Discussing Anti-Seizure Meds for Twitching

[Krackersones]

I have been researching effective treatments for twitching or muscle overactivity and have repeatedly found references to various anti-seizure meds being effective, particulary phenytoin (aka dylantin) and carbamazepine. I know some on the board have tried them with mixed results but I thought I'd pose the following questions to the those hear now:Have your discussed these types of meds with your doctor? If so, what did they say?Were you offered any of these types of meds? If you took any of these types of meds, what was your experience in terms of effectiveness and side effects.Given the positive info about them in various journals etc, I am suprised there isn't more discussion about them.Krackersones

 

[Krackersones]

Your response was just what I was looking for. I'm thinking that they are worth a try at least to see what they can do for you. If you take them and notice some improvement, you are then in a better position to weigh the situation. You can always stop if you think the benefit is minimal. But if the benefit is tremendous, you could then figure out if the risk from longterm use is worth it. I agree that there are many who really have no quality of life issues beyond the fear and thus should not be trying these meds. Unfortunately, the symptoms are a problem for me and hopefully I will soon get to try some things to find relief.Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[suegirl]

My GP offered them to me last month. I have been twitching 21 months, and have never had an EMG.(no one felt it was necessary). I twitch 27/7 in my calves and feet, and 24/7 in random places throughtout my body. He said that if it was affecting my quality of life that he would try an anti-seizure med. I decided against it. It was just a personal decision for me. I am a RN and don't really like to take meds unless I really need them. I am just going to keep on twitching. LOLSue

 

[Krackersones]

Is there a particular side effect you are worried about? If you knew the drug would 100% eliminate all of your symptoms would you feel differently? It sounds like you are coping very well with the symptoms. Mine really interfere with sleep, concentration, and relaxation, which keeps me open-minded about taking something that might help. Do other things help you? Have you gotten more "used" to them over time? Do you feel them all the time or just know they are there if you focus/look at it?Krackersones

 

[suegirl]

JRO,Most of the time I do ok with them--once in a while fear comes back in and you start to worry again. I have been twitching since January of 2007. I feel them most of the time. If I am really busy I can forget about them until I relax, then my feet and calves feel like pop corn. I alaso have a twitch somewhere else going off in my body constantly. I do know that the more you focus on them the worse they become. I have not found anything that helps them. I tried Mag, calcium, Vit B's with no relief. I think that until you kind of accept them they can drive you crazy. Once you can accept that they are benign then they seem OK.Sue

 

[AllGoodHere]

Have your discussed these types of meds with your doctor? If so, what did they say?Were you offered any of these types of meds? If you took any of these types of meds, what was your experience in terms of effectiveness and side effects.Skelaxin, valium, lyrica, high doses ibruprophen, gabapentin, and now Amrix (Cyclobenzaprine HCl extended release). The first 3 - if I take enough to help, knock me for a loop. My neuro became cautious after those. Ibruprophen works for the muscle fatigue & swelling at the joints but messes up my stomach if I take it too much so I try to use it just once a day. The gaba works on my nighttime flailing and jerks but if I take enough for cramps during the day, it makes me forgetful and dim. My neuro says that I am an extreme lightweight with meds so I may not be the best to advise on any of this. Will try the Amrix this weekend when I don't have to drive and we'll see....