Escitalopram and twitching

[Vicss]

Hi I’ve been on escitalopram for 2 weeks at 5mg only and my legs particularly but other parts of my body have started twitching all the time. My legs are continuously restless and twitching and it’s driving me mad but really distressing. I’m really tired and got more anxious and depressed but I’m hoping that’s just a phase that will improve. Dd anyone else experience the twitching and restlessness and did it go away eventually?! Xx

[Agora1]

Hi Vicss, going back 6 months on your posts, I see you have tried multiple medsand having similar side effects. What does your doctor say about this?

Have you ever been able to stay long enough (6 weeks) on a medication?

Finding the right med with least side effects has to do with trial and error unfortunately.

The right med, the right dose all play a part in finding a solution just for you.

I wish you success soon. xx

[Vicss in reply to Agora1]

Thank you yes I’m having the same problems on everything but I am absolutely terrible off with severe anxiety, depression and depersonalisation and completely unable to function so I feel ike I’m going round on a roundabout 😭💕 xxxx

[Vicss in reply to Vicss]

I have stayed on the meds for more than 6 weeks in Initially but then it just became harder and harder because I’ve been I’ll for 2 and a half years now x

[Agora1 in reply to Vicss]

Ironically Vicss, after years of being afraid to take anything my doctor prescribed,I bit the bullet and took Lexapro. For me, it was the magic I was waiting for.

Who knows if I would have tried the other meds if I wouldn't have gotten some relief.

I agree with Ricklon1 in that it takes at least 6 full weeks to reach full efficacy.

I am now off all benzos and just on Lexapro which has proven to be the right drug

and dose of choice and life is amazing.

I hope your doctor finds what works for you. Never give up. There's something out

there that is waiting just for you xx

[Vicss in reply to Agora1]

Thank you that really inspires me! I was really well on clomipramine for 10 years and lead an amazing life and then anxiety and then depression just came out of the blue…been trying for years to her out of this and so many people have suffered as a result, it’s been devastating.

I will carry on and hope it is the magic bullet for me too. Would you mind if I ask what dose you are on? Did you have my side effects and others?? Lots of love 💕 xxxx

[Agora1 in reply to Vicss]

Started on 10mg then upped to 15. Feel amazing, no tiredness,I'm clear minded and feel amazing. Wish you well, keep me updated

in whatever you take. I care xx

[Vicss in reply to Agora1]

That’s amazing really happy for you!! Did you get any twitching when you first started?? X

[Agora1 in reply to Vicss]

Hi Vicss, the best thing you can do for yourself when taking medication is totalk with the prescribing doctor. Comparing side effects with others just tends

to put a person in a state of confusion as to what they may get or not.

I say this with all sincererity in supporting you as I did for myself. I never discussed

my symptoms with anyone but my doctor. We are all different in how we react.

I know you are worried but I would advise you to talk with your doctor regarding

the twitching. Just remember that even though you did not have the twitching

before starting the medication doesn't mean that it's still not coming from your

anxiety. Anxiety over taking the medication and not medication based.

I care Vicss and want to keep you safe as well as positive. xx

[Vicss in reply to Agora1]

Ok did try this twice for 5 weeks but not very long on 10 so trying to go longer on that. I feel tired, more anxious, dizzy, need a wee slit, twitching, restless, heart racing - did you get anything like this though I know this is my experience so I’m just asking to see if it goes in other people so likely to go for me xxxx

[Agora1 in reply to Vicss]

Vicss, I did not have those symptoms. Like you said that may be your experiencehowever, that's quite a bit to handle for sure. I do know when a dose is increased

that there may be some adjustment period but I hate to see you suffer needlessly.

Is it possible to get a call into your doctor regarding these symptoms. If anything

it may relieve your anxiety regarding how long this may last. Keep us updated

on your progress.

I will say that since 5 mg was a very low dose, upping to 10mg may just be your body

adjusting to the increase. Normally it takes 4-6 weeks to stabilize and reach full

efficacy once you are on a therapeutic dose Wish you well Vicss . I care xx

[Symonp in reply to Agora1]

Why fid you go to 15mg

[Agora1 in reply to Symonp]

Symonp, that was the therapeutic dose my doctor felt I needed.

The adjustment went well. No tiredness... Each one of us responds

a different way to different drugs, However, it's also the time of day

medications are taken that can make the difference as well. xx

[Rick1on1]

It's not uncommon to have strange side-effects to SSRI's, although 5mg is also a low dose. . Give it the full 6 weeks to see if it is still there.

Not to add to your angst but you you could have developed syndrome's like Restless Legs and Chronic Fatigue. Chat with your Dr. about this.

Good luck!

[Vicss in reply to Rick1on1]

Thank you! Yes I didn’t have twitching and pacing before escotalopram but I’m terrible off so was hoping for some respite taking this route. Are you taking anything that helps? X

[Rick1on1 in reply to Vicss]

The escitalopram is great for my anxiety and depression. What I have done to manage it is exercise, included more vegetarian dishes in my diet and stay away from my triggers.

Feel free to pm me if you want to discuss any of those tips further.

[Vicss in reply to Rick1on1]

Ah ok. It has helped my depression and some parts of anxiety - can I ask did you get restlessness and twitching for a while? I really need reassurance that it could go as apart from that I could see it could help eventually x

[Rick1on1 in reply to Vicss]

I did not get restlessness or at least mine did not escalate. I have fibromyalgia and a version of restless legs. Escitalopram did not improve or worsen these conditions.

[Vicss in reply to Rick1on1]

Ok thank you. When I drop down to 5mg the restlessness and twitching reduces but it’s not exactly a therapeutic dose. On 10 I feel totally numb, anxious , wired and spaced out. I wish something would help….been a long time. Did your anxiety increase for a while when you upped the dose initially? Glad it’s working out for you Xxx

[Rick1on1 in reply to Vicss]

Nope - it has worked well for now. After 4 years I dont need to take it everyday either.

[Vicss in reply to Rick1on1]

Feels like it's not for me then...as soon as I take it become more anxious and nervous and panicky..I didn't take one this morning and felt better. It doesn't seem fair 😓

[Rick1on1 in reply to Vicss]

You're right. Ask your Dr. about tricyclic like Amitriptyline.

[Vicss in reply to Rick1on1]

Ok thank you for caring 💕💕

[kenster1]

years ago I brought this up to my quack and he dismissed it as being my medication being the cause but I know it is even now more noticeable at night.

[Tranquilwaters]

With all due respect Vicss, you have trialled an awful lot of different medications. Are you under the care of a psychiatrist, and what does he say about all this? Do you have a care plan and CPN if you are?💜

[Vicss in reply to Tranquilwaters]

I am under a private psychiatrist now - yes I know, the NHS psychs discharged me a year ago and the doctors continued to try and help but now I am under the psych's care. She has now switched me to fluoxetine and although I'm having problems with that mainly very shaky we are sticking to it indefinitely x last med. You are right of course but off meds my anxiety is so bad I'm struggling to get my breath and am in bed all day with exhaustion x