What Drugs Make You Twitch and Jerk?

Understanding Myoclonus and the Forms of Effective Treatment

Involuntary muscle movements, often referred to as “twitching” or “jerking,” are caused by the central nervous system and have several potential triggers.

For some of our clients, drug-induced myoclonus is or has been a consistent problem, especially in long-term abusers of certain drugs.

Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and PCP are all known to cause these muscle jerks and muscle twitches, both when the user is high and completely abstinent as a withdrawal side effect. In some cases, this movement disorder highlighted by muscle jerks is temporary.

However, for others, underlying severe health conditions or long, intense battles with substance abuse are potential driving factors.

Understanding the connections between substance abuse and what drugs make you twitch and jerk can help those suffering from it obtain the most efficient treatment.

In this resource from Purpose Healing Center, with locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix, we highlight the different types of drugs that cause myoclonic jerks, why these movement disorders manifest as side effects, and direct you toward the most effective treatment center for relief.

What Is Myoclonus?

Myoclonus is the rapid onset of muscle jerks or twitches that can impact almost any body area. These movements, medically known by this term, myoclonus, also have a variety of different types, including:

• Sleep myoclonus
• Palatal myoclonus
• Positive myoclonus
• Epileptic myoclonus
• Physiological myoclonus
• Brainstem myoclonus
• And many others

The intensity and frequency of these movements vary significantly, depending on the type of myoclonus present.

Different variations of myoclonus include:

Essential Myoclonus

This is a nervous system condition where the muscle jerks exist with no other significant neurological damage or symptoms.

Primary Myoclonus

This form of myoclonus manifests with no marked underlying disorders and is usually benign.

Secondary Myoclonus

Secondary myoclonus isn’t always classified as a nervous system disorder. In some cases, if the trigger is an underlying neurological condition, it would fall under the previously mentioned designation.

However, this form is also present in those with substance use disorders, with several drugs potentially acting as driving factors for muscle jerks.

Different subcategories also exist, typically describing the time or part of the body where these hypnic jerks occur. Examples include:

• Sleep myoclonus. This version typically happens when individuals are resting or attempting to rest. Sleep myoclonus commonly causes sufferers to wake up or, in some cases, not fall asleep.
• Palatal myoclonus. This form of the disorder most often causes hypnic jerks in and around the facial area, especially the eyes. This can also make falling asleep difficult for those who suffer from this form of the disorder. Deep brain stimulation is typically at the center of this condition, making it a form of essential myoclonus.
• Negative myoclonus. Negative myoclonus leads to the sudden loss of muscle definition or complete interruption of muscle activity instead of the more common hypnic jerks.
• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. This is a form of the disorder that impacts children, leading to involuntary movements and spasms. Children who suffer from this form of myoclonus usually experience hypnic jerks that wake them up often throughout the night, making a regular sleep schedule difficult to maintain.

Most Common Signs of Myoclonus

The most common warning signs of myoclonus include intense, hypnic jerks that take place either randomly or in response to external stimuli like blinking lights, sharp noises, or intoxication.

One or more muscle groups may be affected, leading to extreme discomfort and difficulty completing ordinary tasks.

Drug-Induced Myoclonus

A handful of medications and illicit recreational drugs are related to the hypnic jerks associated with myoclonus.

Let’s take a closer look at the drugs that most commonly cause these hypnic jerks.

Prescription Medications

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressants, most commonly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants are linked to these hypnic jerks caused by myoclonus. These drugs impact the brain’s serotonin levels, leading to jerks and twitches.

Antipsychotics

Hypnic jerks happen to many of those who are prescribed medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The dopamine-altering mechanism of antipsychotic drugs, the brain’s control over the muscles, can lead to jerky movements.

Antiepileptics

Although it seems counterproductive, considering these drugs are prescribed to control bodily functions and neurological disorders, antiepileptics (seizure medication) have been linked to hypnic jerks.

Specific drugs like lamotrigine or phenytoin are two of the most common anti-seizure medications linked to myoclonic disorders.

Illegal Drugs

Stimulant Drugs

Stimulants—more specifically cocaine and methamphetamine, significantly impact dopamine receptors and cause central nervous system conditions, leading to hypnic jerks.

The increase in receptor activity also leads to muscle twitch or muscle spasm problems, in addition to mental health and mood disorders. 

