The image highlights several alarming symptoms, including muscle pain, chest discomfort, stomach problems, headaches, and neurological concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So how much of this information is accurate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Atorvastatin can cause side effects, but most people tolerate it well, and serious reactions are uncommon.<\/strong> Some symptoms are relatively mild, while others require prompt medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding the difference is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are 15 possible side effects and adverse reactions associated with atorvastatin, along with important information about when to contact your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medications called statins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is commonly sold under the brand name Lipitor, although generic versions are widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More specifically, atorvastatin blocks an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays an important role in cholesterol production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This helps lower LDL cholesterol, often called \u201cbad cholesterol.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lowering LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people who would benefit from statin therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors prescribe atorvastatin for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The medication is usually taken once daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common prescribed strengths include 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The appropriate dose depends on the patient’s medical history, cardiovascular risk, cholesterol levels, and response to treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin affects cholesterol production in the liver, but its effects are not limited to cholesterol measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people experience digestive symptoms, muscle discomfort, headaches, or changes in blood tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The likelihood of certain adverse reactions may be influenced by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Importantly, experiencing a symptom while taking atorvastatin does not automatically mean the medication caused it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthcare professional can help determine whether a symptom is related to treatment or another condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muscle pain is one of the best-known concerns associated with statins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some patients report aching, soreness, or discomfort in their muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discomfort may affect the legs, arms, shoulders, or other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms can range from mild to more troublesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People may describe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, muscle pain is common in the general population, and not every ache experienced during statin treatment is caused by the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell your healthcare professional if you develop new, unexplained muscle symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe pain, significant weakness, fever, or dark urine requires urgent medical assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people taking atorvastatin report unusual muscle weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may feel different from ordinary tiredness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, someone might notice difficulty climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or performing activities that were previously easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muscle weakness can have many causes, including neurological conditions, thyroid disorders, nutritional problems, and medication effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New or progressive muscle weakness should be evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rarely, statins are associated with serious muscle disorders that require specific testing and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muscle cramps are another possible complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They may occur in the legs or other muscle groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cramps can also be related to dehydration, physical activity, nerve disorders, and other medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If cramps begin after starting atorvastatin or increasing the dose, discuss them with your prescriber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not assume that all nighttime leg cramps are caused by statins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition involving severe muscle breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a rare complication associated with statin therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When muscle tissue breaks down, substances released into the bloodstream can damage the kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not everyone experiences every symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you develop severe unexplained muscle symptoms, especially with dark urine or marked weakness, stop taking atorvastatin and seek urgent medical care.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rhabdomyolysis is uncommon, but recognizing the warning signs matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Headaches are a recognized side effect of atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people notice headaches after beginning treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These may improve as the body adjusts to the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, headaches can have numerous causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintain appropriate hydration and follow a regular sleep schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if headaches are persistent, severe, or bothersome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A sudden, extremely severe headache or a headache accompanied by neurological symptoms requires emergency evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some patients experience nausea while taking atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms may include an unsettled stomach or a feeling that you might vomit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For mild nausea, taking the medication with food may help some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid making medication changes without professional advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain should be medically evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diarrhea is another recognized possible side effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people notice looser or more frequent bowel movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mild symptoms may resolve, but persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact your healthcare professional if diarrhea continues, worsens, or becomes difficult to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek medical attention for bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or signs of significant dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin can also cause constipation, indigestion, or increased gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These symptoms may be uncomfortable but are usually not dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your health needs, consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digestive symptoms can have many causes, so ongoing problems should not automatically be attributed to atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joint discomfort and back pain have been reported in people taking atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, these symptoms are also common with aging, physical activity, arthritis, and spinal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If pain becomes persistent or interferes with everyday activities, speak with your clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They may evaluate whether the medication, an underlying condition, or another factor is responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin acts primarily in the liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some people, treatment can cause increases in liver enzymes detected through blood tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mild changes do not necessarily indicate serious liver damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, significant abnormalities may require further evaluation or treatment changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek prompt medical advice if you experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe liver injury associated with atorvastatin is rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doctors generally check liver enzymes before starting treatment and repeat testing when clinically indicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Statins, including atorvastatin, can cause small increases in blood glucose and HbA1c in some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In individuals already at risk, this may contribute to a new diagnosis of diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, for people with an appropriate indication for statin therapy, the cardiovascular benefits generally outweigh this risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n may benefit from appropriate blood glucose monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not stop atorvastatin solely because of concerns about blood sugar without discussing your individual risk and benefits with your clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some patients report sleep disturbances while taking statins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These may include difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, research has not consistently shown that atorvastatin causes insomnia in everyone who experiences it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep problems are common and can result from stress, caffeine, sleep disorders, other medications, or medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If sleep changes begin after starting treatment, discuss them with your healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dizziness is another possible side effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people may feel lightheaded or unsteady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Persistent dizziness, fainting, or dizziness accompanied by chest pain or neurological symptoms requires medical assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people taking statins have reported memory problems, forgetfulness, or confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These reports have attracted attention online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, large studies have not established that statins generally cause dementia or progressive cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reported cognitive symptoms have often been described as reversible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peripheral nerve symptoms have also been reported, although a direct relationship is not always clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Numbness, tingling, or weakness may have many other causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New neurological symptoms should be assessed rather than automatically blamed on a medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sudden one-sided weakness, facial drooping, or speech difficulty may indicate a stroke and requires emergency care.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious allergic reactions to atorvastatin are uncommon but possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These reactions require immediate attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical care if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all adverse reactions occur with the same frequency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors. These descriptions are not a prediction of what any individual patient will experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chest pain is not one of the characteristic common side effects of atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The medication is prescribed to reduce cardiovascular risk, not increase it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, people taking atorvastatin may already have cardiovascular disease or other risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, new or worsening chest pain should never be dismissed as a routine medication reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek emergency medical help for chest pressure or pain, especially if accompanied by sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or discomfort spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin is not generally considered directly harmful to the kidneys when prescribed appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the rare complication of rhabdomyolysis can cause acute kidney injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one reason severe unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine should be treated seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with existing kidney impairment may also have a higher risk of certain muscle-related complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your healthcare professional can evaluate the appropriate medication and dose.<\/p>\n\n\n Certain factors may increase the risk of statin-associated muscle complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having one of these risk factors does not mean a serious complication will occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It means additional care may be appropriate when selecting and monitoring treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin can interact with certain medications and foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some interactions increase atorvastatin levels in the bloodstream, potentially raising the risk of muscle-related side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples include certain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large amounts of grapefruit juice may also increase exposure to atorvastatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medications and supplements you take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not discontinue prescribed medicines or combine treatments without professional guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For mild or bothersome symptoms, contact your healthcare professional before changing your treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your clinician may recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For symptoms suggesting severe muscle breakdown, significant liver injury, or a serious allergic reaction, stop taking atorvastatin and seek urgent medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The response depends on the seriousness of the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin does not usually cause a classic withdrawal syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, stopping it can allow LDL cholesterol to rise again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, this may reduce the cardiovascular protection provided by treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important for people who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke or have established cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any planned treatment change should be discussed with the prescribing clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take atorvastatin exactly as directed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not increase or decrease your dose independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin is usually taken once daily and can generally be taken at a convenient, consistent time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell your clinician about new muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your healthcare professional may monitor cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, or other markers when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy alcohol intake may increase the risk of liver-related problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A balanced diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and management of blood pressure and diabetes remain important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If something changes after starting treatment, don’t hesitate to speak with a pharmacist or clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commonly reported effects include digestive symptoms, headaches, and muscle aches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Many people take atorvastatin without significant muscle symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious muscle complications are rare. In