Amitriptyline and RLS

[SH55]

About 3 years ago I was put on Amitriptyline (to counter some side effects of Leflunomide for SLE) and overnight my RLS stopped. I had dreaded the evenings and going to bed but this drug seemed to stop it. Now I read that Amitriptyline is not recommended for RLS and that it can make it worse. So I am interested to hear what other RLS sufferers might have experienced with this drug. Perhaps it does work for some!

[Kaarina Administrator]

Amitriptyline is often discussed on here. Most RLS sufferers cannot tolerate Amitriptyline as it makes their symptoms much worse, so you are one of the lucky few. Long may it continue to work for you.

[Madlegs1]

Incredibly lucky--- go out and buy a Lottery ticket straight away.

😉

[nightdancer]

There can always be exceptions, and you seem to be one, so that is good for you. 99.9% of us cannot touch that med, It is the one med that made MY RLS so bad I was looking for the highest window or bridge to jump out of or off of. So, you are VERY lucky.

[Jumpey]

It was horrendous!x

[Lash65 in reply to Jumpey]

For me as well.

[SH55 in reply to Lash65]

So sorry for you both. It really did seem a miracle to me and it was immediate. Just 10mgs. I can't think of anything else that it could be. My daughter has some relief with a magnesium spray on her legs.

[Lash65 in reply to SH55]

It's wonderful that it helped you and I'm glad. Just shows what works for some doesn't for others.

[billard]

It gave me horrible RLS and that started me using Ropinerole/requip. We are all made different so it’s great that it works well for you. That’s great news

[garrycarter]

I take Amitriptyline for IBS and clonezepan for RLS. I've been on the Amitriptyline for about 10 years but my RLS was only diagnosed in 2016 (when I was prescribed the clonazepam). So as long as I don't get IBS or RLS, then I'll take both as my GP advised. Maybe I'm lucky the Amitriptyline doesn't give me side-effects that I cannot cope with???