Have you ever been woken up by sudden, uncontrollable body movements? Muscle spasms aren’t a common symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but some members of MyLupusTeam have experienced them. Members have linked muscle twitching to medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, or lupus flares.

One member shared, “The twitches never go away completely, but they get more frequent and animated before and during most of my flares. Sometimes, it’s just a little neck twitch. Other times, my whole body spasms and jerks around. … The movements often flare up during a stint of chronic headaches.”

What autoimmune diseases cause muscle twitching? Lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome, another autoimmune disorder associated with lupus, are both connected with movement disorders. The good news is that most people see improvement with the right treatment. Start by learning to identify and describe your symptoms so you can work with your healthcare provider to find the best solution.

How Muscle Twitching Feels

Muscle twitching can affect different parts of the body. For some MyLupusTeam members, it happens daily. For others, it’s an occasional symptom that happens randomly or in response to certain triggers. Here’s how they describe it:

• “It’s like tiny one-time spasms over different parts of my calves, ankles, and thighs. It can be generalized, occurring at random muscles, or it can be focal and persistent in the same location.”
• “One of my lupus symptoms has been uncontrollable muscle twitching in my legs, arms, and torso. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s bothersome when you’re trying to rest or sleep.”
• “I get intercostal muscle spasms that hurt like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t move and can only take small, shallow breaths. They happen more when I’m stressed or going through a flare.”

One of the most frustrating aspects of muscle twitching is how it can disrupt sleep.

“My body starts jerking when relaxed or going to sleep, and it wakes me up,” said one member. “First, it was my stomach. … It was like being kicked by the baby when I was pregnant. Now, I have it in my legs, stomach, and arms. But I haven’t noticed it happening when I am busy or awake.”

Not all muscle twitching is the same. The general term for involuntary muscle spasms is myoclonus or myoclonic jerks. These can happen in a pattern with several movements in a row or as isolated, infrequent twitches. Spasms can range from quick twitches followed by relaxation to persistent, shocking contractions that interfere with daily life. Keeping track of when and how you experience muscle twitching can help your healthcare provider pinpoint the cause.

Are Muscle Spasms a Symptom of Lupus?

People with lupus who experience muscle cramps and twitches may wonder: Can lupus cause muscle twitching? While it’s rare, lupus can cause muscle spasms because it can affect the nerves and muscles.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Lupus

Lupus has many effects on the nervous system, including the peripheral nervous system. These nerves send signals to and from your muscles.

Problems with the peripheral nervous system are called peripheral neuropathies. Peripheral neuropathies can vary greatly from person to person. They may include symptoms like:

• Neuropathy of the motor nerves, leading to weakness, cramps, and twitching
• Neuropathy of the sensory nerves, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness

It’s more common for lupus to cause sensory issues, like numbness and tingling, than motor issues, like cramping and twitching. However, muscle spasms caused by peripheral neuropathy are still a possible symptom of lupus.

Lupus Myositis

A subtype of lupus, called lupus myositis, causes muscle inflammation. This leads to weakness and muscle pain. Muscle symptoms are more common during a flare-up and are experienced by most people with lupus at some point in their lives.

It’s important to note that lupus myositis isn’t directly linked to muscle twitching or cramping. However, cramping is generally more common in fatigued muscles — for example, after exercise.

Lupus myositis mostly affects central muscles — like those in the neck, hips, thighs, and shoulders. If you have trouble brushing your hair, getting up from a chair, or lifting your hands over your head, speak to a doctor about physical therapy.

What Other Medical Conditions Cause Muscle Spasms?

Muscle twitches are common in people with health conditions or injuries that affect the nervous system. For example, people with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease may experience muscle twitching. Head and spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain tumors, and oxygen deprivation can also lead to muscle spasms. Other possible causes include kidney or liver failure, poisoning, and metabolic disorders.

Before jumping to conclusions, keep in mind that muscle twitching can also be a normal occurrence in healthy people. It’s often harmless, especially after exercise or physical exertion. The only way to know if your twitching needs medical attention is to talk to your healthcare team.

