My doctor recently increased me from 1800mg to 2700mg due to my neuropathy getting worse from the fibromyalgia. Ive recently noticed some tremors and tics in my eyes, face and arms. I am not sure if this is from the fibro or the increase of the gabapentin. It might be that I am just having a fibro flare, I'm not sure. The increase was just done 2 weeks ago. Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Tee
Those of you on gabapentin have you noticed tremors & tics in eyes, face or arms?
Question posted by Tee6759 on 28 Feb 2013
Last updated on 21 August 2023
41 Answers Page 3
Hi there!! I'm on my third month of neurontin. I'm up to 1800 mgs a day now and the last few weeks my eyelids are twitching. I take it for back pain from a car crash. Thank you all for your responses to Tee. And Tee, thank you! I felt like I was going crazy!! Every month the Dr increases it, I sleep for 20 hours straight. Now my eyes twitch. Glad I'm not alone!!
Thanks y'all,
Jodiejean
Dear Tee, Thank you so much for your
post. I just started taking gabapentin. I went from 400mg to 1200mg and started getting body tremors. It's so nice to know Im Not alone. And also I appreciate the valuable information.
A little late but I noticed the twitching in my right eye. It went away as I got used to it. never noticed how much the stuff helped until I ran out for a week. My body felt like was falling apart. Like every Joint was gonna blow up and I weighed 100 more pounds.
I take 2400mgs. of Gabapentin daily and have been for quite some time, but I've never noticed any of the side effects you are talking about. Although, most medications work differently on different people, it could be either something else you're taking or the combinations of the meds you're taking. I also don't have Fibro, but do have major nerve pain due to multiple spinal surgeries. I'd wait and see if it is a Fibro flare up and if not, or it continues mention it to your doctor and see what they say. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but since I don't have Fibro, I just don't know. I do know that Gabapentin doesn't do that to me and again I take 2400 mgs. Best of luck to you!
Tee,
I have also been taking gabapetin 600mg 3x daily. I noticed the tics and twitches in my hands and arms when they up me from 2x a day to three. I take mine to help with my sever neuropathy from diabetes. i notice the twitches mostly right before I take my morning dose. I is very concerning to me to because it almost feels like Parkinson's disease. Its great to know i am not alone. Some times i doubt my self and feel like maybe i am a hypochondriac because i have so many medical issues lately. Hope you feel better soon.
burgandys2003
Oh gosh... I'm so happy to see this post! I've taken Topamax for migraines for years and know that after increasing the dosage I'd get facial tics for a time, especially my mouth and eyebrows. I always felt like some goofy clown lady when I was in public. Really embarrassing (I'm sad to say).
Now that I'm taking Gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy as well and my neurologist has recently increased it from 600 to 900 per day, here I am having these tics again. Only now they are in my hands, arms and feet more than my face. I didn't connect it to the increase in Gabapentin until I saw this post. Really a relief, even if the tics are a pain!
And may I just say how nice it is to have landed in such a lovely, supportive place.
Cheers,
~Gigi
Dear Gigi,
Im glad my post was able to help you. Im currently on 2700mg of Gabapentin now. Initially, I didnt have the tics and tremors. Now that the higher dosage has built up in my system, I dont notice the tics. The tremors are still bothersome tho.
Yes, this is a great site where you can get answers to just about everything. Welcome to the site. Thank you for the response,
In peace,
Tee
Hi Tee. OMgosh! I just talked to my pnp about this yesterday. I also have that same issue. It's been going on for awhile. I finally brought it to her attention and she said gabapentin could cause tics. Also, weight gain. Anyway, thanks for that enlightenment, Tee. I think you might have just answered a question. I hope your tics just stop.They're very annoying and make me nervous. Also, and this may seem vain, I'm embarrassed when someone brings it to my attention. I'm going to cut back on it. I don't like the memory loss, the tics nor the weight gain. I'm going to try to decrease it slowly to 800 mg. I have fibro, too. I've come to the conclusion that I may just have to bite the bullet on fibro. I hate the pain, though. Tics are painful after awhile. I can't even write legibly because my arm fly's and causes my hand to fly up, too. I wish I would have kept my typewriter.
Thank you, chocolate sundae Tee.
