crestor and memory loss, behavioural change, change in taste

Thanks Sue,

A few things I have found out since; There was a review article published that I think I originally found on your site entitled Statin-associated memroy loss: an analysis of 60 case reports and review of the literature.  I only have an abstract, so I am asking my husband to locate the full text.  Since my posting, my mother has had another CT scan, bloodwork, seen her doctor, been referred to and examined by a neurologist (so I can't at all say that the probelm is being ignored!)  All of the testing has not revealed any abnormalities.  The neurologist is 99% certain this is not a stroke.  He thinks that she is so worried about side effects of the Crestor that she cannot concentrate on anything else.  This, according to my father.  My father said that after a 10 minute conversation about cholesterol that she is back to normal and the nerologist convinced her to go back on the Crestor.  I find this very hard to believe.  When I saw her yesterday, she forgot that I was there for supper the day before, she didn't know what day it was, and she kept saying that she couldn't remember anything. anyhow, I will keep you "posted".

Thanks again. 

I was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with high cholesterol and my doctor prescribed Crestor.  I read everything I could about it and let the doctor know that I was opposed to taking this drug because of the side effects one being memory loss.  I had a small stroke about 3 years ago and the neurologist prescribed a medication that honestly I can't remember the name (memory loss) but I explained my hesitancy against that drug also because of the side effects.  I asked him could I take aspirin and he agreed to this.  I took a low dose of aspirin off and on for a year or so and finally gave that up. I have been taking Crestor for a week now, against my better wishes, and I noticed today a loss of memory that was embarrasing.  I had a call from a person I know, but for the life of me could not remember who she was.  When I finally realized something I told her in our conversation, I called her back and apologized and let her know that I couldn't remember who she was until our call was complete.  I think at this point I am going to call the Dr. and let him know I am not willing to risk my memory to a drug this scary.  Hope your Mom is OK.  Joan 

My husband started taking Crestor about a month ago and his "quick thought" memory seems to be affected.  For example, tonight he was trying to say something about the broccoli we were having for dinner and he couldn't think of the name.  He kept calling it brussel sprouts and knew it was the wrong name.  He's been doing that sort of thing int he last few days, and I've been wondering if it could be from the Crestor.  I'll keep an eye on things and mention it to his doctor if it continues.  But after reading messages on the internet, I'm pretty well convinced that there is a connection.

I was taking Zocor, which is a statin relative of Crestor, and I developed the same memory loss side effect. There is a hiostory of dementia in my family, so I was terrified that I was losing my mental faculties at 53 years of age. I expressed these fears to my MD, and she said that she had experienced the same problems...her cardiologist took her off the Zocor immediately. I now use cholestyramine and it works well.

My Mom and Aunt just went through this.  My Aunt took Lipitor and my Mom took Crestor.  Both experienced extreme muscle pain in thier knees, memory loss (losing days and conversations), depression, and the feeling of no energy.  They both went to thier Doctors repeatedly to question symptoms with no luck - but a lot of tests.  My mom was attributing her symptoms as feelings due to the recent passing of my Dad.  My Aunt went to a homeopath that said it was probably the Lipitor.  She got off it and started feeling better within a few weeks.  She called my Mom this weekend to tell us about this.  My mom has been taken off the meds at this time due to raised enzyme levels.  Memory loss is listed in the Crestor lit as being reported post clinical trials.  If you can remember - "call your doctor right away, as these symptoms could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect."  Hopefully your Doctor will connect your symptoms to the meds should you have them.  I've told a few people about this and it seems like this is not so rare of an occurance.

My Mom started taking Crestor about 2months ago.  She was fine until she started taking this medicine.  Now she has short term memory loss can not remeber the day of the week, appts, and she can not take any of her meds without supervision. She is depressed and no longer does things that she enjoyed before she took the Crestor.  She can not sleep at night, and has panic attacks.  We questioned the doctor who said that she is depressed and prescribed Zoloft. It has been over 2 weeks since she is on Zoloft and there is no change in her forgetfulness.  If I take her off this medicine will the memory loss be reversed?  I truly believe the Crestor has caused this decline in her memory and her behavior. Please send  your comments. I am so worried.

Yes it's been a month since my mom stopped her crestor. I had her complete blood test done. and all is normal including her cholesterol level. I ve been calling her regularly to check on some small details to check on her memory ( good memory about 10% improvement). I suggest you consult her doctor to  changing your anti depressant . Lexapro worked well with her.

Dear anita,

I notice my mom's memory lapses in 2006. He was given anti depressant because of a change in her moods. Since the time I stopped her crestor against her cardio and neuro docs advise, her moods are okey. Her short term memory is still a problem but her cholesterol is normal.  Her long term memory is not that bad. She still remembers us.  I still believe the culprit is crestor and all the statin drugs.  They say only 2% of population taking statin drugs are affected.  Well, they belong to the 2% I guess.  she's been taking crestor for the last 6 years. Good luck let us keep in touch

Keep away from Lipitor and Crestor...  Most people who do not have side effects either have no muscle to get affected or are totally forgetfull anyway. If you have any muscle or half a brain, do not take the stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!!