muscle cramps,muscle twitching

[jul965]

Anyone experience muscle twitching as a side effect of Tamoxifen?  I have had this annoying twitching in mainly my calves for 8 months.  I know it can cause muscle cramps which I have also, but it is the twitching that is driving me crazy.  Especially felt while relaxing or lying in bed.  I would like to stop the the drug for a week to see if they go away.  Would stopping for one week pose any significant risk for recurrence?
Thanks!
Jul

[zouzi]

You welcome,
One more thing,if I may..When you go to see your Oncologist,take with you a list of all medication that you might be actually taking.Maybe some of these meds could also aggravate the muscle spasm and twitching you are experiencing.
Also very important to limit your caffeine intake.I would also ask the Oncologist if you can take any muscle relaxant medicine.Maybe it could help.
I wish you well, and good luck...

[jul965]

Thanks for the reply.  It is reassuring to know someone else has had these twitchings on tamoxifen -- there are not too many references to this side effect on any of the forums.
I have seen a neurologist and had some tests that don't show anything, but as all docs, he is reluctant to say it is "nothing".  I will ask my oncologist at my next visit whether a tamoxifen "holiday" would hurt, just so see.  I would not be nervous about them if I knew what was causing it.  I tried magnesium, but it did not agree with my digestive tract!  I am not good about taking the recommended calcium for women, but will start to be more vigilante.
Thanks!
Julie

[zouzi]

Hi,
Yes tamoxifen can cause muscle twitching and leg cramps.
My sister uses to suffer from this,and so did I with a similar drug Arimidex.I used to get these cramps particularly when I went to bed at night and when my feet and legs were cold.
To alleviate these symptoms,I am taking calcium with vitamin D, Iron supplement and I also cut on caffeine, tea and I drink plenty of water.(Please ask you treating doctor,before taking any Vitamin supplement)
Taking these measures, gradually it helped both my sister and I.If none of this helps you,I would suggest,if you haven`t already done so, to contact your oncologist and explore possible need to see a neurologist.
I wouldn't advise you to stop your medication unless you talk to your Oncologist first.
Take care and wishing you all the best!