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 is used to treat high cholesterol and high triglycerides, in addition to helping prevent cardiovascular disease in some people. This page also discusses off-label uses and giving the medication to children.
This eMedTV page lists common side effects of Zocor, such as nausea and gas; rare side effects, such as hepatitis; and symptoms that may require medical attention, such as muscle tenderness or weakness along with fever or a feeling of sickness.
As this eMedTV page explains, gaining weight 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 research studies on Zocor and memory loss, and also advises talking with your doctor if you notice any memory problems while taking the drug.
It's up for debate as to whether liver problems and Zocor are related. This eMedTV page lists some liver problems seen rarely in people taking this drug (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 segment also lists the starting dosage for children (10 mg once daily), as well as tips on dosing (like always taking Zocor as prescribed).
Fibrates, antifungals, warfarin, and other drugs can all cause problems when taken with Zocor. This eMedTV page describes how drug interactions with Zocor can alter how your body metabolizes the drugs and change the blood levels of some medications.
Taking niacin and Zocor together generally isn't recommended. This eMedTV page explains how taking these substances 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 the levels of Zocor in the blood and increase the risk of developing a serious, potentially life-threatening muscle problem.
Some precautions and warnings for Zocor listed in this eMedTV article include drug interactions and the safety of taking the medication while pregnant or nursing. This page also describes people who may not be able to take this drug.
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 be used as a substitute for Zocor. As this eMedTV page explains, people who experience side effects with Zocor may want to consider one of these alternatives.
A generic version of Zocor is available in several strengths and is sold under the name Simvastatin tablets. This eMedTV page lists some specific strengths of the generic medication and the companies that manufacture it.
