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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Lately throughout the night I get jolted awake with severe cramps in my feet and calves is this caused by the medication or more lupus relat

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Penticton, BC
July 18
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A MyLupusTeam Member

The AI answer is accurate, and ensuring that your potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels are normal is important. In addition to diuretics and prednisone, beta-agonist meds used for asthma/COPD can cause these cramps.

For those of us over age 60 or so, nighttime leg cramps of unclear cause can occur, and stretching the leg muscles, especially in the back of the leg, at bedtime can help prevent them. There's some evidence that certain vitamin supplements or prescription meds may help if you don't get adequate relief from stretching.

July 18
MyLupusTeam

Waking up with severe cramps in your feet and calves is something many people with lupus experience — and honestly, it can be both lupus-related AND medication-related. The tricky part is figuring out which one (or both) is the culprit.

A MyLupusTeam member described it perfectly: "I have them so bad that they wake me up out Show Full Answer

Waking up with severe cramps in your feet and calves is something many people with lupus experience — and honestly, it can be both lupus-related AND medication-related. The tricky part is figuring out which one (or both) is the culprit.

A MyLupusTeam member described it perfectly: "I have them so bad that they wake me up out of a deep sleep! Sometimes they take hours to calm down!" Lupus itself can cause muscle cramps because it affects muscles, tendons, and soft tissue. Cramps can also be triggered by:

- Dehydration
- Kidney involvement affecting electrolyte balance
- Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium
- Lupus flares On the medication side, several drugs commonly used in lupus management can contribute to nighttime cramping, including:

- Prednisone (especially at higher doses)
- Diuretics (water pills), which can cause electrolyte imbalances
- Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Clonazepam, or Naproxen if prescribed for pain management
- Hydroxychloroquine in rare cases It's really worth bringing this up with your rheumatologist. They can check for mineral deficiencies or kidney function issues and adjust your treatment plan if a medication is the cause.

In the meantime, gentle stretching, heat therapy, and staying well-hydrated may help ease the cramps when they strike at night.

July 18

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