Restless Legs

[NotAChevy]

All my life, I've struggled with restless legs- legs that twitch at inopportune times, or that experience a shooting pain if not moving. My doctors are running test to determine if it's psychological or nerve damage, and what might have caused the symptoms.

But, since starting Strattera the symptoms have decreased, and are almost totally gone. I'm not on any other meds, so I can't give them credit; and theynworsen when the meds are skipped for more than a day. Then, after about two days of being back on the meds, the uncontrollable leg jerking almost stops.

I agree there's some type of neurological issue present, and I can't wait for the doctors to figure out what is causing it, but why would Strattera, of all things, create a temporary reprieve from the symptoms?

[sophiebrodie]

Here's what I use to answer these questions:

Who knows? Nobody knows.

[anymusic]

Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating movement and muscle activity. An imbalance in noradrenaline may play a role in the development of restless legs syndrome.

Just curious, did you try magnesium for RLS in the past?

[NotAChevy in reply to anymusic]

Never tried that. But, does Strattera work as a noradrenaline?

[anymusic]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ato...

[Suffolk_Memeplex]

My legs are bouncing right now .

I often do it without thinking.

[KentuckTD in reply to Suffolk_Memeplex]

That's different than RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). There are meds made specifically for RLS. RLS can keep people awake at night, not allowing them to sleep.

[Suffolk_Memeplex in reply to KentuckTD]

My diagnosis is moderate inattentive adhd.I like to think my leg bouncing is the hyperactivity bit saying "pay attention to meeeeeee!!!"

[Prairiefrontporch]

I wonder if it could be a form Tourette’s? I was just learning about this this morning. It’s present with ADHD often. Something to look into maybe

[CHADDMOM]

RLS can be from a few things. Most doctors have told me that RLS comes from an iron deficiency. I supplement with a small amount of iron, 18 mg plant based iron supplement everyday. (I don't use heme iron from animal sources, because I am vegan). There has been some recent conjecture that RLS and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are related as well. I did get relief from the iron. Straterra is norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It works by keeping that neurotransmitter, in the cell longer. Stimulant medications works by producing more neurotransmitters. The pathophysiology of RLS is still under study, but recent studies have shown important implications for brain iron deficiency, genetic factors and neurotransmitter dysfunction [8,9].sciencedirect.com/science/a...

I hope this helps!