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What Causes Body Aches When On Treatment For Alcoholism?

Posted on Sat, 17 May 2014

Question: Hi,
I was in treatment for alcohol and ambien abuse for 31 days. They prescribed 100mg of trazodone,300mg of gabapentin and 3 mg of melatonin to take at night. Have been on it for 3 weeks. Just in the last couple of days I am experiencing body aches. Am 56 years old. Could this be causing this?
Thanks,XXXX

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Trazodone may be culprit

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query and congratulations on your rehab program. I wish you the best and hope you can keep in good track. I have reviewed your medications: gabapentin is actually used at times for chronic pain, melatonin is a natural hormone that is well tolerated. We are left with trazodone, which has muscle aches as a common reaction (common being between 1 and 10% of patients); this may be the culprit and perhaps an alternative to it can be discussed with your provider.

Hope this helps, wish you the best,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Depertment of Internal Medicine
Division of Cardiology

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (5 hours later)

Thank you for your response. Just for grins, would lowering the dose to 50mg help? And can I be on this for awhile?
Thanks again,XXXX

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reasonable option

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for the follow up. It is always reasonable to cut the medication dose in half to see if side effects subside; if after a good given week of trial at the lower dose symptoms do persist, would suggest to come off completely to determine response.

Cheers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (9 hours later)

Thank you so much for your help. Much appreciated!
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Jorge Brenes-Salazar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
God speed

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome XXXXXXX keep up the good work!

Truly yours,

Dr Brenes-Salazar

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar