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What Causes Jaw Tightness And Involuntary Muscle Spasm In Jaw?
Question: I am recently taking gabapentin 200mg and am experiencing jaw tightness and shakiness in my jaw, and the tension is uncomfortable. should I be worried about this side effect?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about these symptoms you are experiencing.
That is not a typical side effect of gabapentin, so it could be related also to issues with the temporomandibular jaw or anxiety. However it does cause some tremor in a very small percentage of patients, so if you have no other symptoms which might indicate another cause and it started with treatment it could be related, but it shouldn't be a cause for panic.
Often with time side effects tend to lessen so considering also that 200mg is a pretty low dose I think it should regress gradually. Depending on the cause you are taking gabapentin for, if the problem persists it could be considered switching to an alternative drug.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about these symptoms you are experiencing.
That is not a typical side effect of gabapentin, so it could be related also to issues with the temporomandibular jaw or anxiety. However it does cause some tremor in a very small percentage of patients, so if you have no other symptoms which might indicate another cause and it started with treatment it could be related, but it shouldn't be a cause for panic.
Often with time side effects tend to lessen so considering also that 200mg is a pretty low dose I think it should regress gradually. Depending on the cause you are taking gabapentin for, if the problem persists it could be considered switching to an alternative drug.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am taking it for pain. I was just feeling weird last night when I took it. I felt very exhausted and weak and my jaw was pretty tense. I've taken it for about 6 days now, do you think the side effects will decrease? these side effects are new.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
That weakness and exhaustion feeling are more typical for gabapentin use, (although I wouldn't have expected it with a low dosage such as yours). At times it can cause anxiety or joint pain as well which might explain your jaw tenseness. None of these side effects is threatening though.
It can not be predicted with certainty whether your body will accustom itself to the drug and tolerate it better, but as I said in many patients it does. However if the symptoms seem to be increasing or persist for a prolonged period you should discuss with the prescribing doctor switching to another pain treatment.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
That weakness and exhaustion feeling are more typical for gabapentin use, (although I wouldn't have expected it with a low dosage such as yours). At times it can cause anxiety or joint pain as well which might explain your jaw tenseness. None of these side effects is threatening though.
It can not be predicted with certainty whether your body will accustom itself to the drug and tolerate it better, but as I said in many patients it does. However if the symptoms seem to be increasing or persist for a prolonged period you should discuss with the prescribing doctor switching to another pain treatment.
I hope to have been of help.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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