Love ya,
Anna
Dear Anna-Sunshine,
Im so glad to hear from you! Without knowing it, Im happy that Ive helped you with my question. I guess you could say its one of my faults. Ive always put others first to help them out and worry about myself later down the road. Its just me, thats how I am. I dont like the tics but they seem to be easing up. I dont think you are vain and I understand how you might respond when people do things like that. Its how you feel and that is your right. Just know Im here if you ever feel you need support. You are a very special friend!
Hugs and love,
Your chocolate sundae,
Tee
Your description sounds just like my arm movements. Do you also have arm punching movements? When I am sitting in my recliner, my arms seem to be like wings, as my elbows rapidly jump off the chair.
these symptoms are common with the increase dosage of gabapentin. I think you will find that your body will adapt to it but if not you might consider backing down a bit if you can stand it. I realize as a user of the drug that you may need it and cannot go backwards any. I certainly wish you all the best Tee, you certainly deserve it.
Dearest Papsam,
Thank you for the encouragement! You are always so compassionate and have been so kind to me! I know I can count on you for support.
Hugs,
Tee
I am 73 and I have been on gabapentin for about two months now. I have gone from 300mg a day to about 2100mg a day. I noticed the twitching almost immediately, but only if I were hold something like a fork. Nothing if my hands are free. No eye twitching, etc This drug helps me considerably until I actually do something physical like vacuuming or mowing my lawn. Then I really pay for it that evening or the next day with excruciating pain, mostly in my right ankle. Anyway, I am more concerned with the long time effects of gabapentin and these twitches. Has anyone stopped taking the drug but the twitches continued? I am more concerned about these twitches being a gateway to Parkinson's Disease or something more serious that makes them worse than the relief I get from the drug. Any thoughts?
Hi Tee,
I have noticed an increase in twitching when I increased my gabapentin, as well. Now that I've tapered down to 900mgs a day (almost off) the twitching isn't as bad. I hate to give you that news. It may be your gabapentin.
Hope not, I hope your increase has not caused this, as it can be so annoying!
(the nerves in my legs were mostly the twitchy ones, but once in a while I'd get one on an eyelid, making me appear to be winking at strange men in the grocery store!!)
Love,
Lara
You make me laugh : )
Delila, you made my day! If I can make just one person giggle in a day then I consider myself a lucky Irish lass!
Lara
xx
Dear Silly Lara,
Now tell the truth! You know you were winking at those strange men! You, too, always add a bit of humor to your responses. That means so much. I'm glad to have you in my corner too! I'm going to give it a lil bit longer and see how things go. If its worse, I promise I'll call my doc. Thanks for the support!
Love,
Tee
My pleasure Ms.Tee.
I'm hoping you are OK and nothing else need be done about your stomach problems and no need for more gabapentin!
Oh, alright Tee, I WAS winking at strange men in the grocery, especially the butcher as I ordered some filet mignon! ; )
OMGosh, Lara! I knew it was true, ya see... your halo has slid off your horns!! It gave you away! LOL You are such a funny bunny, Honey! Thanks for the laugh. I needed it, insomnia struck again for 2nd time this week. Catch up with you soon.
Tee
XXX
Insomnia is hell, oh how I loathe it, oh how I adore the butcher at my market, I get the best cuts of meat, heh heh heh, not really!
I am not having any problems with the gabapentin. I am on 400mg (3 caps 3 times a day) but I only take 2400mg per day. (3 caps twice a day) That dosage works for any neuropathy I have. This medication does make you sleepy but I am used to this dosage. Wih I could give you a better answer.
Hello, Mad Man! Nice to meet you. Its always good to have another's viewpoint. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I appreciate hearing from you!
Thanks,
Tee
Hi, symptoms like this have been reported by some users of Gabapentin. They may have become noticeable due to the increase in dosage. If they are very bothersome you should ask your doctor for advice. I can't suggest anything to help with them unfortunately. Maybe there is some comfort in knowing you are not alone?
Dear Delila,
There is ALWAYS comfort in knowing you are not alone. It helps me tremendously when I learn I'm not alone no matter what my situation. When I post something like this, I almost know who all is going to respond. At least I feel as tho I have a small group of friends I can count on. Thank you for being there!
