Lipitor is one of the better known prescription medications that treats low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The generic version of Lipitor is Atorvastatin. Your doctor will prescribe Lipitor for you if he feels that your triglyceride level or blood cholesterol puts you in danger of getting heart disease. You may also be prescribed Lipitor if dieting alone doesn’t improve your cholesterol levels. If your LDL reading is 130 or more, Lipitor may be used to prevent heart disease.

Lipitor will be prescribed if diet, exercise, and weight loss don’t lower your cholesterol level. In order for it to be effective, you must continue with a proper diet and exercise plan. If losing weight is difficult for you, check with your primary physician to see about being referred to a nutritionist. For Lipitor to work effectively you must stick to a diet and exercise plan. Staying with them may lower your chances of getting heart disease.

Possible side effects may include headache, dizziness, chest pain, decreased sex drive, amnesia, joint pain, unstable emotions, vomiting, hearing difficulties, abnormal heartbeat, and difficulty swallowing. Let your physician know if you suffer from any of these symptoms or if other medical problems arise after you begin taking Lipitor. Be sure to let your pharmacist know what other medications you are taking in order to be certain that Lipitor will not counteract with them.

Lipitor should start working within two weeks of first taking it. Be sure to take it at the same time every day in order for it to work properly. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If you remember around the time that you normally take it skip your missed dose but do not take two doses at one time. You may take it with or without food depending on how your body reacts to it.

Depending on your doctor’s advice, you may be given Questran or Colestid for a greater chance of lowering your cholesterol. If you are prescribed either drug along with Lipitor, be sure to take them one hour before or four hours after taking Lipitor.

Do not take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you are trying to conceive. If you become pregnant while taking Lipitor be sure to let your doctor know immediately. Lipitor can get into your breast milk and can harm your baby if you are taking it.

Be sure to store Lipitor at room temperature.

Lipitor is recommended for individuals over the age of 10.