Lowering Cholesterol with Zocor: How Does It Work?
by Rob Clifton
Are you suffering from high cholesterol? Are you considering going on a daily prescription medication regimen? Have you considered using Zocor to help your cholesterol? Are you concerned how Zocor works and if it is right for you? Like all prescription drugs, Zocor is not for everyone.
Zocor alone will help reduce your cholesterol level; however, for maximum benefit it works best when combined with die
t and exercise to lower your cholesterol. If you are pregnant, breast feeding or might become pregnant don't take Zocor. Your doctor will order a simple blood test before prescribing Zocor. Let your doctor know of any other prescription medications you are taking. How does Zocor work?
Zocor works by blocking the enzymes that are used by the liver to create cholesterol. Less cholesterol is made and your levels decrease when this happens. Lower levels of cholesterol can reduce your risks of heart diseases and strokes. Your doctor will determine based on your condition if Zocor is the right cholesterol lowering medicine for you.
Your doctor will put you on a low cholesterol diet along with prescribing Zocor. Your doctor will also recommend that you start a daily exercise program. Diet and exercise together can help in reducing your cholesterol levels and is always recommended before taking any drug to help.
Zocor's recommended dosage is ten to forty mg once a day. It will all depend on your cholesterol level and your doctor will tell you the recommended dosage. Your doctor may have you start at a low dose. After careful monitoring of your cholesterol level your doctor may increase the dosage to a higher level if the low dosage is not reducing your cholesterol levels enough.
When taking Zocor it is important that you take it every day. If you miss one take it right away but do not double your dosage to make up for one that you missed. Doubling up the dosage without your doctor's permission can lead to severe health problems including liver damage. Go by what your doctor says because he will know what is best for you and your condition.
Like any prescription drug Zocor can cause various side effects. You might experience these side effects for a short period of time after first taking Zocor. The effects may be temporary or permanently. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have with certain side effects.
These are a few side effects you could experience with Zocor are:
- Loss of Balance
- Numbness
- Dark Urine
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Abdominal Pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Itching
Every patient is different so if you experience any side effects that might concern you talk with your doctor about them. Your doctor may change the dosage or have you stop taking Zocor.
Other medicines can interact with Zocor so be sure you let your doctor know of any medications you are taking prescription and over the counter. If you are taking another medication that might interact with Zocor, you do not necessarily have to stop taking either one. You might just be monitored closely by your doctor to be sure you do not experience any major side effects.
Talk with your doctor about every concern you might have. No matter how much information you can read on Zocor, only your doctor can give you the most accurate information concerning your personal condition.
About the Author
For more ways to prevent heart disease and information on the ideal cholesterol ratio, and the foods that lower cholesterol please visit http://www.cholesterolfactsonline.com