patients on the medication, compared to 5% in the placebo group. However, the difference was not statistically significant, indicating that while fatigue is reported, it may not be a prevalent or severe side effect for most patients .

Impact of Cholesterol Levels on Fatigue

Low Cholesterol and Depression

There is a noted association between low cholesterol levels and depression, which can manifest as fatigue. However, lipid-lowering agents themselves have not been directly linked to increased rates of depression or suicide, suggesting that the medications may not be the primary cause of fatigue .

Levocarnitine and Fatigue Reduction

Interestingly, a study on levocarnitine, a supplement that influences lipid metabolism, showed significant reductions in both physical and mental fatigue among elderly subjects. This suggests that managing lipid levels effectively, possibly through supplementation, could mitigate fatigue rather than exacerbate it .

Conclusion

In summary, while some cholesterol medications, particularly those used in cardiovascular treatments, have been associated with fatigue, the evidence is not conclusive. Fatigue is a reported side effect but does not appear to be significantly prevalent or severe in most cases. Additionally, effective management of lipid levels, potentially through supplements like levocarnitine, may help reduce fatigue. Patients experiencing fatigue should consult their healthcare providers to explore potential causes and appropriate management strategies.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Levocarnitine Administration in Elderly Subjects with Rapid Muscle Fatigue

Levocarnitine supplementation in elderly subjects reduced total fat mass, increased muscle mass, and benefited fatigue and serum lipids without adverse events.

RCTHighly Cited

2003·

92citations

·G. Pistoneet al.

Drugs & Aging

Neuropsychiatric consequences of cardiovascular medications

Cardiovascular medications can cause fatigue, sedation, mood disorders, psychosis, and cognitive disturbances, but may also have beneficial neuropsychiatric effects.

Highly Cited

2007·

103citations

·Jeff C. Huffmanet al.

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience

Safety and tolerability of simvastatin plus niacin in patients with coronary artery disease and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (The HDL Atherosclerosis Treatment Study).

Simvastatin plus niacin effectively reduce atherosclerosis progression and are well-tolerated in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL cholesterol.

RCTHighly Cited

2004·

124citations

·X. Zhaoet al.

The American journal of cardiology

Simvastatin and Muscle: Zebrafish and Chicken Show that the Benefits are not Worth the Damage

Simvastatin treatment in zebrafish embryos and chicken muscle cultures leads to reduced fish movements and structural alterations in skeletal muscles, potentially impacting its potential as a therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

2022·

3citations

·L. Camposet al.

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Oral naltrexone treatment for cholestatic pruritus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Oral naltrexone may be an effective and well-tolerated alternative for patients with cholestatic liver disease and itching refractory to regular antipruritic therapy.

RCTHighly Cited

1997·

314citations

·F. Wolfhagenet al.

Gastroenterology

Lipid profile is associated with decreased fatigue in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis following a diet-based intervention: Results from a pilot study

A diet-based multimodal intervention, including exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and stress reduction, is associated with improvements in fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis patients.

Non-RCTRigorous Journal

2019·

30citations

·Kelly Fellows Maxwellet al.

PLoS ONE

[Statin myopathy--rarity or reality?].

Statin myopathy is a real and potentially serious side effect, and prompt evaluation and management are crucial for maintaining adherence to lipid-lowering therapy.

2010·

1citation

·D. Pella

Vnitrni lekarstvi

Seladelpar improved measures of pruritus, sleep, and fatigue and decreased serum bile acids in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

Seladelpar treatment improved pruritus, sleep, and fatigue in primary biliary cholangitis patients, and decreased serum bile acids.

2021·

54citations

·A. Kremeret al.

Liver International

Simvastatin impairs ADP-stimulated respiration and increases mitochondrial oxidative stress in primary human skeletal myotubes.

Simvastatin impairs mitochondrial respiration and increases oxidative stress in primary human skeletal muscle cells, potentially contributing to statin-induced myopathy.

In Vitro StudyHighly Cited

2012·

126citations

·H. Kwaket al.

Free radical biology & medicine

Ldl-cholesterol reduction with PCSK9 inhibitors: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PCSK9 inhibitors effectively lower LDL-cholesterol levels by 70% and transaminase levels by 40%, but have not been shown to improve NASH severity.

Meta-Analysis

2017·

2citations

·M. Casulaet al.

Atherosclerosis

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