Glad to be here but frustrated by my rls...

Hi,

I have had rls for as ling as i can remember but the past number of years it has gotten much worse. I used to get it only in my legs and it was totally managable. I am starting to learn that taking effexor and other anti depressants over the past 4 years has exacerbated the vonditin severly. I don't think its actual pain but mire like and extremely uncomfortable almost sickening feeling followed by an awful jerking motion in my upper back/sholders, neck and head. I'm fed up.

[LotteM]

Effexor and many other depressants are SSRIs and known to likely worsen rls. Fortunately, I have no experience myself with it. Check out the site rlshelp.org in the treatment part of the menu. It also lists meds to avoid. If I remember correctly, rls-uk.org also has a page with info on meds to avoid.

Please read these and inform yourself and then talk to your dr - the first to avoid getting another med from the same or a similar category.

Hope this helps to get rid of the rls. Don’t hesitate to ask more questions. You’re very welcome!

[Neil46]

I am so sorry you are suffering with this double-edged sword. Though I know restless legs too well I cannot imagine having depression to battle as well. As LotteM has explained SSRI's will likely worsen the symptoms of RLS, your doctor must find a way through to help both conditions.

The only thing I can think of to help is LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) which will help but is not easy to obtain unless you buy from the chemist. see vimeo.com/The LDN Story

I hope this goes a way towards helping you.

Kind Regards

Neil

[Hidden]

Hi!

I’m sorry you’re having to deal with both RLS and depression. I empathize, since I have both as well. Unfortunately, most antidepressants can exacerbate RLS, which makes it hard for us. I’m on Lexapro, which my neurologist wants me to get off for the sake of my RLS, but I seem to be stuck on it. I’ve tried going down twice and got severely depressed both times, so we’re deciding what to do.

Where are you located? Wellbutrin is a safe antidepressant.

I wish you luck in finding a solution!

Take care,