Are there any cholesterol lowering drugs that are not dangerous? I tried Lipitor, but had incredible aches and pains almost immediately. I really don t want to take medication, but the doctor I went to said it was urgent that I take it. I have high cholesterol and am overweight by about 75 pounds. My HDL is 50, LDL 188, Triglycerides 382. I also have a family history of heart disease. I am otherwise perfectly healthy, except for migraines (which have decreased over the years). I want to try to reduce my cholesterol by diet and exercise if possible, but the doctor that I went to said she would not allow that. I told her I wanted to do some research before I got on a medication that could cause me to be in pain every day. She said that she does not deal with diet issues - and she declined me as a patient after that conversation. She didn t expect me to take a liver test, and I thought that was a requirement before you take Lipitor. Is that true? I really want to find a doctor in the Little Rock area that focuses on healthy eating and exercise - which I am determined to do! I quit smoking two months ago and when I realized how wonderful I felt after quitting, I determined then and there to lose weight and start a healthier life. I found out just last week that I have high cholesterol when I did a wellness exam for my employment. What do I do?