If you are taking Lipitor and constipation has become a problem for you, you may find it a bit comforting to learn that you are not alone.
Doctors prescribe Lipitor to patients who have high cholesterol. Below you will find more about Lipitor and constipation, but more importantly, you will find at least 2 alternatives to both Lipitor and constipation.
Lipitor and Constipation Explained
The pharmaceutical company Pfizer manufactures Lipitor, which is a type of statin drug developed to help you lower your cholesterol. Lipitor works by disrupting the production of cholesterol in your liver.
When your body makes less cholesterol there is a lower risk of plaque build-up in your arteries and a reduced risk of heart disease. Health professionals define constipation as hard and infrequent bowel movements.
Your doctor will diagnose constipation when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. You will also notice that stool is dry and difficult to eliminate.
The Common Issue of Lipitor and Constipation
Many patients report a connection between Lipitor and constipation. The official Lipitor website lists this as a common side effect of taking the drug. You will also find many cholesterol forums that link Lipitor and constipation together.
Some patients notice their symptoms of constipation start soon after beginning the medication. Others do not experience constipation until a few months after their first dose of Lipitor. Your doctor will need to work closely with you to find the right dosage.
Lipitor and Constipation – Keep Your Doctor Informed
Although some people tolerate statin drugs such as Lipitor with few side effects, others suffer from frustrating side effects like muscle aches, sick feeling or nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. You should also be aware of more serious side effects of Lipitor such as damage to your liver and muscles.
You need to take an active role in your health by learning about the connection between Lipitor and constipation as well as the effects statins can have on the organs and systems of your body.
Lipitor (Atorvastatin) may lead to many unexpected side effects. Communicate with your medical doctor if you experience any unusual health issues while taking Lipitor. (1)
When you meet with your doctor tell them if you have a history of liver problems or kidney disorders.
You should make a list of other prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking and nutritional supplements you are taking and share this list with your doctor to reveal any possible detrimental drug interactions.
Remedies For Lipitor and Constipation
While I should say that you never discontinue using prescription medications of any kind without first consulting with your doctor – the opposite (with a twist) is true:
You should never start on a drug without doing your own research. My doctor wanted to put me on Lipitor 3 years ago, just because my cholesterol was a bit high.
But I did not do so. I tried various ways and finally found a good supplement that helped lower my cholesterol by 58 points in 2 months.
So if your doctor still keeps you on the medication, you can take action steps to alleviate the constipation you are experiencing.
Eat a diet high in fiber by including more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily eating schedule. You can also help your digestive tract eliminate waste more efficiently by drinking plenty of water.
Aim to drink at least eight full glasses of water each day. Daily physical exercise will also help move wastes through your system.
Speak with your doctor and do your research before taking over-the-counter stool softeners or constipation remedies to ensure these products do not interfere with your medications.
Lipitor can help lower your cholesterol, but you can also make significant changes in your cholesterol profile through simple healthy lifestyle adjustments.
