myoclonus & benzodiazipines

Posted By J.C. Quinlan on November 02, 1997 at 17:22:31:









My question involves myoclonus.  I was diagnosed with myoclonus about one month ago by a neurologist specializing in movement disorders.  I was referred to him by my psychopharmacologist (at McLean Hospital) because I was complaining of twitching and jerking movements throughout my whole body, but especially in my neck, face and head.  (These movements are virtually imperceptable to anyone but myself.) I was and am deathly afraid of tardive dyskinesia.  In an effort to "calm me down", my doctor sent me to this specialist (also at McLean).  Well, he understood what I was describing and made the diagnosis.  I am wondering if this in any way could be symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.  I am being prescribed 1,800 mg of Neurontin, and that seems to be helping a bit.  It has lessened my anxiety and therefore decreased the occurrence of the twitches.  Also I have cut back on my caffeine intake, which has also helped a lot.  The neurologist told me this came from my six-year addiction to Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin.  Is this possible?  If so, can you please explain how this happens?  And, is the medication I am receiving appropriate, and is the dosage safe?  My other problem relates to my mouth.  I am wondering if this mouth problem is related to the myoclonus.  The symptoms are that my mouth continually feels "anxious", like it has to be moving, like chewing gum, etc.  It's kind of like it feels tremulous.  Also, I have been having a problem speaking.  My pronunciation is off, and it takes a lot of effort to form words correctly.  Oftentimes I remain silent because of this problem.  It is not that my tongue or lips are moving uncontrollably, but that my mouth doesn't seem to function properly when I attempt to speak.  I am sure I notice it far more than those around me, but I know that something is wrong.  It's just the most bizarre thing.  I don't know if it's neurological or psychological (because I am an extremely anxious person), or what.  Can you please give me your thoughts on this?  Thank you.  (I should probably tell you what medications I am currently taking: Paxil, 40 mg; Clonidine, 0.1 mg t.i.d.; Flexeril 10 mg daily; Neurontin, 1,800 mg daily; and Zyprexa, 2.5 mg every other day.)  Thanks a lot.