Simvastatin and Sleep Problems

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Simvastatin and Sleep Problems

Question:

I take one simvastatin in the evening for cholesterol. I am having more trouble sleeping than normal. Could I take it in the morning?

Answer:

As you suggest, it is better to take simvastatin at night than earlier in the day. On average, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are lower when the drug is dosed this way. However, in any given person, there may be little if any difference between taking it at night and taking it in the morning.

Given that you are having trouble sleeping and simvastatin is reported to have this side effect, it is reasonable to switch to a morning dose. As always, contact your doctor's office to let them know that you are making the change and why.

If your cholesterol or LDL levels go up on your next reading, you can potentially increase the dose and still take it in the morning. Or, go back to the same nighttime dose, especially if your insomnia did not improve.

Personally, I take my statin in the morning because I missed a few doses when I tried the nighttime schedule. For me, taking it every day was more important.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009