![]() ![]() But it also may cause some of the same muscle problems as the pharmaceutical products. Also, red yeast rice, a supplement first used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been found to be almost as effective as some of the moderate statins when used for short periods of time. A substance called myoglobin within the muscle cells that is released can result in severe kidney damage and even kidney failure.Īlternatives: If you’re among the many millions of older Americans without known coronary disease who are taking these drugs, ask your doctor or other health care provider about treating your slightly elevated cholesterol with a combination of sublingual (under-the-tongue) vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg daily), folic acid (800 mcg daily) and vitamin B6 (200 mg daily). Muscle weakness and severe muscle aches throughout the body can be symptoms of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis, a rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle that causes muscle fibers to be released into the bloodstream. Some researchers have also suggested that statins interfere with the production of energy in cells in the same way that they interfere with the production of cholesterol. How they can cause fatigue: Studies show that statins stop the production of satellite cells that give rise to muscle tissue, stopping muscle growth. The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor) the top-selling fibrate is fenofibrate (Tricor). Why they’re prescribed: Statins and fibrates are used to treat high cholesterol. However, whether omega-3 actually improves resting metabolism and exercise heart rate remains unclear because there are many conflicting studies. One 2015 study shows that metabolism increased while resting and exercise heart rate dropped in older women who took omega-3 supplements that contain 2 g EPA, 1 g DHA for 12 weeks. Be aware, though, that omega-3s can slightly raise levels of LDL or bad cholesterol, and other research has shown these may increase the risk of prostate cancer.Ī natural benefit: Omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to be natural fatigue fighters. For older patients, a benzothiazepine calcium channel blocker, such as diltiazem (Cardizem), is often the best choice.Īn omega-3 fish oil supplement may help to lower your blood pressure, too. That’s an important sign that your fatigue could be drug-induced.Īlternatives: Talk with your doctor or other health care provider about switching to another type of blood pressure medication. How they can cause fatigue: Blood-pressure medications may slow down the pumping action of the heart as well as depress the entire central nervous system, or, in the case of diuretics, deplete electrolytes that the body needs.Ĭheck the safety information that comes with your blood pressure medications and you may well see “extreme tiredness” listed as a side effect. Fatigue is also one of the most common side effects that occurs with aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekturna HCT), which belongs to a newer class of drugs called renin inhibitors. Top-selling blood-pressure medications include lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), an ACE inhibitor amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ and various other brand names), a thiazide diuretic furosemide (Lasix), a loop diuretic and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), a beta blocker. Why they’re prescribed: All blood pressure medications - and there are at least eight categories of them - are used to lower the pressure inside blood vessels, so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body. It’s important that you do not discontinue them on your own. If you suspect that your symptoms might be linked to a medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor or health care provider right away. This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition.)Ĭould one or more of the medications you’re taking be making you feel listless or lethargic? Read below to learn about the major classes of drugs that can cause chronic fatigue. (I’m not talking here of the complicated disorder known as chronic fatigue syndrome, whose cause is unknown. But it’s also often a side effect of drugs previously prescribed for other conditions. Chronic fatigue accounts for more than 10 million visits to family doctors every year.Ĭhronic fatigue has many causes, including illnesses such as anemia and multiple sclerosis as well as depression and other psychiatric disorders. ![]() Are your medications making you feel sleepy?Įn español | Do you feel weak or tired - sometimes to the point of exhaustion - much of the time? If so, you’re not alone. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |