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What Causes Muscle Twitching After Having Xanax For Anxiety?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Mar 2015
Question: Hi I have been suffering from anxiety for the last 4 weeks. My doctor prescribed Xanax but I only take it when I really need it. I have noticed the last week that I have been getting muscle twitching and jerking all over my legs mostly when I am relaxed especially while I am in bed about to fall asleep. The twitching feels like pops under my skin. Each time I look it up ALS comes up as the problem. Please tell me if you think it is possibly ALS or explain the symptoms that come along with ALS.
Thank you XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Twitching probably side effect of Xanax.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Muscle twitching is one of the side effects reported by users of Xanax.

Early symptoms of Amiotrophic Lateral Sclerosis include: difficulty walking or doing your daily activities, weakness in your hands and legs, clumsiness, difficulty keeping a good posture, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitching in arms and shoulders, difficulty swallowing.

So if you experience above mentioned symptoms besides muscles of legs twitching, you must consult a Neurologist and discuss your concerns.

In my opinion, most probably your symptoms are side effects of Xanax than ALS.

I recommend you to stop using Xanax for a couple of days and let's see how it is going.

If symptoms persist consult your Doctor.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (23 hours later)
Thank you for your response. I don't have all the symptoms you said but my left arm feels weird and hurts when I press on it. I hurt my back about 4 weeks ago and thought it might be from that. Maybe a pinched nerve. In your opinion, do you think that I shouldn't be worried about ALS?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It could be a pinched nerve due to injury.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXX!

If you hurt your back and your symptoms started after that, then the injured column or nerves are most probably the cause of your concerns.

In this moment I don't see a relation of your concerns with ALS.

So, stop Xanax for a couple of days and have a check up by a Neurologist for probable traumatic column and nerve injury,

Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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What Causes Muscle Twitching After Having Xanax For Anxiety?

Brief Answer: Twitching probably side effect of Xanax. Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Muscle twitching is one of the side effects reported by users of Xanax. Early symptoms of Amiotrophic Lateral Sclerosis include: difficulty walking or doing your daily activities, weakness in your hands and legs, clumsiness, difficulty keeping a good posture, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitching in arms and shoulders, difficulty swallowing. So if you experience above mentioned symptoms besides muscles of legs twitching, you must consult a Neurologist and discuss your concerns. In my opinion, most probably your symptoms are side effects of Xanax than ALS. I recommend you to stop using Xanax for a couple of days and let's see how it is going. If symptoms persist consult your Doctor. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.