Zocor Side Effects - Fatigue

Zocor (Simvastatin) is a medication prescribed to treat high cholesterol. High cholesterol significantly increases the risk of future heart disease. This medication prevents the body from making cholesterol by blocking the enzyme that is required to make it. This medication is usually prescribed after dietary changes alone have been unsuccessful in lowing cholesterol. Individuals taking Zocor should continue to eat a cholesterol-lowering diet in conjunction with taking the medication. Some individuals taking Zocor may experience fatigue. Recently, research studies have addressed the link between taking Zocor and experiencing fatigue.

Research Results

• According to Medicinenet.com, a recent study conducted by University of California has found that individuals taking Zocor (or Pravchol) are more likely to experience fatigue than individuals who do not take these drugs.

Severity of Fatigue

• The study found that individuals taking these cholesterol medications had energy levels 5 percent lower than the individuals taking the placebo.

Possible Causes

• Researchers speculate that the medications may disrupt the way energy is produced in the body's cells.

Possible Cures

• The researchers believe that taking Vitamin D supplements may alleviate some of the fatigue.

Bottom Line

• Researchers assert that the risks of not taking Zocor (or other similar medications) is much more substantial than the risks of taking the medication.