Trazodone for RLS, Part 2

[Restlesssinger]

OK, since writing my previous post, I've done some reading on the forum about trazodone. Doesn't sound like a good bet overall. Feel free to chime in with your experiences, of course, but I think I have my answer.

[RLS1952]

I am having a lot of success, under a naturopath, using magnesium chelate and the herb gotu kola. Sifrol stopped working well at 0.25mg and doctor would not increase it. Did some research and found out about augmentation. Also the issues with a lot of other drugs given my doctors hence my consulting a naturopath. Ask if you are interested in brands and dosages. Stress is a big trigger for me.

[nightdancer]

Trazadone IS 1 of 3 possible antidepressants that will not make RLS worse. it also helps promote sleep. It is not going to stop RLS, it is not used for that. BUT, it is not a tricyclic or an SSRI, and they are the 2 classes of anti-d's which will make RLS worse for 99% of us. So to be really clear, Trazadone is not used FOR RLS, it is an anti-d that does not make it worse.

[Restlesssinger in reply to nightdancer]

Thank you!

I am very slowly tapering off of the SSRI I've been on for MANY years (sertraline). This does seem to help. Now I'm down to 37-1/2 mg one day, 50 mg. the next, etc. If I find I do need an antidepressant, trazodone sounds like a fairly safe bet. Even when I don't have RLS symptoms (rare!), I do have trouble falling asleep. My other concern re: trazodone is possible weight gain. I tend to gain weight by just looking at food. (jk)

[Hidden in reply to nightdancer]

Trazadone is OK. Trust me. It does not aggravate RLS nor does it make you gain weight. It does help with sleep. I've been using it for years for sleep. But it does not help with RLS. That is a puzzle to which I do not yet have the answer alas.