But dizziness has many possible causes—including dehydration, low blood pressure, inner-ear disorders and other medications—so medical evaluation may be needed if it persists.
- Headache
Headaches may occur while taking cholesterol-lowering medicines.
A mild occasional headache is usually not an emergency.
However, a new headache that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms shouldn’t simply be assumed to be a medication side effect.
- Digestive Problems
Atorvastatin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people.
MedlinePlus lists diarrhea, heartburn and gas among possible side effects.
Other digestive complaints can occur for many unrelated reasons.
If gastrointestinal symptoms begin after starting atorvastatin and don’t improve, discuss the timing and severity with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Skin Rash or Itching
Skin reactions can occur with atorvastatin.
A mild rash or itching should be reported if it persists or worsens.
More importantly, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips or eyes can indicate a serious allergic reaction and require urgent medical attention.
- Tingling or Numbness
Some patients report tingling, burning, or numbness in their hands or feet while using statins.
These symptoms can also be caused by diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve compression and many other conditions.
For that reason, new peripheral neuropathy symptoms should be medically evaluated rather than automatically attributed to atorvastatin.
- Sleep Changes
Some patients describe changes in their sleep after starting a statin, including difficulty sleeping or unusually vivid dreams.
Evidence linking statins directly to sleep disturbances is not as strong as it is for established effects such as muscle symptoms.
If sleep problems began around the same time as a medication change, keeping track of the timing can help your healthcare provider determine whether there might be a connection.
- Changes in Blood Sugar
This one has stronger evidence behind it.
Statins can modestly increase blood glucose and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who already have risk factors such as prediabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome.
That does not mean everyone taking atorvastatin will develop diabetes.
For people who need statin therapy, the cardiovascular benefits often remain important despite this relatively small risk.
Your healthcare provider may monitor blood glucose or A1C when appropriate.
- Liver Enzyme Changes
Atorvastatin acts primarily in the liver, so liver-related concerns understandably receive attention.
Statins can sometimes cause abnormal liver enzyme results, although actual serious liver injury is very rare.
Possible warning signs of liver problems include:
Yellow skin or eyes
Dark urine
Loss of appetite
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Pain in the upper-right abdomen
Persistent nausea
These symptoms should be reported promptly.
- Swelling of the Hands, Feet or Ankles
Swelling can have many causes, including circulation problems, heart disease, kidney problems, other medications, or prolonged sitting.
