Bipolar Medication and twitching Posted: 06-30-08 20:30pm
When I first switched from Limectal to
Depakote and Seraquil I noticed about two
weeks after starting Dep=750mg and
Sera=50mg daily, my muscles were starting
to twitch. First my shoulders, then my
neck and arms, then my legs. Well, due to
walking around like a zombie, I asked my
doc if she could cut me back a bit. So she
took one of each away. Within a week I
noticed the twitching had stopped. I
stayed on that dose for about 2 weeks
before I starting noticing a pretty
obvious change in my moods and cycling. I
was starting to feel more and more
depressed and my mood swings seemed to be
coming back full round. Two days ago, I
went back on my old dose and sure enough,
back came the twitching. Only when I lay
down and rest.
Just wondering, has anyone else on this
duo had this muscle twitching. I am sure
it is neurological and nothing to worry
about. It just that is so bothersome when
trying to get to sleep.
Thanks for any reply in advance,
Carrie
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antigone
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Posted: 07-01-08 00:14am
I suspect the culprit is depakote. This is
a side effect of depakote. Did you tell
your doc about this? This should subside
over time, providing you are not toxic.
You should have depakote levels checked
every 3-4 weeks. Ask you doc what they
recommend for checking the levels.
I don't have any solutions for the
twitching. I wish I did. If I think of
something I'll let you know.
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CarolDiane
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Posted: 07-01-08 00:26am
Sure do antigone. Have level cheaked every
4 week and so far so good. I kinda thought
is was the depakote also. I will let her
know when I see her in two more weeks. I
go for labs next week sometime. I will say
this much. It is nothing I feel anxious
over. As long as I don't go into full
blown Grand Mal Siezures I am not to
worried. Between you and me, I am more
worried about the "Breuwie" I hear in both
my ears when I lay down at night. Had a
small subacacnoid hemorage in 2003, so
what I am hearing gets me thinking of
carodid blockage. I do have a few white
matter liesons and they have r/o MS. So, I
may just wind up in the cardiologist
office instead. I just had spinal surgery
in Feb. What next?
Carrie
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antigone
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Posted: 07-01-08 21:00pm
Carrie,
It is never ending, isn't it? I would see
a cardiologist about the bruit you are
experiencing. As far as the tremors go I
don't think you are at risk for seizures
unless you abruptly stop taking the
depakote.
How are you feeling with your back now?
Any more pain?
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CarolDiane
CarolDiane
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Hi antigone Posted: 07-02-08 10:16am
Actually, I went back down to the dropped
dose she had set me on. And believe it or
not, the twitching stopped and the bruit
stopped. Funny feeling that extra dose of
Depakote might have just put me over the
edge justg enough. I am hypertensive also.
I had a stress test w/o thalium a few
years back. Doc did not see to much wrong
with it, even being a smoker at the time.
Heart rate got up to 140+ with no problem.
Only thing I really have that I know of is
a small tricuspid regurge.
I may have found the culprit like you
said. Depakote could well be the cause for
some artery dialation also. I am on
broncho dialators for my asthma and
mild/moderat COPD. So, in saying that, ya
never know with all the stinking meds I am
on. I try my best to go through all the
clinical studies and side effects before I
start or fill any new med. I have refused
to take many new ones believe me.
Back is doing great. Wheened off my Codine
almost completely now. Only take a half if
I do some yard work where I have to bend
alot. Surgical site and cement is a
mirical IMHO. It does get a little tender
if I am leening back on something hard for
to much time. Other then my stupid anxiety
and panic attacks. I feel great!
Thanks girl for caring,
Carrie
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antigone
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Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 960 Location: IL
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Posted: 07-04-08 00:25am
So glad to hear your back is good. Some
people get relief with surgery and others
find nothing changes. You had a good
surgeon!
Sounds like the depakote was the problem.
That is an easy fix. Glad it was nothing
more.
You inspire me, lady! You give so much to
others and have so much on your own plate.
I want to grow up and be like you!
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CarolDiane
CarolDiane
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Posted: 07-04-08 07:31am
You words are also an inspiration
antigone. Yes, I must admit untill
recently I was really a basket case. I
wish I could live up to your warm and kind
words. I have to try so hard now due to
the fact my son Chris is having his share
of problems too. No only physically (with
his back) but mentally also. He has been
on anti-depressents for the last year.
With me out of work and him and my oldest
son Marc taking the brunt and the burdun
of having to foot the bills. I have to be
strong for Chris. I am the only support he
has right now. His dad and step mom are a
big part of the problem.
That is why ehealth has helped me so very
much and the member have to realize that
supports and moderators are no different
or important then they are. We just might
have a little more up front and personal
life with some of these illnesses and
disorders. I would not be where I am today
if not for the compassion of this board.
I am sure there are some out there that
dislike me for some reason. But, I am just
an everyday person with just a little more
then everday problems. My whole (mom's
side) was or still is in health care. My
greatgrandmother was a midwife, my mom
worked in the OR and my sis is an LPN. I
guess it runs in the family.
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sassondavid1
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 2
Posted: 08-18-08 12:50pm
I use Invega and mt tremors have nearly
been gone. The medicine is similar to
Risperdal but has less side effects ,
sexuality included.