Opioids

In some cases, certain opioids, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other drugs, are known for causing myoclonus.

Long-term opioid abuse is linked to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that leads to hypnic jerks, irritability, and confusion.

Hallucinogens

Substances like LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and other hallucinogens impact brain function, causing sensory overload and hypnic jerks. Because this form of drug induced myoclonus has such a profound effect on the brain chemicals, imbalances are created that lead to twitches during and after ingestion. 

The Science Behind Drugs that Cause Myoclonus

Drugs that cause myoclonus have a specific form of action, leading to these symptoms outlined above. Let’s examine why these certain drugs cause myoclonus, helping you better understand potential factors and risks.

Damage to Neurotransmitters

Many neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), play substantial roles in controlling the body’s muscles. The stimulating effects that permanently impact these chemicals are known to cause myoclonus by damaging neural communication pathways, causing overstimulation or an imbalance between nerve cells.

Neurological Overstimulation

Neurological overstimulation isn’t always related to neurotransmitters. Receptor sensitivity is often increased, causing the overstimulation that leads to the hypnic jerks that accompany myoclonus.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous and potentially fatal reaction caused by different combinations of drugs that raise serotonin to dangerously high levels.

This causes myoclonus, tremors, high blood pressure, and confusion. Severe complications may be prevented if your healthcare provider identifies this condition early.

Any time you experience long-term jerks or twitches related to substance abuse, your healthcare provider or medical professional should always be one of the first people you notify.

Diagnosing and Treating the Symptoms of Drug-Induced Myoclonus

The diagnosis and treatment of myoclonus requires thorough evaluation by neurological healthcare providers and physical examination.

Diagnostic Work

Any clinical practice will first conduct a neurological evaluation. This includes tests to identify underlying medical conditions and electrical activity in the brain.

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is often used to monitor brain activity, while an EMG (electromyography) tracks muscle responses.

Drug-induced myoclonus requires a more thorough check of your medical history, which includes prescription history and substance abuse exposure.

The best medical attention for the hypnic jerks caused by this form of myoclonus includes:

Pharmaceutical Treatment

Pharmaceutical myoclonus treatment may include benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants that reduce hypnic jerks and twitching of the muscles and other body parts.

Because there is a higher risk of addiction with benzos, this is only recommended as a short-term treatment.

Behavioral Therapies

When the symptoms of myoclonus impact your quality of life, certain types of behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques through holistic treatment can help reduce uncontrollable spasms. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help by decreasing anxiety and giving clients more control over their panic responses.

Lifestyle Changes

Specific lifestyle changes like ceasing the use of antidepressants, lowering caffeine intake, and maintaining regular sleep patterns may reduce the symptoms of myoclonus.

Professional Support

It’s always important to seek professional support from a treatment center like Purpose Healing Center. We can also recommend you to specialists who can help with more tailored treatment to mitigate your side effects.

Preventing Drug-Induced Myoclonus

The prevention of drug-induced myoclonus begins with awareness, in addition to carefully managing medications or substances that put you at an increased risk for this disorder.

The following practices may help prevent myoclonus from becoming severe or manifesting at all:

• Manage medication safely. Always follow the recommended dosing instructions on your prescription medications. Have conversations with your doctor regarding possible side effects of new prescriptions. Never combine drugs without the recommendation of your physician, as many combinations lead to myoclonus and other severe side effects.
• Understanding substance abuse. Understanding how recreational drugs impact the central nervous system can help you make better choices and avoid dangerous side effects. Remaining educated regarding the risks of recreational drug use reduces the odds of experiencing drug-induced myoclonus.
• Monitoring and intervention. Maintaining regular visits with your doctor, especially if you’re on medications that increase your risk of developing myoclonus or have a history of drug use, is imperative for identifying early signs of myoclonus. Monitoring potential warning signs at home and relaying the information to your doctor can prevent minor signs of myoclonus from developing into more severe complications.

Overcome Drug-Induced Myoclonus at Purpose Healing Center

At Purpose Healing Center, our Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers have helped many clients overcome the challenges associated with substance abuse-related myoclonus.

Our compassionate professionals are adept at the therapeutic solutions you need to reduce the actions that drive the spasms and movements related to this disorder.

Take your life back and break free from the side effects of myoclonus —contact us today.