I am a 72 year old female with well controlled type 2 diabetes and hypothyroid. However, since beginning a treatment program for high cholesterol and taking Livalo (a statin drug known generically as pitavastatin), my previously slight "essential tremors" of the left hand has dramatically increased. New symptoms include painful muscles in the legs, forearms and wrists. I also have little energy and am experiencing depression for the first time in my life. I have taken metformin for 17 years which has kept my type 2 diabetes well under control, and Synthroid kept my low thyroid under control.
I am a 72 year old female with well controlled type 2 diabetes and hypothyroid. However, since beginning a treatment program for high cholesterol and taking Livalo (a statin drug known generically as pitavastatin), my previously slight "essential tremors" of the left hand has dramatically increased. New symptoms include painful muscles in the legs, forearms and wrists. I also have little energy and am experiencing depression for the first time in my life. I have taken metformin for 17 years which has kept my type 2 diabetes well under control, and Synthroid kept my low thyroid under control.Response: Cholesterol lowering drugs (the statins such as Lipitor, Zocor, etc.) cause such symptoms much more often than doctors recognize or admit. Muscle aches, low energy, and depression, are not uncommon with their use.