Since my stroke I have been on 80 mg of Atorvastatin nightly and I…

Cerebellum stroke 10 months ago, reluctant to take sleeping tablet, mild antidepressant with sedative properties as this my effect driving

Hi Ian,

Thanks for reaching out and I am sorry to hear of the trouble you are having with your sleeping patterns and statins.

Most medications will have the risk of side effects in some people. These side effects will differ for each person, so it is difficult to say what other options may work for you. The prescription of statins following a stroke, regardless of cholesterol levels, is recommended so it is important not to cease these until you have spoken with your GP.

Another option might be to contact the NPS MedicineWise help line. You can contact them to talk to a pharmacist about the side effects you are experiencing, and possibly other options that might be available. They have a helpline staffed by health professionals (Pharmacists) on Ph 1300 633 424 or an adverse medical events line on Ph. 1300 134 237 where you can report and discuss any adverse experiences you have had with any medication. They will also recommend you discus the issue with your GP but may have some further information that could be helpful.

It might also be helpful to speak with your local pharmacist if you use a regular pharmacist who is are aware of your other medications. They might also be able to give you advice. They would again recommend you speak with your Gp for any changes in your prescriptions.

Some people do notice changes to their sleep patterns following a stroke, so it would be helpful to mention this to your GP if you haven't already. If medication isn't something that you think could help with your sleep, have you thought about trying meditation or mindfulness? These strategies can sometimes help you to relax and fall back to sleep more easily.

You are welcome to give us a call on StrokeLine Ph. 1800 787 653 to discuss this further. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes

Siobhan (StrokeLine)

Thanks Siobhan,

I will ring the pharmacy number you suggested.

My sister also who has not had a stroke has this hyper acoustic problem as well but mine developed after my stroke medication so maybe there is a genetic component as well.

I practice mindfulness but it failed me at 5:15 am when the neighbours finally turned their rowdy air conditioner off.

I will get my wife to talk to the neighbours again. Perhaps their teenage children forgot to turn it off by 10 pm.

Thanks again

Ian