Myoclonus

Myoclonus has many causes and usually needs neurological evaluation. Refer the patient for expert advice. The most common therapy is a benzodiazepine or an antiepileptic drug. If the patient needs urgent treatment while waiting for expert advice, typical regimens are:

1 clonazepam 0.25 mg orally, daily. If needed, increase to a maximum of 2 mg 3 times daily myoclonus clonazepam    

OR

1 sodium valproate 500 mg orally, once daily for 1 week, then increase to initial target dose of 500 mg twice daily. If needed, increase to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily. Avoid in females of childbearing potential (see teratogenic and neurodevelopmental effects of antiepileptic drugs)1. myoclonus sodium valproate    

For myoclonus in the setting of epilepsy, see advice on juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

1 If considering starting sodium valproate in males of reproductive potential, see Sodium valproate use in males of reproductive potential; a discussion about the potential risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to males taking sodium valproate may be appropriate.Return