Leg cramps are an unpleasant experience. Whether they arrive at night or during the day, they interfere with regular activity. Understanding the causes of leg cramps can help determine if the appropriate response is exercise or a change in the medications being taken by the individual with leg cramps. Knowing the most common medicines with the side effect of leg cramps can help with evaluating potential causes.
Statin Drugs
Patient UK notes that statin drugs can be a cause of leg cramps. Statins, which are often prescribed as a way to lower cholesterol, can result in leg cramps because they may contribute to muscle injury. The muscle injury caused by statins may be able to be alleviated by stretching, though this may not wholly stop the leg cramps.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat hypertension and angina, may cause leg cramps, according to Patient UK. These medications widen blood vessels, and as a result leg cramps and muscle spasms may appear. The leg cramps caused by calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine are not considered to be serious side effects of the medication, but they should be reported if they are persistent or severe.
Diuretics
Diuretics, which are commonly prescribed for heart health and cardiovascular system improvements, can cause leg cramps. According to Medline Plus, this happens because the diuretics can cause too much fluid to be lost from the system. As a result of water and mineral depletion, leg cramps can appear for the first time or start appearing more often. Removing the offending medication from daily use can help to stop leg cramps, though offsetting dehydration caused by the diuretics may lower symptoms.
Lithium
According to Patient UK, a medication that presents leg cramps as a side effect is Lithium. Lithium is used to treat cases of manic depression, and involuntary muscle spasms and muscle twitches are a side effect of taking lithium. These involuntary leg cramps and spasms are considered to be a severe side effect of taking the medication, and Drugs.com recommends immediate medical attention.
