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Can Duloxetine Cause Muscle Spasms?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Feb 2017
Question: I have night leg cramps and I am on Duloxitine. Can this be the cause. I use XXXXXXX Freeze but some times it is not helpful. ALso have use Volteran Gel.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible but rare.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

While it is a rare side effect it is possible for Duloxetine to cause muscle spasms. Cases of restless legs syndrome (which also may manifest with leg cramps) have also been reported with Duloxetine use. So it is a possibility.

However as I said it is a rare side effect. So before labelling it as due to Duloxetine other causes should be considered, particularly electrolyte alterations which also manifest with cramps (in particular magnesium, calcium or potassium alterations). So some routine blood tests should be conducted for that purpose. Also if you take other medications like statins for exampled they should be considered as well.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (24 hours later)
Thank you for your reply yesterday. I have two more questions.
I have neuropathy, can this cause leg cramps?

I take Atenolol and wonder if this BP medication can cause leg cramps?

I am taking in my vitamin supplements magnesian 25% and Potassium 1%
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Neuropathy can cause leg cramps

Detailed Answer:
Neuropathy can cause leg cramps. It is not the most typical symptom though. It is present usually when there is involvement of motor nerve fibers while most commonly sensitive fibers are affected. So it depends on nerve conduction studies reports, if there is involvement of motor nerves it may well be the cause.

Atenolol is not related to leg cramps, I do not think that is the cause.

You can continue to take your vitamin supplements, actually magnesium may be helpful in relieving leg cramps in some patients.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Can Duloxetine Cause Muscle Spasms?

Brief Answer: Possible but rare. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. While it is a rare side effect it is possible for Duloxetine to cause muscle spasms. Cases of restless legs syndrome (which also may manifest with leg cramps) have also been reported with Duloxetine use. So it is a possibility. However as I said it is a rare side effect. So before labelling it as due to Duloxetine other causes should be considered, particularly electrolyte alterations which also manifest with cramps (in particular magnesium, calcium or potassium alterations). So some routine blood tests should be conducted for that purpose. Also if you take other medications like statins for exampled they should be considered as well. I remain at your disposal for other questions.