Lipitor is a brand name for the medication atorvastatin, which is a type of statin drug used to lower cholesterol levels in the body [1]. According to UnityPoint Health, statins are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects such as muscle pain, weakness, and cramping in some people [2]. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that muscle pain and weakness were the most commonly reported side effects of statins, affecting up to 10% of users [3].

If you are experiencing discomfort while taking Lipitor, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication. In some cases, it may be possible to stop taking statins altogether, but this decision should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional [2].

It is unclear from the sources provided whether discomfort improves after stopping Lipitor specifically. However, UnityPoint Health notes that muscle symptoms associated with statin use typically improve within a few weeks of stopping the medication [2]. If you are considering stopping Lipitor, it is important to discuss this decision with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] UnityPoint Health. (n.d.). Can You Stop Taking Statins Once You Start? Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/can-you-stop-taking-statins-once-you-start
[3] CNN. (2022, August 29). Statins cause muscle pain in up to 10% of users, study finds. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/29/health/statins-muscle-pain-study-wellness/index.html