Hugs,
Tee
I feel the same! It's nice to have people who are there for you, and people who understand how you are feeling. I find great comfort in this site: )
My doctor just put me on 2400mg of neurontin for anxiety, but i keep biting my inner lip, i think that i have developed a tic from this dosage. Does anyone else have facial or mouth tics???
I have numerous facial tics, but don't bite my lips. My first facial movement was constant teeth chattering. I also lost the ability to control my smile unless I'm laughing. My entire nervous system is a mess. I wish doctors would realize they shouldn't make sudden increase or decrease of GABA enhancing drugs. Now I only take 0.5 mg of a benzodiazepine at night to settle my permanent movement disorder so I can sleep. Benzodiazepines also enhance GABA, but they are a controlled substance, and are given at very low dose. I found an online article, titled "Dopamine Functions," that might explain repetitive tics. Dr. Ananya Mandal explained "When there is a deficiency in Dopamine in the brain, movements may become delayed and uncoordinated.
On the flip side, if there is an excess of Dopamine, the brain causes the body to make unnecessary movements, such as repetitive tics." I have a lesion near my Arcuate nucleus, which produces Dopamine in the hypothalamus gland. I don't understand why I can't find a neurology specialist who knows about this. When an RX drug causes a movement disorder, they usually decline to blame the drug.
I've been on Gabapentin for almost 2 years. At present I have CIDP since diagnosed about 3 months ago. My pain has increased pretty much. My present dose is now 4800mg. Still have pain in my upper legs, back, shaking of my hands & pins/needles in my arms and hands. I want to add my memory is very poor since I've been on Gabapentin. Tomorrow I aim to ask my doctor to consider another med, hoping that she will allow me to be placed on Lyrica. I'm 69 and was in good health prior to my neuropathy symptoms. I hope the best for others like me and that my regimen with Lyrica may be a promising one. I ask that anyone feel if I'm making a good decision.
Rick D.
I've been on Gabapentin for almost 2 years. At present I have CIDP since diagnosed about 3 months ago. My pain has increased pretty much. My present dose is now 4800mg. Still have pain in my upper legs, back, shaking of my hands & pins/needles in my arms and hands. I want to add my memory is very poor since I've been on Gabapentin. Tomorrow I aim to ask my doctor to consider another med, hoping that she will allow me to be placed on Lyrica. I'm 69 and was in good health prior to my neuropathy symptoms. I hope the best for others like me and that my regimen with Lyrica may be a promising one. I ask that anyone feel if I'm making a good decision.
Rick D.
Sometime last year my whole body jumped. Is this is this a good thing or is this a dangerous symptom. I feel jerking a lot in my hands, neck, and shoulders. My friend is on 300mg 3!times a day??? i was increased to 600 mg three times a day.
Sorry to hear about this, Tee. I have just started on gabapentin for shingles and don't know much about it. I do have neuropathy and it is doing a great job clearing it up. I will be interested to hear more.
One thought I have is that with pain nerves no longer firing perhaps other nerves are reacting that were masked by the pain nerves as now they are getting more neurotransmitters to those nerves.
Hang in there. What does your doc think? Karen
Dear Karen,
I hope it helps with your shingles. I can only imagine how things are going for you with that. Im wondering if its just my body adjusting to the higher dosage. I will keep you posted on things. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are!
Seeking peace,
Tee
Turns out that tics and such are a side effect hat may go away with use. However, if it had been more ham a week or so, contact your doctor immediately. You don't want this to become permanent.
Been doing a lot of reading lately. You can look this u at NIMH.org to find our more. Karen
Karen,
The tics have disappeared but the tremors are still present. I wonder if it could partly be from the fibro. Just curious. Thanks for the update!
In peace,
Tee
I have just started gabapentin for shingles. I am 61 yrs.old. A very active person. I work at a warehouse with minimal heavy lifting. I am not ready to retire. I get scared hearing all the comments. I am getting a few muscle movenents,mostly at night.My shingles never broke out of my skin the second time having them.This is why I'm on the meds.im hoping I will not have any long lasting side affects.i just want to get back to my normal routine. I pray for everyone dealing with this also. Thanks Ele.
Related topics
peripheral neuropathy, tic disorder, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, gabapentin, chronic pain, tremor, doctor, neuropathic pain
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.