Could this be a side effect of meds, and might it go away?

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lindsayschu2

lindsayschu2

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I was having a lot of myclonic type jerking in lighter stages of sleep on gabapentin, and my doctor took me off it and it eventually stopped. Now, he is upping my Topamax since I've had bad seizure control, and now that I got to 100 mg it's coming back again. It FEELS med related somehow--despite being incredibly tired lately I'm not having all the auras I was having before, just these sleep destroying myclonics. I feel like I've got all this electricity running through my muscles in my sleep and my feet and legs jerk around involuntarily. Can anyone tell me, if it turns out this is med dose change related, might it get better in time? I don't want to change yet again.
 
Topamax is known to cause tingling sensations, and for some people it causes cramping as well. It can be caused low potassium --Topamax is known to deplete the body's supply fairly quickly. You might consider adding potassium-rich foods to your diet (low-sodium V8 is a good source) and/or taking a potassium supplement to see if it helps.
 
I hope it helps and the myoclonics go away one way or another. If they don't, or if they get worse, let your doc know.
 
Yeah Nakamova I don't think it is Potassium on retrospect, but it could be. When I was having them very badly back when I was on neurotin, my neuro drew blood and said my potassium was fine. But maybe it is contributing now--I am on a diuretic too for high BP, so double whammy on Potassium depleting meds. I'm now taking a supplement and have already been making myself sick on bananas :-) I'm personally guessing I'm particularly sensitive to pharma-induced myclonus and that it will get better when I adjust to the med hike (here's to hoping). For sure, I will tell my doctor if it doesn't get better, they freak me out and make me worry they will become grand mals (honestly, every seizure freaks me out and makes me worry it will become a grand mal haha)
 
Low magnesium levels can also contribute to having low potassium levels, so you might want to add some dark chocolate to those bananas. :)

There are also "potassium-sparing" diuretics you could try. You might want to ask if that's an option, since the combo of your current diuretic + Topamax may be taking a toll.
 
Oh and another benefit of potassium in your diet -- it helps to lower blood pressure!
 
Doesn't Topamax also tend to lower BP? I'm going to start monitoring it closely--maybe I can get off of Lasix. I'm sick of all these meds, I can't keep my vitamin D high enough despite supplementing either!
 
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