Twitching when asleep with anxiety meds

[Greendubber]

Hi,

Bit of a random one but I've started twitching in my sleep all night to the point where the Mrs takes herself off to the spare room.

I've cut out caffeine, I dont drink and I have a healthy diet etc but I cant do much exercise as I have an ankle injury thats preventing that currently.

I was diagnosed with a bit of anxiety a couple of months back, I'm yet to get to the bottom of it bit its looking a bit PTSD/work related. The Dr put me on Citalopram (20mgs daily) so that's the only real change I've had.

Has anyone else experienced similar side effects from anti depressants? Its bloody annoying as I've woken myself up a few times lately let alone the Mrs who's getting fed up of bailing out into the spare room.

[zygalski]

A quick googling shows that muscle twitches are a common side effect of taking citalopram.

[Greendubber]

zygalski said:

A quick googling shows that muscle twitches are a common side effect of taking citalopram.

I've read that also, I'm just curious as to how long it lasts and if anyone else has experienced it. I'd like to think it's only temporary...

[Narcisus]

There’s something called Benign Fasciculation that can be brought on through stress and anxiety. Have a google.

[rossub]

Do you need the full 20mg?

I’ve been down to 10mg for a number of years now and it really reduces the side effects. Apart from the tiredness, which is annoying.

[Greendubber]

rossub said:

Do you need the full 20mg?

I’ve been down to 10mg for a number of years now and it really reduces the side effects. Apart from the tiredness, which is annoying.

I have no idea to be honest. I've been on them about 8 weeks now and I've not had a follow up with the Dr yet.

I had raging headaches when I started taking them and they made me feel really sick too, luckily that went after a week or so. I think I'm due a catch up with the Dr in a few weeks so I'll ask him. I feel much better, I'm referred for CBT too which is delayed due to C-19 sadly.

[mcelliott]

Quite normal side effect of Citalopram and symptom of anxiety.

[drmike37]

Pretty normal side effects I think. Should settle once you e got used to the extra serotonin floating about.
If they don’t, there are other meds out there that you could switch to.
Just a tip... if you can afford to pay for therapy, I recommend you do. NHS mental health services have been under resourced for ever and their wait times are massive. Also if you’re paying for it it doesn’t matter what you think about your own “worthiness” relative to others; you’re paying so you get the time!!

[Downward]

You’ll have them for as long as your on them.

I’ll get the old leg twitchy just at bed time which makes it hard to sleep.