very rare cases, an immune-mediated muscle disorder may persist after the medication is stopped and require specialist treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe liver injury is rare. Mild liver enzyme elevations can occur and may require monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Memory complaints have been reported, but research has not established that atorvastatin generally causes dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Small increases in blood glucose and HbA1c can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is commonly prescribed to older adults when the expected cardiovascular benefits outweigh the risks. Treatment should be individualized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Atorvastatin can generally be taken at any consistent time of day, according to the prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. It can generally be taken with or without food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not without medical advice. Normal cholesterol readings may indicate that treatment is working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large amounts may increase the risk of side effects. Ask your pharmacist about your usual consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seek emergency care for severe muscle symptoms with dark urine, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe chest pain, or sudden stroke-like symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atorvastatin is an established medication that can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in people who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all medicines, it can cause unwanted effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some, such as headaches or digestive discomfort, may be mild. Others, including severe muscle injury or allergic reactions, are rare but potentially serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The viral claim that doctors routinely hide these side effects is misleading. Recognized adverse reactions are described in prescribing information and patient medication leaflets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key is not to fear atorvastatin, but to understand its benefits, recognize unusual symptoms, and communicate with your healthcare professional.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Never ignore severe warning signs, and never abandon an important prescribed treatment because of an alarming social media image alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Atorvastatin is one of the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. Millions of people take it to reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular problems. But a viral social media image is raising concerns about the medication, claiming there are 15 atorvastatin side effects that doctors don’t tell you about. The image … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":751,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=749"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":752,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/749\/revisions\/752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/easyrecipes.el-maarifa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/827556190_2580179462486530_7665306633505132638_n-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Is Atorvastatin and Why Is It Prescribed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Why Can Atorvastatin Cause Side Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
1. Muscle Pain and Aching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does Statin-Associated Muscle Pain Feel Like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Should You Do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Muscle Weakness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When Is It Concerning?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Muscle Cramps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare but Serious Muscle Complication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Warning Signs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
5. Headaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Can Help?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Nausea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Diarrhea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Constipation and Indigestion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Helpful Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
9. Joint Pain and Back Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Changes in Liver Enzymes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Possible Warning Signs of Liver Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Increased Blood Sugar Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Should Pay Attention?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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12. Sleep Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. Dizziness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
14. Rare Neurological or Cognitive Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What About Numbness or Tingling?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. Rare Allergic Reactions and Severe Skin Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Atorvastatin Side Effects: Which Are Common and Which Are Rare?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Possible side effect<\/th> General risk<\/th><\/tr> Headache<\/td> Common<\/td><\/tr> Nausea<\/td> Common<\/td><\/tr> Diarrhea<\/td> Common<\/td><\/tr> Constipation or indigestion<\/td> Common<\/td><\/tr> Muscle aches<\/td> Commonly reported<\/td><\/tr> Joint or back pain<\/td> Reported<\/td><\/tr> Dizziness<\/td> Possible<\/td><\/tr> Sleep disturbances<\/td> Reported<\/td><\/tr> Muscle cramps<\/td> Possible<\/td><\/tr> Increased liver enzymes<\/td> Recognized laboratory finding<\/td><\/tr> Small increases in blood glucose<\/td> Recognized effect<\/td><\/tr> Cognitive complaints<\/td> Uncommon reports; causality uncertain<\/td><\/tr> Rhabdomyolysis<\/td> Rare but serious<\/td><\/tr> Severe liver injury<\/td> Rare<\/td><\/tr> Severe allergic reaction<\/td> Rare<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Does Atorvastatin Cause Chest Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can Atorvastatin Cause Kidney Damage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWho Is More Likely to Develop Serious Muscle Side Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Important Atorvastatin Drug Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Should You Stop Taking Atorvastatin Because of Side Effects?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Atorvastatin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8 Tips for Taking Atorvastatin Safely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Follow Your Prescribed Dose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Take It Consistently<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Report Unexplained Muscle Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep an Updated Medication List<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Attend Recommended Blood Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Limit Excessive Alcohol Consumption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Maintain Heart-Healthy Habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Ask Questions About New Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the most common side effect of atorvastatin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does everyone taking atorvastatin get muscle pain?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can atorvastatin cause permanent muscle damage?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can atorvastatin damage the liver?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does atorvastatin cause memory loss?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can atorvastatin increase blood sugar?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is atorvastatin safe for older adults?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I take atorvastatin at night?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I take atorvastatin with food?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should I stop atorvastatin if my cholesterol becomes normal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking atorvastatin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When should I seek emergency medical help?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts: Know the Warning Signs, but Don’t Panic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n