The Synergistic Effect of Zocor and Niacin

Many doctors and their patients with cholesterol problems have started to appreciate the synergy that exists between Zocor and niacin. As you may know, Zocor (Simvastatin) is one of the most popular cholesterol-lowering drugs today, which also works to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Zocor Side Effects

Like all prescription statin drugs, Zocor is not free from usual side effects, some of which can be potentially serious. The side effects of the Zocor statin drug can range from digestive system problems (upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, or even liver damage and failure) and skin rashes, to nervous system problems (headache, memory loss, anxiety, depression or psychic disturbances) and loss of sexual desire.

Niacin to Reduce Cholesterol

On the other hand, for many years now, niacin has also been used as a cholesterol-lowering therapeutic vitamin taken in large doses. This idea of niacin lowering cholesterol stems from the fact that niacin is one of the B vitamins that help promote heart health and lowers the low density lipoprotein or LDL levels (termed as the bad cholesterol) in the liver. This action is coupled with its ability of niacin medication to raise HDL cholesterol levels, thereby improving your cholesterol ratio.

There has been sufficient scientific evidence that proves these effects; hence the use of niacin for high cholesterol. In this field, niacin is largely used as a drug than a vitamin, with suggested doses of one to three grams a day.

Simvastatin and Niacin

As previously mentioned, more and more people now take over-the-counter niacin as a replacement for, or to complement cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Simvastatin. The combination of Zocor and niacin leads to a more effective lowering of cholesterol.

Niacin versus Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

Recent studies have also been conducted on the cholesterol drug Lipitor and niacin. What is good about niacin that sets is better than Lipitor is that it also works to lower triglyceride levels and to promote general heart health better than the statin drug. The main problem, however, with the use of niacin and atorvastatin is that it may cause muscle disorder or myopathy as a side effect.

Lovastatin and Niacin

Lovastatin (along with atorvastatin) is also an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor type of cholesterol drug. As such, the concurrent use of lovastatin with niacin is reported to enhance the lowering effect of each individual drug. However, the same possible muscle problem may be encountered when taking both medications.

Niacin and Cholesterol-Lowering Statins

The combined effect of statin drugs such as Zocor and niacin leads to wondrous positive effects that leads not only to lowering of bad cholesterol levels, but the raising of good HDL cholesterols, and reduction of overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These actions are all important in preventing heart disease, stroke, heart attacks and promoting general health.

However, before taking niacin with any statin drugs, you must always consult your doctor. Remember that the combined effect of cholesterol drugs such as Zocor and niacin can lead to potential side effects which may not always be expected.

• The Effectivity of Niacin for Lowering Cholesterol
• Healthy Foods Containing Niacin
• Beneficial Niacin Effects in the Body
• Some Possible Niacin Side Effects