Lipitor and Memory Loss: Drug Caused Me to Forget Simple Things

There are many people across the United States who are healthy. On the other hand, there are people who are healthy with the exception of one minuscule problem: their cholesterol. In order to control this condition, many people must take one of many cholesterol-lowering drugs. One such drug is Lipitor.

About eight years ago, my doctor noticed that my cholesterol levels were trending upwards. She decided that I needed a drug to help to control my cholesterol levels. At the time, I was on a different drug. However, as time progressed she said that she liked the performance of Lipitor, as opposed to some of the other similar drugs on the market and wanted to switch me over.

As would be with most patients, I agreed with no complaints, as I felt that my doctor knew what was best for me. I took the medication, as prescribed and went on about my life as normal.

It was not until after I decided to return to school to obtain my Bachelor's degree that it became apparent that I had changed in a major way. In the first class that I took, I found it hard to read material and maintain what I had read. I wanted to chalk it up to the fact that the class that I was taking was one of the general courses that I was required to take. Thus, it was not of interest to me and this was the reason that I could not maintain this information. However, even in my spare time of reading mystery novels, I found that I was unable to meet with my book club to discuss the books. This was because I had forgotten what I had read. I could remember the ending of the book, but as for any details such as the high point in the story, it was a lost cause. I lost it all.

I then thought maybe it was all in my mind, that maybe I just had too many things going on in life to remember what needed handling. However, the problem got even worse. Of all things, I would forget to pay credit card bills and utilities. This was the final straw. Something had to change.

I made an appointment with my doctor to discuss what was going on with me. Since I also suffer from depression, she said that many times depressed patients lose track of things or suffer from short-term memory loss. I then mentioned that I had been on the internet surfing and found that there had been some link between Lipitor and memory loss. I told her that I, as well as my family members had not noticed any changes until after about two weeks of my taking the Lipitor.

As the conversation went on, I tended to lose my train of thought while talking with her. Before the conversation was over with, she said that she thought that there could be a possibility that I might be having some memory issues. However, she did not think there was a link between Lipitor and memory loss. She did decide to go ahead and take me off the Lipitor and switched me to Zetia (one of the newer cholesterol medications on the market).

After about a month, I noticed that I was better able to retain the information that I read in both school reading and free reading.

For those that have noticed or have had family members and friends to notice differences in you, I would suggest that you talk to you doctor. There are many other drugs available to treat multiple diagnoses it is possible the newer drug will work better than the one you were on before.

I have determined that doctors must take care of their patients. However, doctors do not live with each of us day in and day out. It is up to each of us to realize that something is going on and that it is not right. If more people are aware of changes that are noticeable, there is more of a chance of avoiding long-term damage and effects.

I am unsure if there is a link between Lipitor and memory loss, but I do know that my memory has returned to what it was before I started taking Lipitor. I feel as if I am in control of myself once again. I hope this allows others to take control of their lives, as well.