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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Stiff Shoulders And Muscle Spasms In Lower Back Upon Taking Lexapro?

I am a breast cancer survivor currently taking Tamoxifen. My oncologist recently changed my antidepressant (which I take for IBS) from Paxil to Lexapro, which I have now taken for 11 days. I also take Pravastatin. I routinely have tightness in my shoulder/arm muscles. Since I started the Lexapro, the tightness seems to be worse and I am now experiencing muscle spasms in my lower back and buttocks. I also have joint pain in my hips and lower back. Could the combination of these medications be causing any of these symptoms?
Mon, 14 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
The muscle spasms (tightness in shoulder and arm muscles) appear to have been caused by the cholesterol lowering medication Pravastatin. Myopathy (muscle injury) is an important side effect of Pravastatin and this warrants to stop the medication. Lexapro (Escitalopram) seems to decrease the metabolism (clearance from the body) of Pravastatin, hence your muscle spams seemed to worsen since you have taken these two medications together. I advise you to consult your treating physician to prescribe an alternate but a safer medication like Cholestyramine to lower the cholesterol level along with restricted dietary fats. Hope this answers your query.
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What Causes Stiff Shoulders And Muscle Spasms In Lower Back Upon Taking Lexapro?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. The muscle spasms (tightness in shoulder and arm muscles) appear to have been caused by the cholesterol lowering medication Pravastatin. Myopathy (muscle injury) is an important side effect of Pravastatin and this warrants to stop the medication. Lexapro (Escitalopram) seems to decrease the metabolism (clearance from the body) of Pravastatin, hence your muscle spams seemed to worsen since you have taken these two medications together. I advise you to consult your treating physician to prescribe an alternate but a safer medication like Cholestyramine to lower the cholesterol level along with restricted dietary fats. Hope this answers your query.