Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While there is no direct evidence that Lipitor withdrawal can cause long-term weakness, there are some potential side effects that could lead to weakness.

According to the drug patent information provided by Drug Patent Watch [1], common side effects of Lipitor include muscle weakness, muscle pain, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and go away once the medication is discontinued. However, in rare cases, Lipitor can cause a serious muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle weakness and even kidney failure.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology [2] found that while muscle symptoms are a common side effect of statin medications like Lipitor, they are usually reversible and do not cause long-term muscle damage. The study also noted that muscle symptoms are more likely to occur in patients who are taking high doses of statins or who are taking other medications that interact with statins.

Another study published in the journal BMJ Open [3] found that patients who stopped taking statins like Lipitor due to muscle symptoms experienced a significant improvement in their muscle symptoms within a few weeks. However, the study also noted that some patients may experience persistent muscle symptoms even after stopping the medication.

In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence that Lipitor withdrawal can cause long-term weakness, there is a risk of muscle weakness and other muscle-related side effects when taking the medication. If you are experiencing muscle weakness or other symptoms while taking Lipitor, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6019601/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31496499/