I Have read everything and I am still not sure - Restless Leg Syndrome Message Board

Looking for recovery · 07-24-2003, 11:20 AM

I suffer from depression and I am convinced that the ADS I am on make my RLS worse. I first got RLS when I was 24 and preagnant with my first child. I have noticed now that as I get older it is getting worse. I have it every night as soon as I go to bed until about 5 am or so. I am not sleeping at all and I am going crazy. Unfortunately I can't get off the ADS. I tried that already and had to admit defeat. Even under an extreme amount of sleeping medication it still goes on but I can still manage to sleep. I have since lowered the sleep meds to a very mild dose and it's out of control again. Last night after sitting up all night I tried deep massage with a kind of deep heating rub. I don't know if that helped or I was just past the point of no return. Does anybody know of any Ads that help you sleep and don't make the RLS worse?

Thanks
Sue

Zazzaz · 08-02-2003, 04:46 PM

I've not tried them myself, but I've seen many posts on this topic in RLS boards. Most antidepressants are dopamine-antagonists, so they worsen RLS. I've heard that Wellbutrin is an exception, because it acts more as a dopamine-agonist. Bring this distinction to your doctor's attention and he / she might think of other dopamine-agonist like meds.

It might also be helpful to have your blood ferratin level checked (should be >50) and take iron suppliments IF ferratin and low AND under medical supervision (excess iron can be as harmful as iron depletion, so be careful).

Best of luck ~ Z

Looking for recovery · 08-03-2003, 11:04 PM

I would like to thank Z for the advice. I am going to see my GP on Tuesday and I want to try some of the newer anti Parkinsons meds to see if they will make a difference. I will ask for my ferritin levels to be checked as well. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Sue