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What Causes Severe Muscle Twitching And Spasms In The Chest?
Question: Hi there, I'm female and 35 yrs old. I've been experiencing twinges of pain in the heart area of my chest. It feels a bit like something is wiggling around (that's the only way I can think to describe the sensation). This sensation and pain wears off after a few seconds and has happened 3 times within the last 2 weeks.
I've recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I'm also asthmatic. I've been taking amitriptaline (20mg) since my recent fibromyalgia diagnosis 3 weeks ago and take citalopram (40mg) for chronic depression, I'm also on Asthma meds too. I wondered if this issue could be from the amitriptaline? as it would make sense. This is very worrying for me at the moment as I'm currently under a great deal of stress but don't want to worry my family. I'm also a smoker (yes I know). Any light you could shed on this would be appreciated. Thank you!
I've recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I'm also asthmatic. I've been taking amitriptaline (20mg) since my recent fibromyalgia diagnosis 3 weeks ago and take citalopram (40mg) for chronic depression, I'm also on Asthma meds too. I wondered if this issue could be from the amitriptaline? as it would make sense. This is very worrying for me at the moment as I'm currently under a great deal of stress but don't want to worry my family. I'm also a smoker (yes I know). Any light you could shed on this would be appreciated. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Muscle fasciculations and spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
What you are describing sounds like muscle fasciculations (a series of muscle twitches) and as it is painful, possibly muscle spasms. This can be caused by amitriptyline, although it is not a common side effect of amitriptyline.
Muscle fasciculations and spasm can also be caused by strain or muscle exertion or overuse. In someone with fibromyalgia, the amount of muscle use to cause symptoms can be much less than expected.
Women who hold/carry a baby or child one one side can get chest wall pain on that side - in case that applies to you.
But if you have a high suspicion, given the timing of the onset of your symptoms, of them being related to the amitriptyline, talk with your doctor about halving the dose and see if that helps the symptoms resolve. People with fibromyalgia can be more sensitive to meds, and it sometimes helps to start at a lower dose and increase it slowly.
I hope this information helps.
One more thing: I am sure you want to quit smoking, and I understand that you are under a lot of stress, so this is not the time. But consider putting on your calendar a specific date in the future for quitting, and get all the help and resources in place before that date. There are quit smoking helplines, groups, and tapering doses of nicotine patches, and suggestions for replacements of things to fill in the void of not smoking. Quitting won't just be good for your lungs, but your overall health, so it is still something to make an (or another) attempt at.
Muscle fasciculations and spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
What you are describing sounds like muscle fasciculations (a series of muscle twitches) and as it is painful, possibly muscle spasms. This can be caused by amitriptyline, although it is not a common side effect of amitriptyline.
Muscle fasciculations and spasm can also be caused by strain or muscle exertion or overuse. In someone with fibromyalgia, the amount of muscle use to cause symptoms can be much less than expected.
Women who hold/carry a baby or child one one side can get chest wall pain on that side - in case that applies to you.
But if you have a high suspicion, given the timing of the onset of your symptoms, of them being related to the amitriptyline, talk with your doctor about halving the dose and see if that helps the symptoms resolve. People with fibromyalgia can be more sensitive to meds, and it sometimes helps to start at a lower dose and increase it slowly.
I hope this information helps.
One more thing: I am sure you want to quit smoking, and I understand that you are under a lot of stress, so this is not the time. But consider putting on your calendar a specific date in the future for quitting, and get all the help and resources in place before that date. There are quit smoking helplines, groups, and tapering doses of nicotine patches, and suggestions for replacements of things to fill in the void of not smoking. Quitting won't just be good for your lungs, but your overall health, so it is still something to make an (or another) attempt at.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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