Anxiety Induced Muscle Twitching/Tremors and Trembling

Mental health
1

Hello, I am a 26 year old male who was on 40mg Paxil for 8 years up until about 5 months ago when I tapered off very fast. After quitting I slowly developed muscle twitches which I ignored for the first 4 months because they didn't bother me and were hardly noticeable except at night while in bed. About a month ago after a bad bout of the stomach flu and a very stressful time in my life which led to me being put on leave from work, I began to develop even worse twitches which have been constant in my calves as well as just about everywhere else in my body.

Along with the constant muscle twitching, I have developed some very annoying body tremors and trembling. Most pronounced in my hands and legs. But again, just about everywhere in my body.

In about the past month I have been to the ER 3 times and 3 different doctors because of these symptoms. After my blood, urine, and thyroid testing all comes back normal they are quick to chalk it up to anxiety/depression/withdrawal induced. Since then I have been put back on Paxil 40mg, but the symptoms still persist.

I'm trying to accept that it is anxiety/depression/withdrawal induced, but I could use some advice on what to do to combat symptoms like these. I've been trying to exercise and have been walking about 1-3 miles a day the past week, along with drinking plenty of water. I don't consume caffeine and have bought a Verilux Happy Light at the recommendation of a doctor. I also started taking a multi-vitamin daily, which I have never done before in my life.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

2

I probably can't gv you any advice but i hv the same. Although i didn't take any meds for anxiety. My heart rate is very fast and usually accompanied with hands tremor. I did thyroid test and ecg they came out normal. Dr just gv me propranolol 10mg. I on the other hand doesn't live in quite healthy life tho. I didn't exercise a lot and often not eating regularly although i'm very underweight. It's probably adding the problem.

3

sounds like your doing your best i would really try some breathing techniques like deep bresthing guided meditation also muscle realxtion could be very very helpful for you best of luck.

4

 you are off to a great start! The exercise And vitaminswill help build up your immune system to fight stress And illnesses such as the food etc.

the water will keep you hydrated which is important.

I have had the muscle twitching on and off for many years  due to stress and Anxiety.

I also had several other symptoms of anxiety. I had about seven symptoms begin all at once when I was in my 20s. I was terrified but my testing came back normal. Then I realized how much anxiety I have had since I was a child.  I thought about it and realized that the body can only take so much stress before it breaks down. It’s like the straw that broke the camels back. The symptoms are not the problem, the problem is Unmanaged stress and anxiety that brings out symptoms. So our bodies trying to tell us there’s too much stress. 

Since I know that the symptoms are not harmful, I don’t get anxious about them, but I just let them be and they eventually subside. Just “allow “ them to be , and I know they are annoying so I often listen to audio meditations on you tube for anxiety and they totally calm down my mind and body and symptoms.  

The key is to calm down your mind as much as possible. So what works for me is:

-Exercise to build up immune system, increase release of good endorphins hormone, build up core strength , I take vitamins and antioxidants 

-Listen to great positive meditations for anxiety, depression, sleep, etc. I do this daily found on you tube.  Use earbuds for a better effect.

-Stay social and active, resist becoming isolated which leads to Overthinking 

-Enjoy the simple things in life. Calm down by slowing down. Laugh, smile and think about what you are grateful for.

-If Anxiety is too much, speak with a counselor 

-Helping other’s is a great feeling and keeps your mind focused away from anxiety.

These things have helped me a great deal!  

-Time to take care of YOU

There is no quick fix for the symptoms but if you are persistent, you can take control and feel so much better!  You can do it.  👍😁❤️

5

I'm sorry to hear about your anxiety symptoms too. I am starting to see a counselor to try and get all of my feelings and fears out. It's so much health anxiety because I fear that I have more things wrong with me. But I am trying hard to distract myself and keep my mind occupied with other things.

6

You really have great advice! I think i'm going to do your method. I hv a family that suffers anxiety too. I read that it could genetics and i remember i hv anxiety when i was teenager. I didn't know what's wrong with me back then but i remember the feelings. It was dreadful.