Do Lupus Meds Cause Muscle Twitching?

Most people take multiple medications to manage the autoimmune symptoms of lupus and its slow disease progression. Unfortunately, some of these medications can cause unpleasant side effects.

Gabapentin

A couple of MyLupusTeam members have reported muscle twitching while taking gabapentin (Neurontin). Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that affects how the body perceives pain. Normally, it reduces unwanted movements, like restless legs syndrome. However, if you notice muscle twitching while taking gabapentin, you should talk to your doctor. This medication affects nerve signals in the brain and should typically reduce twitching, not cause it. It’s important not to stop taking gabapentin suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can help you switch to a different treatment or taper off safely.

Escitalopram

Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a type of antidepressant medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by changing how your brain processes serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Shaking or tremors are listed as potential side effects of escitalopram.

One MyLupusTeam member shared, “I have essential tremors. And I have been taking Lexapro for depression for years. Now, my sister thinks that I have twitches and jerks from the medication. The tremors are really out of control. I thought I had Parkinson’s disease.”

Just as with gabapentin, stopping escitalopram suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.

Prednisone

Another common lupus medication that can cause muscle twitching is the corticosteroid (steroid) prednisone. One MyLupusTeam member shared, “I get muscle twitches from the higher dose of prednisone — when I am not on it, it goes away.” Muscle twitching or tightening and “shaking of the hands that you can’t control” are both listed as potentially serious side effects of prednisone. Because higher doses of prednisone are often used temporarily to manage flares, your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking it.

Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is widely used to treat lupus. While muscle spasms, cramps, and muscle weakness are not common side effects, they can occur and are considered serious. If you’re taking hydroxychloroquine and notice side effects like muscle or nerve problems, tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you suspect any other medications you take for lupus or other conditions are causing muscle spasms, talk to your healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Medications affect people differently, so it’s possible to experience a rare side effect that’s not listed on the label. Always consult your doctor before stopping any medication or changing how you take it.

How To Manage Muscle Twitching

If you’re experiencing a new symptom like muscle twitching, talk to your doctor. They can help identify deficiencies that need treatment or adjust medications that may be contributing to the problem. For instance, some medications and impaired kidney issues can lower magnesium levels, leading to muscle contractions and cramps.

Here are some tips to help manage muscle twitching:

Stay Active

An easy way to prevent muscle spasms is maintaining an overall healthy and active lifestyle. Try to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day to see improvement.

Stay Hydrated

MyLupusTeam members have found that staying hydrated reduces muscle spasms. One member said, “I had terrible calf spasms, which were so painful. I noticed it was on days when I was dehydrated or drank fizzy drinks. Try to drink lots of water.”

Check Your Magnesium Levels

Many MyLupusTeam members have linked muscle cramping to low magnesium levels. One member advised, “You should probably ask your doctor how your magnesium levels are doing. Mine tend to be low, so magnesium supplements really do help tremendously.”

Remember, don’t start magnesium, or any new medication or supplement, without your doctor’s approval. They can confirm if your magnesium levels are low and guide you on the right dosage.

Speak With Your Doctor

If your muscle twitching is frequent or bothersome, it’s time to see your doctor. They can help determine the cause and find the best treatment for you.

Your rheumatologist may refer you to a neurologist for blood tests or scans to screen for brain or nervous system problems before providing medical advice.

Medical treatment for muscle twitching depends on the cause. General treatments for myoclonus include benzodiazepines like clonazepam, antiepileptic drugs, botulinum toxin injections (Botox), or immunotherapies. In severe cases, surgery or deep brain stimulation might be needed if the cause is a brain-related issue. However, if the twitching is related to lupus, this is less likely.

While occasional muscle twitching is fairly common in people with lupus, it’s not a symptom you should ignore. Tracking your symptoms and talking to your doctor can help you better understand what works for your body.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 234,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Have you wondered if lupus causes muscle spasms? Do you experience muscle cramps, eye twitching, or lupus myositis? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.