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Nov 7, 2007 7:53 pm US/Mountain
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New Study Links Statins With Nightmares, Insomnia
by Dr. Dave Hnida
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Millions of Americans take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol, but a new study finds the drugs may cause insomnia and nightmares.
When doctors prescribe statins they usually worry about a lot of different side effects such as liver problems, but sleep problems aren't even on the radar. That means if those on a statin are not sleeping well, or having some bad dreams, the medication may be to blame. But it also appears only some statins have the side effect and others don't.
The research comes from the American Heart Association. More than 1,000 people were in the study. Some got one type of statin, while others got a different type, and a third group got a placebo.
It turns out those who got a certain type of statin -- one that is easily absorbed into the brain, and therefore the sleep centers -- were much more likely to have sleep problems.
Statins such as Zocor, Lipitor, Mevacor and Vytorin all cross into the brain easily and are more likely to give fits sleeping at night. One the other hand, Pravachol and Crestor don't get into the brain easily and are less likely to mess up sleep.
Patients should talk to their doctor about trying a different statin if they are having trouble sleeping. However, it is not a side effect that's commonly known, so some doctors might not be familiar with the problem.
If there are no sleeping problems, continue to use the medication as directed.
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