Muscle Cramps (cont.)
Can medications cause muscle cramps?
Numerous medicines can cause cramps. Potent diuretic medications,
such as furosemide (Lasix), or the vigorous removal of body fluids
even with less potent diuretics can induce cramps by depleting body
fluid and sodium. Simultaneously, diuretics often cause the loss of
potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which can also cause cramps.
Medications such as donepezil (Aricept is used for
Alzheimer's disease) and neostigmine (Prostigmine and others are used
for myasthenia gravis) as well as
raloxifene (Evista is used to prevent
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women)
have caused cramps. Tolcapone (Tasmar is used
for Parkinson's disease) reportedly causes muscle cramps in at least
10% of patients. "True" cramps are reported with nifedipine
(Procardia and others are used for angina,
high blood pressure and other conditions)
and the asthma drugs terbutaline (Brethine) and albuterol (Proventil,
Ventolin, and others). Some medicines used to
lower cholesterol, including clofibrate (Atromid-S) and lovastatin
(Mevacor), can also lead to cramps.
Cramps are sometimes noted in addicted individuals during withdrawal
from medications and substances that have sedative effects, including
alcohol, barbiturates and other sedatives, anti-anxiety agents such
as benzodiazepines (for example, Valium and Xanax), narcotics, and other
drugs.
Next: Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps? »
- alprazolam, Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam - Learn more about Alprazolam (Xanax), including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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