Side Effects from Medication?

Question

I have been taking effexor, lithium, and wellbutrin for almost 10 years. This combination has worked well to combat my depression. However, for the past couple of years I have developed involuntary twitches in my legs and arms. My leg or arm will move rapidly on it's own. It is not painful but can be dangerous and wakes me up at night. I have been told the medication does not have this side effect, but I am certain that is what it is. Also right after taking the medication I have a tingling on the bottom of my feet. Any ideas what this is? Thank you.

Answer 1

What it sounds exactly like is tardive dyskinesia- this can be involuntary movement of arms or legs but is more commonly involuntary movement of the mouth. It can take (in fact usually does take) years to start happening.
The problem with this theory is that this is usually caused by antipsychotics- due to them being dopamine antagonists. However both wellbutrin and effexor do have an effect on dopamine- they are described as dopamine inhibitors which as far as i can figure is effectively the same thing as a dopamine antagonist (had to get out the dictionary for this one :)- i dont have a good vocab). so my rules of reasoning deduce that tardive dyskinesia is highly likely the cause. i suspect that the reason they do not think its the drugs is that tardive dyskinesia is relatively uncommon with the newer more refined drugs and it takes many years to show up. SNRIs (the class wellbutrin and effexor belong to) havent been around that long so the case studies to show it just arent there.
It can be treated with parkinsons drugs like cogentin however the irony is these parkinsons drugs can also induce tardive dyskinesia so really the best way to fix it if possible is to go off the drugs and find others- sooner rather than later as prolonged use once symptoms have presented can make the tardive dyskinesia irreversible
I had all the signs of tardive dyskinesia including some debilitating eye muscle spasms (that caused me to trip over guttering and walk into poles) it was creating a lot of problems. my doctors sowed little concern and swore it was not the drug (i was on prothiaden- which also inhibits dopamine) but i was absolutely positive it was and so went against their advice and ceased taking it. within a month i saw a marked reduction in my symptoms and within two months they had ceased altogether. however your doctor will almost definitely dispute this.
good luck

Answer 2

Any remedy, whether solo or in combination, can have adversarial impacts (aspect-effects). Most can subside within 6 weeks after medication is completely absorbed into the body. There are medications available in the market that it's sole reason is to cut down the part-effects, equivalent to Cogentin. Mainly else, do not stop treatment just considering of these facet-results. Also, with the Geodon, make certain you eat food with it, approx. 200-four hundred energy, as this assists with the absorption.

Answer 3

Any remedy, whether or not solo or in blend, could have opposed influences (facet-results). Most can subside inside 6 weeks after remedy is completely absorbed into the frame. There are medicinal drugs available in the market that it is sole rationale is to lower the facet-results, reminiscent of Cogentin. Above all else, do NOT quit remedy simply due to the fact of those facet-results. Also, with the Geodon, ensure you devour meals with it, approx. 2 hundred-four hundred energy, as this assists with the absorption.

Answer 4

Hi,

Muscle twitching indicate a neurological disorder,it is a well known side effect to drugs,I'm pretty sure its got a lot to do with your medication,having said that Im on no medication but noticed when stressed twitching occurs and wakes me up too...you might suffer from a bit of subconscious stress that could cause it too.I would advise you to go and visit your GP if you are worried about it.
Anti depressants are a dangerous area to get into,they have heaps of side effects as every individual is so different in terms of their depression,reactions to anti depressants.
If you are experiencing mood swings as well especially towards the ones you love,then its defenitely the medication!
You should try coming off it somehow,should seek help of therapy,which can do wonders!
Also I would advise some naturally sourced herbs,tinctures that could help...though I dont know the severity of your depression.
Phfew,hope it helped a bit,but best is to see GP as Im sure its got a lot to do with your medication,put pressure on GP if they just flog you off as they do most of the time!

Good luck,

Answer 5

Homeopathic treatment :-
Take SULPHUR in 200 potency just once a day first thing in the morning and take NUX VOMICA in 200 potency half an hour before dinner once a day, take the suggested medicines for three days atleast to antidote the bad effects of the medications you are taking without any side effects or complications.
Best of Health to you.
Take Care and God Bless you !

Answer 6

yes it is a side effect of the medication, who told you it wasn't/ ask the doctor that prescribed it to you and you can ask your pharmacist also. I have worked in the mental health field and have seen your symptoms alot and there also is a term called the Thorazine shuffle, a persons walk is affected by the meds. My advice is to talk to your doctor and tell him your concerns. Good Luck!

Answer 7

It is the side effects of the medication