It seems rare, but Lipitor may lead to short-term amnesia
Q: My doctor prescribed Lipitor when it was a hot drug for lowering cholesterol. I was 48 years old and on no other meds. My numbers dropped dramatically. My blood sugar count was normal. My kidney function was also good for my age.
Everything was great for years. Then I developed Type 2 diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, reduced kidney function and transient global amnesia. The TGA episodes were more frightening than all the other side effects.
A: We first heard about transient global amnesia from Dr. Duane Graveline in 2001. He was a former astronaut and a retired family physician. Six weeks after starting Lipitor, he experienced a six-hour episode of TGA. A medical workup showed no neurological problems.
He stopped taking Lipitor but was encouraged to restart the drug a year later. Six weeks later, he had a 12-hour episode of TGA, during which he forgot that he was a doctor and even his wife’s name.
Graveline was convinced his amnesia episodes were triggered by atorvastatin. He wrote a book about it, “Lipitor, Thief of Memory.”
There are few reports of TGA associated with statins. That said, the Food and Drug Administration requires this notification in the prescribing information: “There have been rare reports of cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with the use of all statins.”
Q: I have traveled in Mexico and the Amazon. By taking Pepto Bismol with oil of oregano capsules two times a day, I have avoided traveler’s diarrhea. Your readers might find this helpful when traveling.
A: Oil of oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, among other compounds. These agents actively inhibit several pathogenic bacteria (Molecules, March 29, 2023).
We have not seen studies of oil of oregano for preventing traveler’s diarrhea. However, research indicates that Pepto Bismol is more effective than placebo for this purpose (Digestive Diseases and Sciences, July 2021). The Cleveland Clinic website suggests that people who plan to use oil of oregano to prevent traveler’s diarrhea should check with their doctors first regarding possible interactions or contraindications.
Q: Perimenopause is treating me rough. I’ve been taking Vitex twice a day for about a month, and
I’m starting to finally feel relief. Prior to taking Vitex, I would get half a dozen or more hot flashes throughout the day, with sweats at night. Now, I’m getting just a couple of mild hot flashes during the day and sleeping through the night. I credit Vitex with helping ease other symptoms I’ve been experiencing: anxiety and general fogginess/confusion. I am grateful that this helpful herb doesn’t seem to have detrimental side effects!
A: Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has traditionally been used to ease hot flashes, though it has not been widely studied. A small randomized controlled trial found that Vitex improved general menopausal symptoms as well as hot flashes and anxiety better than placebo (Korean Journal of Family Medicine, November 2019).
We heard from a naturopathic practitioner who urges patience for those using Vitex for menopause: “While Vitex is a good herb for hot flashes, I’ve found that in most women, it can take three to four months before it begins to work really well. Very rarely do I see anyone who gets instant results with Vitex.”