JUST GOOGLE IT: So I had my doctors... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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JUST GOOGLE IT

TEAH35 profile image
9 Replies

So I had my doctors appointment today and I have a new antidepressant. I asked him were there any side effects, especially anything that could exacerbate my restless legs. He didn't think so .... HELLO. I asked him to please check before I took it. (I refuse to be a guinea pig). After investigation he came back with 'No, but it can cause nausea'. So I requested a script for nausea that would not affect restless legs. I've had it before but couldn't remember it's name. He came up with all the ones that do have an adverse affect. I would not accept a script for anything but this one so when I went out to reception I used their phone and rang my previous Dr. I now have the correct prescription.

RLS effects at least 10 to 15% of the population. But it appears as if the medication/treatment is a closely guarded secret.

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TEAH35 profile image
TEAH35
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9 Replies

It's a tough one for Drs. With the sensitivity to antidepressants in us it would be very hard to give a definite answer, however I get where you are coming from.

I had to try ones I was all but certain would have a negative impact, I even tried one that had caused issues before at a different dose in the hope it might work only to be rolling on the floor.

Trial and error I am afraid P, as they say in these parts - you may take your oil :( . Mind you, I found the issue started easing straight away, so that might be a minor plus side.

Hope it all works out.

Eryl profile image
Eryl

Are you sure that you're not deficient in vitamin d3? It's good for mood problems. Some people just need a lot of daylight on their skin to produce it, but others need a supplement.

On the rls problem, some people find that a controlled carb of FODMAP helps them. Read the thread on SIBO for a possible explanation. I have avoided all sugar, sweetened foods and drink and limited the amount of high carb fried food that I eat since Christmas. I have eliminated my rls by doing this and by avoiding potassium sorbate food preservative which is another of my triggers.

in reply to Eryl

I think we’re all deficient in D3!! But, talking about the diet...that sounds tempting, but where’s the pleasure? No special sugar-filled Frappuccino every once in awhile? Controlled carbs...what if you’re diabetic like me? I am, however, very happy for you that you’ve tamed the beast and are symptom-free without medication! More power to you...seriously! 🌹🌞🌹

Eryl profile image
Eryl in reply to

If you're type 1 diabetic then that's a problem, but avoiding the foods which cause high peaks in blood sugar may give some rls relief without causing problems. If you're type 2 diabetic then going low carb should be good for you and may even eliminate both problems.

After nine months on the diet any craving for sweet foods has long since disappeared. I get my 'taste hit' from spicy foods.

in reply to Eryl

I applaud you for your commitment! Well done!

Parminter profile image
Parminter

Grany, I do not think it is a closely guarded secret. It is closely guarded ignorance. Most doctors are not trained in this at all, (not their fault, a big gap in training), and many neurologists may be far out of date. But doctors are hugely busy, with little or no time to research, so there is no option but for patients to do it for them.

The information they get is from drug reps and their fellow doctors, who get their information from drug reps!

I think that every time we visit a doctor we should go with a well-considered file full of evidence-based medicine.

Because, although 10% of the population may have RLS from time to time, with little fallout, and no need for medication, only 1% of us are in the every-day-misery, every-day-fight brigade, for whom medications are a juggling act.

I recently had to visit a GP 1000 kilometres from my home, whom I had never met. When I apologised for telling her all about RLS, and seeming to be a nuisance know-it-all, she said 'Not a problem, you clearly know more about this than most doctors in the country. I'm listening'.

I have found that the GPs are often gems, but the specialists are often nightmares. I recently cancelled an appointment with a neurologist, that I had waited five months for, and went to my GP instead.

jcasey profile image
jcasey

Hi

Curious as to which antidepressant?

I have been on Amitriptyline for 40 yrs.

Its one of the worse ones for RLS. It is well documented. I am decreasing my dosage until I see my new Neurologist for Migraine. I also took Iron and Magnesium with dome success. Good luck

debk8484 profile image
debk8484 in reply to jcasey

I started Amitriptyline in the Fall of last year by my pain mgmt MD. Although it helps my pain & sleep, I am finding my RLS is now worsening. (I also have Dystonia in legs/toes). So my Movement Disorder Neurologist said to try stopping the nightly pill for a week & see if the RKS improves. I am going to try that. Thx for above info “jcasey”! 👍

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306

I take 300 mg slow release Wellbutrin antidepressants.

Works great.

P.S. anyone who has RLS would be depressed!

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