Does gabapentin cause muscle twitching

I’m being tested for various things to include hyperparathyroidism. I’ve been on gabapentin 300mg supposed to be once per day but I’ve increased it to 3 times. The twitching and muscle cramping is ruining my life. Get woken up with severe cramps and the twitching I have videoed where sometimes my arm literally jumps. Does anyone on here have this experience?

I’m really sorry to hear that you’re dealing with such severe symptoms. It sounds incredibly difficult, and I can understand why you’re reaching out for support.

Experiencing muscle twitching and cramping, especially when it’s severe enough to disrupt your sleep, can be very distressing. Gabapentin is often prescribed to help with nerve-related pain and conditions, but sometimes adjusting the dosage or exploring other medications might be necessary to manage symptoms effectively.

Here are a few things you might consider:

  1. Discuss Dosage Adjustments: Since you’ve increased your gabapentin dosage beyond what was initially prescribed, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the increased dosage is safe and appropriate or if other treatments should be considered.
  2. Evaluate Other Causes: Muscle cramping and twitching can sometimes be related to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all your symptoms and is considering these factors in their evaluation.
  3. Explore Additional Treatments: If gabapentin alone isn’t providing relief, your doctor might suggest other medications or therapies. Sometimes a combination of treatments can be more effective.
  4. Lifestyle and Supportive Measures: Ensuring proper hydration, maintaining a balanced diet, and incorporating gentle stretching or relaxation techniques might help manage symptoms. Physical therapy or consultations with a specialist in neuromuscular disorders could also be beneficial.
  5. Document Symptoms: Since you’ve been videoing your symptoms, continuing to document them can provide valuable information for your healthcare team, helping them to understand the pattern and severity of your symptoms.
  6. Seek a Specialist: If you haven’t already, consider consulting with a neurologist or a specialist in muscle disorders. They may offer insights into your symptoms and suggest targeted treatments or diagnostic tests.

I hope you find some relief soon and that your healthcare team can help you get a handle on these symptoms.