Wellbutrin and RLS: Hi everyone, I... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Wellbutrin and RLS

Ikeeptrying profile image
17 Replies

Hi everyone, I posted a question about Wellbutrin several months ago but can't find it. I was wondering if any of you that suffer with rls and depression have tried Wellbutrin. I have so many health problems I'm seriously sad. Would Wellbutrin help? What is your experience with it. It's getting so bad i can't hardly get up in the morning. Not fair to my wonderful husband. Don't know what to do as other anti-d's exacerbate rls. All comments are appreciated. Thank you.

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Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying
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17 Replies

Hi! I take Wellbutrin every morning for depression. I find that it’s a good anti-depressant; I notice it if I miss a dose. I’ve also found that if my legs act up, it’s not because of the Wellbutrin. In fact, I use to tie my nightly doses to good leg nights!

Since Wellbutrin has waking properties I now take it in the morning to try and limit my daytime sleepiness

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to

Thank you Jess, I didn't realize it had waking properties. Makes it even better.

Parminter profile image
Parminter

Wellbutrin works on the dopamine system, unlike the SSRIs.

So it may work on both counts - definitely for the sadness, and possibly some help with the RLS. And no harms.

It will take a few weeks to kick in, but you should feel improvement within a couple of weeks. You can start to feel hope right now.

Depression and anxiety seem to be part and parcel of this condition - as if we did not have enough to cope with!

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to Parminter

I love that you said I can start to feel hope now. Gives me hope, really. Thank you.

Parminter profile image
Parminter in reply to Ikeeptrying

You call yourself I Keep Trying, which is just great. Do that, and you will win.

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Was it this? healthunlocked.com/rlsuk/po...

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to Kaarina

Yes, thank you! Don't know why I couldn't find it. I have more responses/information with this latest post so it worked out.

Tennwalker1 profile image
Tennwalker1

Hi ikeeptrying, I took Wellbutrin several years ago. It didn't seem to work for me. I was using it for PMS. I was nervous and uptight tight during a certain period of the month. It was prescribed for me by my OBGYN I have been on Cymbalta 20 mg for two years now it seems to do okay I don't notice my RLS being any worse because I'm taking it. I guess it's different for each individual. Sorry I can't be of any more help. Good luck with finding the right combination for your RLS and depression.

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to Tennwalker1

I'm sorry it didn't work for you. Like you said, everyone's different and meds work differently on everyone. Thank you for responding.

Zbirth1 profile image
Zbirth1

Hi. I am on Day 28 of Mirapex withdrawal. I’ve taken both Cymbalta & Wellbutrin for many years. Prior to starting withdrawal I had read that increasing it had helped some people to have an easier time so requested my Dr to increase it which she did (doubled the dose. I’m also taking Oxycodone & medical marijuana. My RLS has been labeled very severe & I was nervous about the withdrawal, especially since the augmentation had taken over my arms & shoulders. I’ve had some rough patches but for the most part withdrawal hasn’t been any worse than my daily episodes. Best of luck for peaceful slumbers. 😴😴😴

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply to Zbirth1

I was on 30 mg of Cymbalta and after 6 or 7 months my RLS got worse. My neurologist said Cymbalta builds up in your system. When I weaned off my RLS improved.

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to Zbirth1

Thank you best of luck to you also. I'm sorry your rls is so severe.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306

I took Citalopram for many years til I found out that was making my RLS worse. I was switched to (3 years ago) Wellbutrin 300 XL (extended release) and it has worked well.

Ikeeptrying profile image
Ikeeptrying in reply to marsha2306

I'm glad Wellbutrin is working for you. There is hope.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply to marsha2306

I recommend you go to the rlshelp.org website. Scroll down a bit and click on the link to RLS Treatment PAGE and you will find, in addition to the medications that people take, there is a list oh meds that are known to make RLS worse.

Milefulano profile image
Milefulano

Its pretty good! Definitely worth a try!

Tennwalker1 profile image
Tennwalker1

Wow! Thanks, I may have to try Wellbutrin again. Maybe I needed a larger dose or the extended release. The cymbalta I take is only 20mg. I'm up for anything that will help my legs! Thanks again.

Don't know if this is the right place to ask this but... does anyone notice their rls being worse at a certain time of the mont? Mine are always worse the first of the month, when my period use to be long ago. Does that seem strange? Anyone else?

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