Simvastatin causes "munchies"

mrrodriguez

I just talked to a nurse acquaintance who mentioned that she noticed people often got "the munchies" about 2 or 3 hours after taking their daily dose of Simvastatin. I currently take 20 mg for cholesterol. I couldn't find anything specifically about this online, but saw references to weight gain and nausea (both of which I experienced) with statins. My food cravings are terrible about three hours after I take the medication. I tried holding off taking it until bedtime last night, and seemed to have less craving, but I awakened at 2 a.m.? I will continue to try experimenting with this, and go back to my doc for a non-statin if I see a relationship. I really don't need help with my appetite.

If anyone knows anything about this I would appreciate some info.

thanks.

pg3ibew

I have no clue what Simvastatin is, but If it is like pot, then my answer would be YES!!!!

Cre8veLifeR

My hubby takes it, but he takes it at night before bed so I don't know about the mnuchies thing. Makes me glad he takes it before bed though

tlbohnert

Thanks for the heads up. I take pravastatin and I have always taken mine in the morning.
I go to my Dr. at the end of April. I am going to check into this further. Thanks again

nisijam5

I'm a nurse and here's what I know...you should be taking it at night because it's more effective at night (bedtime). We give our patients their meds between 8 and 9 PM. Also, it came cause muscle pains for some people. So, if you feel achy kind of muscles, you should inform your doc because it can escalate to rhabdomyolysis.

icimani

I take Simvastatin right before I go to bed but I've never noticed having the munchies (other than my normal munchies if I eat dinner too early).

Remember that the instructions for Simvastatin specifically say to take it in the evening, at the same time every evening - and no grapefruit. :grumble:

ElizMurphy69

The "statin" sisters as in all of the lipid lowering agents have this rare side effect. Out of around 15,000 people, 50-150 people may have hunger as a side effect. It is important to take this drug at night and take with a full glass of water (this may help). The goal is to get your LDL <100, especially if you are a diabetic or have cardiac issues. If you continue to take it and cannot control the hunger speak to your healthcare provider. But, I would hope that the more you take it on the routine schedule and not feed it your body will adapt and push through! Good luck :-)
Beth RN, MSN