Muscle twitches and clonus began after taking zoloft and persist after discontinuing med

[mdw77]

Hello.  I was having some anxiety due to chest pain (later diagnosed as gallbladder).  My GP prescribed zoloft, 25mg daily for a week, then 50mg daily in June.  The first night I took the zoloft, I laid in bed and could feel my body jerking.  From then on I had jerking movements (clonus) and small twitches everywhere, in my feet, arms, behind, legs.  

I had an appt. with a neurologist for headaches, and asked her about the twitches.  I had been on the zoloft for about a month, and she said they were side effects and would go away.  My GP was concerned and said zoloft doesn't cause this. I was tested for thyroid and metabolic problems, everything fine.
I was upset and weaned off the zoloft in September.  
I am still having twitches and clonus.  The twitches have decreased greatly but are still there.  Except for a rare twitch, I had NO problem before.  
Can it be the Zoloft?

Also, I had an MRI and complete neuro exam about 1 month before this started.  Everything normal.

[cjzabel]

Hello I think what you may be talking about is periodic limb movement, and yes this has been linked to ssri's, I would know because Lexapro caused the same thing with me. As far as the muscle twitching this can be related to the medication, but also anxiety as well. PLM is also called nocturnal myoclonus this is different than clonus, also very common. I hope this helps you, anxiety can cause so many symptoms, try to stay off the computer it will make it worse.

[mdw77]

I really do think it is the meds.  It is frustrating because they blamed my chest pain on anxiety and prescribed zoloft.  Turns out my gallbladder was very imflammed and had stones.  
So now the medicine they presribed for a problem that was physical not emotional, is causing problems.
These twitches and movements happen all the time, not just at night.

Do you have your clonus all the time?

[cjzabel]

When i first started taking the Lexapro I did have them during the day as well, now its just at night. I think these drugs effect the body more than what there willing to lead on. It is not just a coincidence that you were fine before the drug. Just the same with me. I hope your symptoms subside soon, I do know that anxiety makes mine worse.

[TP57]

Hi, I was on Zoloft for 2 years with no twitches or annoying side effects like that. Then, I got off for 1 year of all SSRI's, then tried Lexapro when I need to get back on.  My leg muscles started to twitch, so I freaked out and got back on Zoloft.  The twitching stopped for about 2 months on Zoloft, then it started up again.  I'm hoping Lexapro didn't do any permanent damage. It's scary having muscle twitches, you wonder if you have a neurological disorder...