Does Lexapro make your muscles twitch? (3+ tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Lexapro causes muscle twitching, potential mechanisms underlying the connection between Lexapro and muscle twitching, research studies on Lexapro’s influence on muscle twitching, tips for minimizing muscle twitching while taking Lexapro, and explore alternative depression medications if muscle twitching persists while taking Lexapro.

Does Lexapro make your muscles twitch?

Yes, Lexapro can cause twitching in your muscles.

Escitalopram is marketed under the brand name Lexapro. It is a member of the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of drugs. By helping to restore the normal balance of serotonin in the brain, SSRIs can treat depression. (1)

Lexapro has a very strong and dose-dependent inhibitory impact on serotonin receptors. This medication increases the action of serotonin in the CNS (Central Nervous System) by preventing its absorption into presynaptic nerve endings. (2)

Excess serotonin in the CNS might result in muscular twitching or involuntary muscle contractions.

What does research suggest?

According to a case report, a 50-year-old man visited a neurology clinic with twitching eyelids, which began two weeks before his visit. The episodes lasted for 5 minutes, each was spaced 1 to 3 hours apart. This twitching of the eyelids was involuntary and painless.

After a thorough investigation, the patient was diagnosed with mood disorder prior to his visit and was started on escitalopram 5mg once a day, which was increased to 10 mg once a day after 1 week.

An increase in the intensity of twitching was noticed by the patient after increasing the escitalopram dose. Escitalopram dosage was decreased to 5mg for one week, after which it was discontinued.

The symptoms of muscle twitching ended two to three months after escitalopram had been withdrawn.

This study found a connection between the symptoms of involuntary muscle movement (hemifacial spasm) and escitalopram use, as well as the possibility that some people may experience muscle twitching as a side effect of SSRIs. (3)

Another case of a girl who had hypnic jerks (sudden, involuntary muscle contractions you could have as you fall asleep) was recorded. She claimed to have had these symptoms while using escitalopram. This study also came to the conclusion that some people may have muscular twitching when using escitalopram. (4)

What are Lexapro alternatives if muscle twitching persists?

If you experience persistent muscle twitching from Lexapro, consult your physician to change your medication from SSRI to SNRI such as venlafaxine (Effexor), or NDRI such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) class of drugs. Compared to Lexapro, Wellbutrin rarely results in muscle twitching.

SSRIs elevate serotonin levels in the brain. Taking an excess dose of Lexapro might cause a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can cause symptoms including agitation and muscle twitching when serotonin levels in the brain are too high. (5)

Your healthcare provider should also make the proper diagnoses to rule out any underlying medical conditions that can cause muscle twitching, such as myopathy (muscle weakness) or neuropathy (nerve damage) that can cause muscle pain and twitching.

They should also investigate your current medications, as some medications, such as corticosteroids and estrogen pills, can cause muscle twitching as a side effect.

What are helpful tips to reduce muscle twitching?

There are several useful tips for reducing muscle twitching, some of which include:

• Eating a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts can help restore and maintain the level of salts and micronutrients in your body to reduce muscle twitching.
• Getting enough sleep helps restore your body systems, you should sleep for at least seven to eight hours each night.
• Avoid energy drinks, as they contain an extra amount of caffeine that can increase your muscle twitching symptoms.
• Drinking plenty of water helps in reducing your symptoms of muscle twitching.
• Exercise each day from 30 to 45 minutes to keep your muscles in the proper tone and avoid twitching. (6)

Conclusion

When taken in excess, Lexapro can cause muscle twitching, though the severity varies from person to person. If you experience muscle twitching while taking Lexapro, speak with your healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage or switching to a drug with fewer side effects, like an NDRI or SNRI. You can also try some helpful tips to reduce muscle twitching.

References