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March 15, 2010
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Patient Discussions: Cholesterol - Effective Treatments

Cholesterol - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your cholesterol?

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The following Patient Discussions have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.



Comment from: Jeff, 55-64 Male (Caregiver)

I have tried Lipitor (40mg) and Crestor (40 mg) to lower my cholesterol. They worked in lowering ALL of my cholesterol, including my HDL level, which I cannot afford to do. Niaspan in combination with Lipitor worked the best, but I had a hard time tolerating the 500 mg of Niaspan. Published: April 14 ::

Comment from: Mrs H., 55-64 Female (Patient)

By reducing my cheese intake, (cheese fan) and only using Logicol, Proactive or Rice Bran oil (this being the better one) and taking 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a tumbler of water 10 mins before breakfast and dinner, I reduced my cholesterol from 5.6 to 4.7 in one month. I do eat healthily: fruit, homemade muesli and tea for breakfast, salad lunches, with 1 slice wholegrain bread, and meat and 3 veg for dinner. Meats include, fish 1-2x weekly, chicken 2x, meat 2x, and one day with only vegetables. I walk daily, plus exercise, and tennis 1x weekly. Exercise is a must for a healthy lifestyle. Published: January 14 ::

Comment from: Nan, 65-74 Female (Patient)

Atorvastatin caused insomnia in the form of waking at regular intervals throughout the night and not feeling tired at all. Simvastatin slowly caused me to have difficulty clearing my throat. After two years of being on it, I found it difficult to engage in conversation at all as I was constantly clearing my throat. Eventually, my throat was swollen, painful and bruised. I stopped taking statins for my cholesterol last March and am now able to speak without constantly clearing my throat, although it still feels tight and congested with mucus. Published: November 17 ::

Comment from: Bob, 45-54 Male (Patient)

After taking Lipitor for several months, I was having cognitive difficulties. I was having trouble staying in my lane on the freeway, and I felt tired all of the time. I was unable to really get mentally engaged in meetings at work. I was worrying that I was losing my ability to think and be employed. On a hunch, I stopped the Lipitor. I started feeling a little better every day. It took months to somewhat recover. My doctor switched me to Zetia. I experienced the same problems, but not as severe. I stopped taking it also. Both drugs did improve my cholesterol readings, but the decline in mental ability is not worth it. Over all, it's taken a very long time (about two years) for me to start feeling mentally sharp again. Published: August 12 ::

Comment from: Dev, 45-54 Male (Patient)

I used to take one raw pulp of Garlic per week. It keeps my LDL level near normal level more than three years. But I walk 6 Km per day. Apart from that, I’m mostly on a vegetable diet. Taking more Garlic will lower your blood pressure. Keep monitoring your LDL and BP. Published: October 13 ::

Comment from: Anil apm, 25-34 Male (Patient)

My age is 33 years. 6 months ago I tested my lipid profile - report: cholesterol-219mg/dl, triglycerides-185mg/dl, HDL-49 mg/dl, LDL-173 mgs/dl. My doctor prescribed Rosuvastatin-5mg (RANBAXY). I have side effects such as sore muscles and joints. Published: October 07 ::

Comment from: smiley, 55-64 Male (Patient)

My husband has been on Zocor (20mg/daily) for the past couple of months. He also changed his diet. We cut out all fried foods, and now we just eat chicken and fish and lots of vegetables. He has went from 287 to 177 on his total cholesterol. His HDL has gone from 46 to 49 and his LDL has gone from l96 to l09. I am so excited! Published: May 14 ::

Comment from: Christiane aka Madi, 45-54 Female (Patient)

I am now 51 and was diagnosed with high cholesterol when I was about 48. I have tried many different drugs to lower my bad cholesterol levels without success. The aches and pains in my hips and shoulders were unbearable until I stopped taking the medication altogether under my doctor's suggestion. Even though I am of slim build, I do not exercise, and I am cigarette smoker (half a pack a day). I am somewhat worried about my high cholesterol level, even more so since my 48-year-old brother had a minor stroke yesterday. I am meeting with my doctor in a week. I will request blood tests to see if my cholesterol level has increased and if so, I will ask him to try another kind of medication. Published: November 17 ::

Comment from: Rahjam , 45-54 Female (Patient)

Lipitor works best for me to keep my cholesterol under control. This was the first drug that was introduced to me and my cholesterol dropped from 6.4 to 4. I was taking 10 mg a day. I’m due for a blood test in November this year to see the level then. Published: September 17 ::


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