Antidepressants and RLS

[Katti703]

I tried cutting back my antidepressants for 2 months and it did help to greatly reduce my RLS in my legs. BUT... I also found that I couldn't live on that lower dose, so I've had to go back on my higher dose. My RLS has come back with a vengeance, and even during the daytime if I try to put my legs up. Now what?

[Hidden]

Hello!

That’s a tough one. I have been in a bit of the same situation with not being able to get off an anti-d known to worsen RLS. Luckily, my situation sorted itself out.

Do you mind me asking what anti-d’s you’re on?

[Katti703 in reply to Hidden]

Effexor

[Hidden in reply to Katti703]

Yes, I’ve heard of/been on that one before. It was pre-RLS though, so I’m sorry that I can’t really help you there. My suggestion would be to discuss your predicament with your doctor(s). Unfortunately it is a huge balancing act when it comes to medicating both RLS and depression.

All the best!

[lorrinet in reply to Katti703]

I think you should change your anti-depressant. I was on Effexor for a while, and getting off it was hell on earth - I had reflux so badly I almost had to have my gall bladder removed. I joined a forum on Effexor withdrawal and learned a lot about this drug and its awful side effects, quite apart from my RLS getting worse. I believe there are other anti-depressants available which are much kinder. Good luck.

[Katti703 in reply to lorrinet]

Can I ask what forum you found all that info on Effexor?

[lorrinet in reply to Katti703]

I looked for this forum but unfortunately it has closed down. Try this:

cchrflorida.org/ssri-withdr...

I forgot to mention that I changed to Prozac because withdrawal from Effexor (Venlafaxine) was so bad, and it was much easier to withdraw from.

[Katti703 in reply to lorrinet]

Thank you! I wonder if I did switch from Effexor to Wellbutrin if I would have to completely come off the Effexor before starting the Wellbutrin. Question for my doc.

[Madlegs1]

If you check out these sites, you may find information on safe antidepressants.

rlshelp.org

rls-uk.org

Or email the first site . You should get a reply fairly quickly.

[Madlegs1 in reply to Madlegs1]

Trazadone, apparently is safe to use for many people .

[Leelee49]

I’m on trazadone and it doesn’t affect my rls

[Katti703 in reply to Leelee49]

Doesn't it make you sleepy during the day? I take 50mg at night so I can get to sleep.

[Leelee49 in reply to Katti703]

Not really no, I take 2 a night

[Katti703]

And that lasts you all day?

[Sara_2611]

hi

have you spoken to your doctor about this -its also a tough on for me because Ive never been on anti depressants

I can only hope that you are able to get a resolve soon

I wish you good luck in your findings

[Marvene1942]

I am having the same problem. I take Paxil which is bad for RLS. My Dr. told me I could stop Paxil and she put me on Welbutrin . I found out the hard way you can't stop Paxil. I had severe dizziness. I read on line that you have to taper off Paxil. So I just started taking it again. I still have dizzy spells but it's getting better

[Sjb41111]

I began taking Wellbutrin a couple of months ago, and my RLS has decreased pretty drastically. I felt like Wellbutrin took longer to regulate, but I don’t feel numb like I was on lexapro. I also try to walk at least a little during each day. Even if the weather is terrible I walk laps around the house. As long as I avoid caffeine and other triggers I’m able to go to sleep fairly well. I should also mention I take Requip midday and shortly before bed. It tends to make me drowsy so a low dose midday is sufficient. I ultimately recommend Wellbutrin. It doesn’t trigger RLS at all. Hopefully this helps.

[marsha2306]

I was on Celexa for many years. It was really not so awful tapering off. I did it over a month. While I did that I took Wellbutrin 300 mg XR every day and the transition went we’ll.

[Milefulano]

Wellbutrin is fine. Trazadone will make you sleepy.

[Tinabugsu]

Try a different type of antidepressant that doesn't cause RLS. Maybe lithium is an option?

[btthemd]

Hi, sorry to hear you are having problems with your meds. I think you need to try different RLS meds or perhaps a different antidepressant. Not all meds work the same so you have to experiment to find the best combo. Hope you have good success.

[Neverquitting]

Have you tried Wellbutrin? I got off Zoloft by taking Seratame

[Katti703]

That's what I'm going to ask my doc about during my next appt. From what I've read on here, it's not supposed to affect RLS. I've had this all my life, and I've been taking .50 of Mirapex for the last several years, but it's not really cutting it anymore.

[Katti703]

Update! For the past 5 days I've experimented with the time that I take my antidepressant at night. A little more explanation about my conditions... I had weight loss surgery back in 2003, and had a more severe surgical procedure than what most heart about. (BPDS). That's the reason for my being able to keep off a 230lb. weight loss. For this reason, I have to take higher doses of vitamins and some meds spread out during the day, in order for me to absorb enough of what I need to live. I'm very compliant and have had no issues to date. So, I take my vitamins and antidepressants 3 times a day for proper absorption. My Antidepressant (Effexor) makes my RLS worse. What I've been doing over the last 5 days is to take my vitamins along with my Premprazole (.50mg) around 8 pm. This is usually when I sit down to relax and watch some TV, or read. I'm holding off taking my Effexor until 30 minutes before I want to go to sleep, along with my prescribed 50mg Trazadone (using as an alternative to sleeping pills). So far, my RLS is much less severe while I'm relaxing! I hope I'm onto something here as I'm happy just to be able to sit without the constant need to move my legs. I do sleep solidly for about 5 hours before having to get up and pee 😉 and find I can go right back to sleep. Crossing my fingers...

[Hidden in reply to Katti703]

This is great news, Katti!! May it last forever!

[Katti703]

Update: 15 Days and counting with less symptoms! I'm still taking my Effexor and Trazadone apart from my Premprazole at night and it's still working! 😁 Much less urge to move my legs while relaxing at night. I plan on continuing this for a couple of months up until my next Doctor visit. My plan is to try switching to Wellbutrin if this fails. Crossing my fingers!