What is atorvastatin 20 mg used for?
Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as “statins.” It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
What foods to avoid while taking atorvastatin?
While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems.
What does atorvastatin do to the body?
Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Does atorvastatin affect sleep?
The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). How they can cause insomnia: The most common side effect of all types of statins is muscle pain, which can keep people who take them awake at night and unable to rest.
Can Atorvastatin cause sleep problems?
Can Atorvastatin make you tired?
In recent years, researchers discovered that people taking statins reported increased levels of general fatigue and tiredness, especially after exertion. A study from the University of California San Diego found that people taking statins experienced lower levels of energy than people who took a placebo.
Does atorvastatin cause weight gain?
Weight gain isn’t a side effect of Lipitor. However, Lipitor belongs to a class of medications known as statins, which have been linked to weight gain. Some researchers have found that people who use statins tend to take in more calories than those who don’t. This includes getting more calories from fat.
How can I lower my cholesterol without taking statins?
Tips for reducing your cholesterol
- Avoid trans and saturated fats.
- Eat lots of soluble fiber. Upping your daily intake of soluble fiber can decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
- Exercise.
- Cut down on your alcohol intake.
- Try fish oil supplements.
- Take a garlic supplement.