ADHD and RLS

[JLBowman]

Does anyone else suffer, and I do mean suffer, from restless leg syndrome? I take gabapentin every night. I thought I read somewhere that there is an increased incidence in people with adhd. I had low ferritin levels before a hysterectomy, but I have all that straightened out now. I think without medication my RLS could truly make me suicidal and I’m not bent that way at all.

[Rodster]

I get that now and then and for me it’s linked to vitamin d deficiency. I take vitamin d and it goes away. I think I read somewhere that many adhd people have a vitamin d deficiency so maybe that’s why many adhd have rls.

[JLBowman in reply to Rodster]

I’ve read that as well. I used to take vitamin D but kind of fell out of the habit. I get tired of taking pills, even those I should. Probably part of adhd, wandering off task. 🤣

[STEM_Dad]

I remember reading that RLS is caused by excess glutemate. Glutemate is the most abundant neurotransmitter, which is necessary to activate nerve transmission. GABA is the neurotransmitter which stops the nerve transmission. Gabapentin is called a GABA analogue medication. That's how it works to treat RLS. (Gabapentin is also prescribed for overactive pain response.)

(Think of Glutemate as the green light, it signals 'Go'. GABA is the red light, it signals 'Stop'.)

The research on GABA supplementation is limited, but from the reviews I've seen from people, supplements seem promising. Over 90% of the reviews I've seen said that GABA supplements worked for people for issues like pain, anxiety and insomnia, which are also caused by excess glutemate. Some research says that GABA can also help reduce the incidence of headaches and migraines. The most reported side effect is daytime sleepiness.

Check with your doctor before trying a supplement like GABA. I'm just a lay person relaying what I've read, I'm not a medical professional.

[Periwinkleskies in reply to STEM_Dad]

Maybe you aren't a professional, but you are helpful and informative!! Thank you.