Muscle Spasms Inquiry
A 36-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet tall and weighing 114 pounds, reports experiencing muscle spasms affecting her back and neck. She describes her condition as one where her chest protrudes suddenly, and her neck forces her head to jerk upward. Following medical examination, she was given a diagnosis of dystonia, although she questions its accuracy. For five years, she was on a regimen of 25mg Abilify but ceased taking it in the middle of last year without experiencing any adverse symptoms or complications. During the week of Christmas, she was prescribed a low dose of 2mg of Abilify for a brief period of approximately a week and a half. However, she only utilized the medication about five times in total. Since then, she has not been on any additional medications but has begun to experience muscle spasms that started on Thursday evening. Upon visiting her primary care physician, she was referred to the hospital where they conducted blood tests, urine analysis, and reflex evaluations. The treatment administered included a prescription for Cogentin at a dosage of 0.5mg to be taken twice daily. However, the spasms have persisted for over 63 hours. She now finds it difficult to accept that the spasms are a result of taking Abilify. Would it be advisable for her to seek a second opinion? Any thoughts on this matter would be appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 4:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain and concerned about persistent muscle spasms, especially given your medical history and recent experiences with medications. Here are the main points to consider regarding your situation, particularly about the potential connection to Abilify and your diagnosis of dystonia.
Explanation
Muscle spasms can arise from various factors, including muscle tension, neurological disorders, or reactions to medications. Dystonia, which involves involuntary muscle contractions, can indeed cause spasms similar to what you described. While Cogentin is often prescribed to help manage side effects from medications like Abilify, it’s also possible that muscle spasms can occur independent of medication changes.
The spasms you’re experiencing might be distressing, especially since they have persisted for over 63 hours. Since you have recently stopped medication and have a complex medical history, it's understandable to seek clarity on the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your spasms. Note when they occur, their duration, any triggers you observe (such as stress or activity), and how they affect you.
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Hydration and Relaxation: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consider implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, or mindfulness exercises which can help alleviate muscle tension.
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Follow-Up on Medications: If you experience side effects or ongoing issues, review your medication history and discuss any concerns related to the recent use of Abilify and Cogentin with your healthcare provider. It may be beneficial to understand how these medications relate to your current symptoms.
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Consider a Second Opinion: Since you have doubts about the accuracy of the dystonia diagnosis and the connection to your symptoms, seeking a second opinion might give you additional insights or reassurance. Make sure to bring your symptom diary and history to this consultation for a comprehensive review.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If Needed: If your spasms worsen, or if you experience additional concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, significant pain, or changes in consciousness, seek immediate medical help.
It’s important to feel confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan, and pursuing further evaluation can empower you to manage your health effectively. Please take care and prioritize your well-being as you navigate this issue.
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