Strange attack of the arms and not legs.

[deeds14]

So, I previously posted a question regarding the drug interaction between an SSRI and Tramadol because I was worried about Serotonin poisoning. Last night I dutifully took my Diazepam and attempted to get a good nights sleep - and weirdly I had the most awful attack or RLS (RAS?!) in my arms...and not at all in my legs (I guess I should be grateful it wasn't legs as well - small mercies and all that).

Anyway, after what can only be described as a bizarre spate of punching myself in my own arms, thrashing around and crying I reached breaking point and reached for the Tramadol. 1 x 50mg at first, and then when that didn't help, another twenty minutes later.

The result: My pupils were like saucers but I slept like a goddamn baby. I guess it just goes to show what lengths us RLS-ers will go to to try and get some relief!

P.S Does anyone know any good stretching exercises or anything to relieve the symptoms in the arms? It's hard to stretch a forearm...

[ookla]

Diazepam I believe is a type of benzodiazapine. I had a similar experience when I tried to take klonopin (another type of benzo). When I get augmentation like that, it can take up to two hours before I start feeling relief from a "life saver" (tramadol or neurontin in my case). While waiting, I usually play games or surf the net in bed on my cell phone to keep my brain distracted. For me, one 50 mg tramadol would do the trick if I gave it enough time to kick in. Just offering that up as something you might want to give a try instead of pushing the serotonin syndrome envelope. As for stretching, I've never found any that offered any kind of lasting relief. Just like everything else, once the movement stops, so does the relief. Sorry.

[restlessinlondon]

Hi,

I get RLS in my arms and legs. Currently I'm not on medication, as I've changed my diet which has helped, but I do take co-codamol when it gets really bad. When the arms get going I find it helps to curl up in a little ball with the pressure on my arms and wait for sleep to overtake me! Hope this helps.

[yatestobe]

Im taking cocodomol .......and they work but my doctor is getting more n more reluctant to give me cocodomol ........is there n alternative medication i cud ssk for that will keep my rls under control ....

[deeds14]

Thanks guys, I can't take any codeine based meds - they cause me awful stomach cramps and whatnot. I might give the curling up in a ball idea a go haha, it can't make it any worse! @Yatestobe I find that Tramadol is my magic cure, but if your doc is reluctant to prescribe more cocodamol then I doubt that's a path (s)he'll be willing to go down because, as far as I know it's one UP the prescription ladder.

[insect]

Valium is an old fashioned drug used for depression. But it can be addictive. I have taken it on an 'as required' basis - 2mg or 5mg as necessary. Many years ago. Knowing it was available as a back-up before an event helped enormously.

You CANNOT get poisoning from Serotonin - it is a natural 'drug' in the brain for which an anti-depressant is recommended in order to boost Serotonin levels in the brain to help it work properly. I and many others forget that the brain is an organ which often requires support but because it's tucked 'up there somewhere' <rolls eyes>. Brisk walking can help aid the brain as can keeping hydrated and healthy eating.

The more modern Anti-depressant medications are non-addictive in that the body does not become used to them - some do require weaning off of though - it took me 9 weeks of controlled doseage to help me stop one type when I needed to begin another. My brain has the habit of becoming used to medication after 10-15 years.

Cocodomol - well the first tablet is OK - after than I am on the bathroom floor as my gut rejects the next doseage. I do take Nurofen an hour before bed if I can feel my legs 'pulling' which enables me to sleep.

[Tuulip]

Hi,

Sorry to disagree with you Insect but you can get serotonin "poisoning", it's called Serotonin Syndrome.

I don't want to come off as pompous but as it is serious and potentially fatal I thought it was important to point out.

There is lots of info on google or check out this link.

[Tuulip]

Oops link

patient.co.uk/doctor/Seroto...

Tuulip