What can cholesterol medications do?

The most common drugs used to manage cholesterol are statins. Studies show that statins can reduce cholesterol level in blood and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke about 30%.

 
Why would cholesterol medications make you tired?

In spite of cholesterol-lowering statins would block the production of cholesterol in the liver, it also blocks the production of nonsteroid isoprenoids. And one of the commonly known nonsteroid isoprenoids namely coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). 

Considered the features of CoQ10 in anti-oxidation and energy production, the deficient production of CoQ10 would eventually lead to tiredness and fatigue.


Others side effects of cholesterol medications

Devote into the side effects commonly associated with statins, other than tiredness and fatigue, there are nearly identical to the symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency, such as:

• Difficulties in sleeping
• Difficulties in pregnant
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• Memory loss and confusion
• Muscle pain and weakness
• Permanent nerve damage

 

Can I stop cholesterol medications?

Stopping cholesterol medications can be risky, especially if we have a history of heart attack or stroke. It is definitely not a good thing that we stop taking these drugs without talking to a doctor.

Doctors may suggest some plans for us accordingly. These plans may include stopping the medications entirely, reducing medicine usage, switching to a different drugs or adopting certain lifestyle changes. 

Alternatively, we may need to continue the medication, yet, add on  supplements to solve problems statins caused.
 

Some tips to fight against cholesterol and tiredness caused by medication

There are several ways suggested by professionals in improving stamina and cholesterol.

• Adopts a different diet. Such as Mediterranean diet (which focuses on greens,  spices, seafood and extra virgin olive oil) or vegan diet.
• Participating exercise programs, such as jogging, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, weight lifting, yoga and etc. 
• Takes L-carnitine and cholesterol medication concurrently to minimize the side effects
• Takes CoQ10 to supplement the deficiency of CoQ10