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Sjogrens Topics => Living With Sjogren's => Topic started by: lelole on October 05, 2010, 12:33:44 PM

Title: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: lelole on October 05, 2010, 12:33:44 PM
Hi,

I have been on plaquenil for about a year and a half or so, 400mg (was on 200 mg for a bit but symptoms returned with a vengeance)...

I have noticed some weird things - my jaw has developed a quite subtle but definate involuntary movement.  If I have my jaw relaxed, it gently and rythmically bumps my teeth together.  Also I have had infrequently an issue when my right thumb twitched involuntarily for a day or so, then it goes away, and some tingling in my fingers.  Also again infrequently I have had periods of time when my right hand feels like it's lost all grip/power (I can still move it but it feels odd)...

Until I noticed the jaw thing, I thought maybe I was getting a bit of carpal tunnel, but now am worrying it is a side effect of the plaq.

I notice on drugs.com leaflet it says " if you notice any of these serious side effects see your doctor straight away" and lists muscle weekness twitching or uncontrolled movement.  The thing is the jaw thing is subtle and so not sure if it would be evident to a doc, and the hand things haven't happened all that often - weeks go by with nothing...

So do I need to call the doctors office tomorrow??

Thanks for any advice,

Leah
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: bloodless on October 05, 2010, 02:44:59 PM
I hope you did call your doc right away. Don't ignore it.
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: Navigator on October 05, 2010, 02:45:08 PM
It never hurts to call the doctor. That's what they are there for. My doc. gives his patents his email so you can email him questions...and the miraculous thing is he responds..no more phone tag.
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: inga on October 05, 2010, 03:47:01 PM
My questions are:

What other drugs are you on?

When was the last time they checked your electrolytes?
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: LeoLady on October 05, 2010, 11:59:29 PM
Hi Leah:

"Twitching and tingling" can also be signs of neuropathy. Go ahead and see your doc ASAP.

Hugs,

LeoLady
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: lelole on October 06, 2010, 03:00:46 AM
Hi,

I have  never had my electrolytes checked as far as I am aware, and as far as other meds, just celebrex and thyroxine (synthroid)...well and eye drops saliva replacement etc!!

Have called my docs and am waiting for a reply...

Thanks,
Leah
Title: Re: plaquenil - involuntary jaw movements - side effect?
Post by: lelole on October 06, 2010, 05:25:24 AM
Hi,

I have spoken to my Gp today and she is not aware of this as a side effect, as I am due to see my rheumatologist in a couple of weeks she has asked me to bring it up with him.  So still don't know what it causing it, it is really bothering me, and I feel a bit scared what if it is something more sinister??

Guess I just need to put it out of my mind, and just wait out the couple of weeks  :(

Leah