Zocor is often used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, and to prevent cardiovascular disease. This eMedTV Web page discusses this prescription medication in detail, including side effects, dosing, strengths, and how it works.
As this eMedTV page explains, Zocor treats high cholesterol and high triglycerides, in addition to helping prevent cardiovascular disease in some people. This page also discusses Zocor uses in children.
This eMedTV page lists common Zocor side effects like nausea and gas; rare side effects like hepatitis; and symptoms that you should report to your doctor right away, such as muscle tenderness or weakness along with fever or a feeling of sickness.
As this eMedTV page explains, weight gain is a side effect with some cholesterol drugs but not with Zocor. This page lists things that you can do if you're taking Zocor and weight gain occurs, such as exercising and eating a low-cholesterol diet.
If you're taking Zocor and muscle pain occurs, contact your doctor. This eMedTV page warns that muscle tenderness or weakness along with fever or a feeling of sickness can signify a serious muscle problem in some people taking Zocor (simvastatin).
This eMedTV page warns that if you're taking Zocor and muscle aches occur (especially when you have a fever or feel ill), it could signify a serious muscle problem like myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Call your doctor right way if you have these symptoms.
Memory loss occurs in less than 1 percent of people taking Zocor. This part of the eMedTV archives discusses previous research on Zocor and memory loss, and also advises talking with your doctor if you notice any memory loss while taking Zocor.
It's up for debate as to whether Zocor and liver problems are related. This eMedTV page lists some liver problems seen rarely in people taking Zocor (like cirrhosis and hepatoma) and possible symptoms of liver problems (like nausea or vomiting).
This eMedTV page lists some short-term pain-relief suggestions that you can try if you're taking Zocor and joint pain occurs. Among other things, you can take over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or Tylenol or apply heat or cold to the sore area.
Many people ask, "Is a Zocor side effect depression?" This eMedTV article explains that depression is a side effect reported rarely with Zocor. This page also lists some depression symptoms such as feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness.
The starting dose of Zocor for most people with high cholesterol is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. This eMedTV page also lists the starting Zocor dosage for children (10 mg once daily), as well as tips on dosing (like always taking Zocor as prescribed).
Zocor drug interactions can occur with fibrates, antifungals, warfarin, and other drugs. This eMedTV page describes how drug interactions with Zocor can alter how your body metabolizes the drugs and change the levels of some drugs in the blood.
Taking niacin and Zocor together generally isn't recommended. This eMedTV page explains how taking these drugs together can raise the risk of serious muscle problems. One of these problems, rhabdomyolysis, can lead to loss of life in some cases.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, grapefruit juice and Zocor can interact with each other to raise levels of Zocor in the blood and increase the risk of developing a serious muscle problem in some people.
Some precautions and warnings for Zocor listed in this eMedTV article include drug interactions and the safety of taking Zocor while pregnant or nursing. This page advises asking your doctor about Zocor precautions and warnings that may apply to you.
As this eMedTV page explains, there is little benefit and a very real risk from taking Zocor during pregnancy. Zocor is a pregnancy Category X drug that could potentially harm a fetus. If you're taking Zocor and pregnancy occurs, let your doctor know.
Fluvastatin, pravastatin, and lovastatin are among the drugs that can substitute for Zocor. As this eMedTV page explains, people who experience side effects with Zocor may want to consider a Zocor substitute.
Generic Zocor is available in several strengths and is sold under the name Simvastatin tablets. This eMedTV page lists some specific strengths of generic Zocor and the companies that manufacture it -- IVAX Pharmaceuticals and Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals.
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