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Suggest Treatment For RLS While On Lipitor
Question: I take lipitor for high colesterol. I am having muscle spasms in my legs. I have restless leg syndrome. I always thought the two went together - were caused by the same thing. But I am wondering if the spasms are caused by the lipitor and restless leg is caused in another way.
Brief Answer:
Both Lipitor and RLS may be the cause.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) does have among its accompanying manifestations that of muscle cramps. So there is nothing wrong your assumption of the two going together. However statins like Lipitor can potentially cause statin-associated myopathy which may manifest with muscle cramps as well.
So based on symptoms alone it is difficult to distinguish between the two, whether the spasms are part of RLS or due to Lipitor. I would suggest having a simple blood test like CK (creatine kinase) level, which is indicative of muscle damage. If it results significantly elevated then Lipitor would be the most likely cause.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Both Lipitor and RLS may be the cause.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) does have among its accompanying manifestations that of muscle cramps. So there is nothing wrong your assumption of the two going together. However statins like Lipitor can potentially cause statin-associated myopathy which may manifest with muscle cramps as well.
So based on symptoms alone it is difficult to distinguish between the two, whether the spasms are part of RLS or due to Lipitor. I would suggest having a simple blood test like CK (creatine kinase) level, which is indicative of muscle damage. If it results significantly elevated then Lipitor would be the most likely cause.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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