' STATIN ' Drugs

[vwnate1]

My bog brother was ranting on about " ! mind altering drugs ! " the other day and mentioned any and all drugs that end with 'statin' in thier mane ~ like simvastatin (generic for zocor) and some others he mentioned .

I don't know much about drugs, what is this simvastatin supposed to do ? .

TIA,

[Mxfrank]

Statins are used for cholesterol control. Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between statins and increased incidence of a reversible disorder similar to Alzheimer's. Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between statins and reduced incidence of Alzheimer's. Clinical trials have established no cognitive effects at all. Since 30% of the adult population takes some form of statin without problems, it wouldn't seem likehysteria is uncalled for.

If you take statins and you have memory problems, talk to your doctor, you might want to stop for a while.

[vwnate1]

So then ;

Zocor is not like Prozac etc. ? .

I take the Simvastatin and was vaguely recalling my Doctor telling me it was for cholesterol .

My brother is in his 70's and beginning to loose it a bit ~ he goes on rambling rants and other old man things, blames me for things he does and so on, of late he's been telling me my Simvastatin is a mind bender like Prozac and it's making me a bad person if very predictable....

I'm not overly educated so I was hoping to learn a bit more before addressing his concerns .

He's quite adamant that all 'statins' are like this .

TIA,

[Mxfrank]

The idea that statins have a causal relationship to memory loss is a popular bit of folklore. The idea that statins prevent memory loss has been reported in medical journals. AFAIK, all controlled studies suggest no relationship whatsoever. Here's an even handed discussion:

https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/link-between-statins-and-memory-loss

Basically what it says is that there's no evidence of cause and effect, but check with your doctor if you're worried:

"The researchers found no evidence that using statins caused memory loss or dementia. In fact, there was some evidence that long-term statin use may protect against dementia.
Scientists believe this is because certain types of dementia are caused by small blockages in blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. Statins may help to reduce these blockages.
There remains some uncertainty about whether statins affect memory.
A 2015 study found that a small group of patients taking statins experienced amnesia. However, that finding may have been insignificant. The percentage of people taking statins who reported memory issues wasn’t much different from those taking other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Despite the large amount of research showing that statins do not cause memory loss, some people may still experience this condition. Talk to your doctor if you are taking statins and experiencing unpleasant side effects. You should not stop taking the medication on your own."

"

[vwnate1]

Thanx Frank ;

I'm not worried about those claimed side effects .

[Tony H]

I have been on Simvastatin for years. I was able to go on half dose after my last bloodwork. Moved away from the Casino buffets.

[vwnate1]

I've been working at eating less when I eat as well as more fruits & veggies .

I don't have much trouble passing up a pastrami sandwich these days but my Sweet is fro Oklahoma and loves fried foods so it's hard to say no when it's on the table....

[Tony H]

Yea I can sit down with 4 Swanson Chicken Pot Pies and go to town. So cheap but so good. I discovered mini market biscuits and gravy when I was still working. Grab a few of those and eat them on the way to work.

[barry12345]

My doctor once said in general. A lot of people land up on certain drugs and this is one. I may be wrong about the reason. I thought one function of the blood or urine tests I have every year. When a renewal of the prescription drugs is needed. Was to watch for some issue perhaps with the liver caused by it.

Certain types of brain deterioration are to be seriously feared. So far I doubt all the reasons for them have been established. Yet hereditary is a signifigant risk factor it seems. I would hate to see the wife loaded down with me in that kind of condition. It is an issue that has a lot of research underway currently. It seems to be a growing problem in society. Of course if a useful drug could be found it would be worth a fortune today. Not to treat it but to prevent it.

I do take 81 mg of Asprin each day as a couple of doctors suggested a few years ago. I think they believe it reduces the chances of heart attacks.

Personally I suspect it does a lot of things with no side effects at this low dosage. Or even if there are any. The benefit probably is more important than any downside. It actually was one of the first drugs that was considered at least amazing. It can help with many things. Again a lot of older people especially take it.

It was not difficult as it was reality. I realized this year that I am older now. It is more forced on you than an attitude. I hope I can enjoy doing less. Currently it seems a slight bit frustrating. I am far from dead in the water so far yet. At the same time part of the lifelong drive has declined. I am just thankful it lasted longer than the vast majority of my generation. .

[oldsinner111]

I can't take any statin drugs,makes me sick awful,tried with naicin too,but I break out.I use lethecin to clean viens. I'm looking to start prozac next week,as 6 years of wellbutrin,and paxil don't help me much. Have not been in my yard much,and afraid to go to mailbox

[vwnate1]

FWIW ;

If you're one of the many who have difficulty swallowing pills you get get .81Mg children's aspirins at any Dollar store and they're testy and chewable .

Nate, sorry to hear of this, push your V.A. Doctors harder for help ~ you EARNED IT .

[oldsinner111]

going to a new regular doc,from now.V.A. 22 miles,until I can get better 8 miles is better