Try: Neuro Prescribed Mexiletine for Twitching

[royboan]

I went to the neuro this week and he gave me a new prescription to try. It is Mexiletine (used to treat abnormal heartbeats). He said to take it one a day for a week, then start taking two a day for the next week. He seemed to think in two weeks time I would know if it was going to stop the twitching or not. However I am concerned to take it after reading the "many" and somewhat dangerous side effects. Anyone try this drug yet? If so did it help?

 

[forestrain]

My question is, why did he think this med would work? Did he give you any ideas? My twitching started in my chest near my heart, so I am curious about this particular med. Thanks.

 

[royboan]

I guess I should have asked more questions! He did tell me that the drug effect muscles, your heart being a muscle also (Duh,like I did not already know that). That was about it. He did however say that if it was going to work I would know in two weeks. If it did not work for the twitches he said stop taking it. That was all he said.

 

[charlotte]

Myself I would not try any medication that has not been proven for use in other disorders. You may experience a serious side effect trying to treat a benign condition. Mexiletine has been used in patients with muscular dystrophy but no formal studies have been done. The manufacturer discourages the use of Mexiletine for anything other than what it was meant for. Visit their website for further info.or maybe seek a second opinion before trying it.

 

[LeftyCanuck1]

Hi There:I am not sure what class of drug that Mexiletine is but when I was first diagnosed with BFS and my Nuerologolist sent me on my way to my GP and the first thing he wanted to try was a Bata Blocker which I understand slows the heart rate a bit and gives a stronger beat. I was on it for two weeks and when it didn't help he took me off it. I felt that we at least made an attempt to see if it was cardio vascular related.I didn't have any side effects.Lefty C

 

[bluestarman]

There are many medications that are used off-label, especially when a physician seems certain symptoms that are helped by the medication in other conditions. I also was prescribed a beta blocker, which has many uses: Anxiety suppression, heartbeat irregularities, migraines, high blood pressure, etc. I'm going to be trying a medication for migraine prophylaxis that is also used for Alzheimers. Many of us on the board have tried anti-convulsants for fascics and pain, but we don't have epilepsy. I appreciate where doctors are coming from here, and I believe what they weigh is whether the risks of side effects are worth the potential payoff over a short trial period if the drug works. If the medication works, then it can be used, weighed again against the side effects.I'm medication-averse after a bad experience with Lexapro, but have had a few successes like gemfibrozil for low HDL cholesterol or prilosec for acid reflux.-Dave

 

[LadyJenny]

Mexilitine is another sodium channel blocker, the thought being that is will balance out the problem with the potassium channel blockage. It is likely worth a try and has been used for other myotonias.