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Suggest Alternative Medication And Treatment For Myoclonus
Question: I have suffered hard from myoclonus (I believe it is action myoclonus) for about 32 years (I am 42). It is genetic--my mother has horrible restless leg syndrome, my aunt has minor motor (shoulder) shrugs, and my cousin has tics as well. My myoclonus has become worse from prescription SSRI's prescribed about 20 years ago. It is a vicious cycle: I take the prescriptive drugs, the myoclonus gets worse, I take up to 30 mg of Valium, the myoclonus lessens (but I get tired before the myoclonus even slightly subsides), I feel hung over and somewhat depressed the next day, I take the Rx again and the cycle repeats. Now, the Valium has stopped working. Even at 40 mg. (yes, in normal people this would put them in a 12 hour slumber, but it barely has an effect on me) it doesn't work. In addition, just within the last 2 years, I now suffer from panic attacks in stressful situations. The myoclonus goes hay-wire and the more I attempt to control it, the worse it gets. The only thing that works is alcohol and Valium. Doctor, I am a health nut and I hate even taking the Rx's that I have to (or else the SSRI's give me horrible brain shocks upon withdrawal): I don't want to be an alcoholic. Yes, I have seen several neurologists. It's the same answer--you have myoclonus, nothing can be done, here are some meds. My question is, if Valium has stopped working, what now?
Brief Answer:
Alternative available on prescription
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. First of all i am sorry that you are suffering from such issue. Myoclonus can be treated if underlying cause has been found. In most of the cases underlying cause can not be determined so long term therapy is required to relieve the symptoms. In your case valium is now not providing desirable effects because of drug tolerance. There are alternative medicines available to use but will require prescription for which you need to visit local doctor. For valium alternative clonazepam can be taken but as i mentioned earlier you need to visit a local doctor who will prescribe you the drug with dosing and will keep followup as these medications require close followup. As you have mentioned that you are having panic attacks as well so if i were your treating doctor then for panic attacks i would have advised psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) & some medicines like benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants.
Conclusion:
Alternative is available but require prescription so you need to visit local doctor. For panic attacks you should consult psychiatrist. He will help you with CBT and other therapies to relieve attacks and they will make your life considerably better.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Alternative available on prescription
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. First of all i am sorry that you are suffering from such issue. Myoclonus can be treated if underlying cause has been found. In most of the cases underlying cause can not be determined so long term therapy is required to relieve the symptoms. In your case valium is now not providing desirable effects because of drug tolerance. There are alternative medicines available to use but will require prescription for which you need to visit local doctor. For valium alternative clonazepam can be taken but as i mentioned earlier you need to visit a local doctor who will prescribe you the drug with dosing and will keep followup as these medications require close followup. As you have mentioned that you are having panic attacks as well so if i were your treating doctor then for panic attacks i would have advised psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) & some medicines like benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants.
Conclusion:
Alternative is available but require prescription so you need to visit local doctor. For panic attacks you should consult psychiatrist. He will help you with CBT and other therapies to relieve attacks and they will make your life considerably better.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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