See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Lipitor, a medication commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, can cause tiredness in some individuals. While the exact reason for this side effect may vary from person to person, there are a few potential explanations.
Firstly, Lipitor is a type of statin, a class of drugs known to increase the risk of muscle damage [1]. When muscles are damaged, the body may respond with inflammation, which can lead to feelings of fatigue or tiredness.
Secondly, Lipitor can affect the liver's metabolism of certain nutrients, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) [2]. CoQ10 is a nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy production within cells. A decrease in CoQ10 levels due to Lipitor use could potentially lead to feelings of tiredness.
Lastly, Lipitor can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or diarrhea [3]. These symptoms can also lead to dehydration, which can in turn cause feelings of tiredness or fatigue.
It is important to note that not all individuals who take Lipitor will experience tiredness as a side effect. If you are taking Lipitor and are experiencing persistent tiredness, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore potential solutions.
Sources:
[1] "Muscle pain and statin use." Mayo Clinic. <
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/muscle-pain-and-statins/faq-20058033>.
[2] "Coenzyme Q10 and Statin-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction." National Center for Biotechnology Information. <
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516415/>.
[3] "Lipitor Side Effects." Drugs.com. <
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/lipitor-side-effects.html>.
[4] "Lipitor (atorvastatin)." DrugPatentWatch.com. <
https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lipitor>.