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Suggest Remedy For Muscle Fatigue Caused By Severe Anxiety
Question: Hi I have GAD or severe anxiety. For the last two months I have had on and off twitches some on my lip and some on my legs as well as other places. I take seroquel 62.5 mg Xanax 1 mg and 4 mg of klonopin. Coffee exacerbates my twitching. When I am not thinking about them, they don't exist. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks very much for your question.
These twitches are known as fasciculations, are are uniformly related to muscle fatigue. This is most common in the case of stress or anxiety, which you mention is a longstanding issue for you. These twitches are most common in the eyelids, lips, and arms/legs. They can be exacerbated by stimulants like coffee. The good news is there is nothing wrong, and while annoying, these will resolve on their own with rest in a matter of weeks.
One thing I should also mention is that you are taking a very large dose of benzodiazepines (Klonopin and Xanax). I would highly recommend taking an SSRI such as Lexapro or Zoloft as primary treatment for GAD, and then gently titrating off benzodiazepines altogether. Intermittent withdrawal from these may be causing your twitches, and at your age benzodiazepines place you at high risk of delirium and falls.
I hope this was helpful. I encourage you to contact me at my private link below in the future. This assures high quality and continuity of care.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks very much for your question.
These twitches are known as fasciculations, are are uniformly related to muscle fatigue. This is most common in the case of stress or anxiety, which you mention is a longstanding issue for you. These twitches are most common in the eyelids, lips, and arms/legs. They can be exacerbated by stimulants like coffee. The good news is there is nothing wrong, and while annoying, these will resolve on their own with rest in a matter of weeks.
One thing I should also mention is that you are taking a very large dose of benzodiazepines (Klonopin and Xanax). I would highly recommend taking an SSRI such as Lexapro or Zoloft as primary treatment for GAD, and then gently titrating off benzodiazepines altogether. Intermittent withdrawal from these may be causing your twitches, and at your age benzodiazepines place you at high risk of delirium and falls.
I hope this was helpful. I encourage you to contact me at my private link below in the future. This assures high quality and continuity of care.
My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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