Understanding How Lipitor and Depression Are Related

Lipitor-Depression: Defining The Drug Atorvastatin

Lipitor is the brand name of the generic drug atorvastatin. Lipitor generally acts to lower cholesterol levels by controlling the way the body naturally creates cholesterol. The drug belongs to a drug group called statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Other functions of atorvastatin are avoidance of cardiovascular disease risks as well as complications of diabetes. Lipitor is taken in the form of tablets with or without food but proper dosage and timing are indicated to avoid risks caused by lipitor like depression, diarrhea anxiety and many more.

How Does Lipitor Work?

Lipitor is a pure synthetic compound that inhibits HMG-CoA reducatse. The function of HMG-CoA reductase is to catalyze the reduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A or HMG-CoA to mevalonate. Once catalysis occurs, cholesterol formation in the liver is controlled since the enzyme is an essential requirement.

Low-density lipoprotein or LDL receptors will be expressed more by hepatocytes or cells in the liver which overall reduces the total amount of LDL-cholesterol in the blood. Triglyceride levels also decrease while HDL-cholesterol which helps reduce bad fat and cholesterol increases. The cholesterol management occurs simultaneously throughout the body but more on the blood vessels. As plaques and fatty deposits that tend to disrupt circulation are removed, chances of heart and other organ ailments are reduced.

Common Side Effects

These side effects can result to some individuals taking Lipitor. Although a number are common or expected, they should still be reported immediately to a physician to avoid complications and increased severity of symptoms. Usual side effects are forming of gas in the stomach, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, migraine, nausea, vomiting, dizziness fatigability and lack of enthusiasm. More uncommon side effects include darkened color of urine, difficulty in urinating, muscle pain or weakness, skin problems, fever, jaundice and depression.

How Can Lipitor Cause Depression?

Although depression is not a common side effect of Lipitor, it can still result if the drug is not taken carefully. The prescribed amount and schedule of consumption should be followed at all times. Taking more than the recommended dosage for a long period of time can cause drug dependence.

As the action of Lipitor strengthens with increased and more frequent consumption, excess cholesterol will be eradicated including those in the brain. There are suggestions that mild inhibiting actions by Lipitor are responsible for tiredness and fatigability. As the inhibiting action intensifies, psychological state becomes depressed.

How to Avoid Lipitor Depression

Drug interactions, overdose and unhealthy habits can cause depression when taking Lipitor. Take one dose immediately if you forget taking the medicine on its last prescribed schedule. Monitor for adverse effects if you have underlying conditions like alcoholism, muscle disorder, liver or kidney disease, pregnancy and allergies.

Any of these may have untoward results if taken with Lipitor. A number of drugs and substances should also be avoided since there may be unfavorable reactions. The list of drugs to watch out for includes antacids, cyclosporine, nefazodone, niacin, birth control pills, rifampine, grapefruit juice and phenytoin. Barbiturates should not be taken concurrently with Lipitor to avoid depression.