Lipitor & Restless Legs Syndrome

People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) might toss and turn all night long from unexplainable leg pain or discomfort. Their symptoms could be due to taking certain medications rather than any medical condition. One medication that can produce similar leg pain symptoms as a side effect is Lipitor.

Restless Legs Syndrome

• RLS can affect the calves of the legs.

  RLS is a condition that can affect men and women equally. It consists of sensations that often are indescribable and may lead to sleep disturbances. These sensations can include aching, burning, tingling, creeping, crawling and jittery feelings in the thighs and calves, as well as the feet or arms. Although it can occur at any age, it is more common in older people, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Causes

• Certain medicines can cause RLS.

  In many cases, it is not known what causes RLS, according to the Mayo Clinic, but half of all who have this condition have inherited it. Other possible causes include iron deficiency, chronic diseases and even pregnancy. However, certain medicines also can play a role, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Lipitor and RLS

• The drug Lipitor, which is used to treat heart disease in individuals who have high cholesterol levels, has many possible side effects that--if experienced--could explain why some users of this medication might experience RLS symptoms. One of the body systems potentially affected adversely by Lipitor is the musculoskeletal system.

  According to drugs.com, some of Lipitor's side effects to the musculoskeletal system include leg cramps, arthritis, inflammation of tendon sheaths (tenosynovitis), muscular disability (myasthenia), shortening of muscles, tendons or tissue (contracture) and muscular discomfort or pain from an unknown cause (myositis).

Significance

• Anti-nausea medications can worsen RLS.

  While Lipitor is one medication that can produce symptoms seen in RLS sufferers, other medications can worsen RLS symptoms. These include most antidepressant drugs as well as some anti-nausea medications, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Warning

• According to drugs.com, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any bone, joint or muscle pain while taking Lipitor, since these symptoms are considered severe side effects of Lipitor. Anyone who takes Lipitor and experiences RLS symptoms or unexplainable leg restlessness--especially at night--should talk to their doctor.