Trazodone, RLS, and pregnancy

[Emmarielee]

Hi all! Hope everyone is well.

I posted about my pregnancy and rls struggles a couple of days ago and just wanted to update and ask some questions and hear any experiences from you all.

I went to see my OB and she prescribed me Trazodone 100mg to take as needed for sleep. Last night I took it for the first time. I broke the tablet in half so I took 50mg instead of the full 100mg. I was able to finally get some sleep!

Prior to last night I only had accumulated about 8 or 9 hours over the course of 3 days which made life pretty difficult with 2 young kids at home on top of being pregnant.

I did have a strange side effect which I know had to be related to the medication that I took. I apologize if this is TMI. Last night about 30 minutes after taking it I had an increase in the number of times that I needed to urinate. I hadn't had an increase in liquids before bedtime, just my normal cup of water. I ended up going 4 times within about 45 minutes which is not normal for me even while pregnant. I read that it could cause urine retention but I had the opposite problem. Anyone experience this with this medication?

Also would anyone mind sharing their experiences with this medication? I'm waiting on blood work so hopefully I wont be on this long and can just add iron supplements. Thanks everyone!

[Allyp69]

There is something about pregnancy that starts or affects RLS....I had to have iron injections in the 70s....still have RLS but never had meds as too worried about side effects...have to manage it, which I do, just about. Glad you are managing....not easy.

[Oldcolner]

Hi Emmarielee,

There are reports of urinary frequency and incontinence as well as retention on this medication. There’s a very long list but you’ll see them appear under Genito urinary in the Health Professional section.

drugs.com/sfx/trazodone-sid...

This talks of 3 Dutch cases of incontinence and a possible reason.

databankws.lareb.nl/Downloa...

It sounds like you coped with the side effect and had a good night, after the first 45 mins so I hope you can time the dose a bit earlier and reduce the fluid intake at bedtime.

It could be worth speaking with your pharmacist or doctor so they can report the side effect and see if there might be other reasons. It may also be an effect that gradually wears off - hopefully.

Fingers crossed

[Emmarielee in reply to Oldcolner]

Thank you! I'll speak to her about it on Thursday. Last night I went down to 25mg and didnt have the issue with frequent urination, but had a horrible time with my rls. It seemed that while I was drowsy my legs were more sensitive. My husband tried to rub them and that usually works but last night they were too irritated.

Guess 50mg is the dose I need when I choose to take it

[TEAH35]

I wrote this reply before I read about the Trazodone. I hope it helps you and maybe gives you some encouragement.

------------------------

I feel your pain. I have had RLS since childhood ,(however I thought I was the only person in the world that had it .... I didn't even know it had a name). I was diagnosed at age 47. I'm now 66. During both my pregnancies the symptoms doubled with intensity. And like you, all I could do was spend the night walking around the house. But I think I have some good news for you. After the birth of my first baby, RLS disappeared totally, (obviously I thought it was gone forever, it was total bliss), but then I fell pregnant again and it returned with avengeance, only to disappear after the birth. I was free for the next 2 years, but then it returned

permanently. By now I had two kids, two step kids and an unsympathetic husband. I simply had to sleep. So I went to the local doctor and did not even try to explain the symptoms, apart from one, insomnia. Therein began my lifetime of taking sleeping pills. After diagnosis I was prescribed the magic drug, Sifrol, and I have been taking it ever since. It has completely eradicated all symptoms 100%. Of course it was 40 years ago that I had my children, so maybe there has been some progress, (altho I seriously doubt it), in the search for finding a suitable medication while pregnant.

I wish you luck and hope that it disappears for you as it did for me.

[Emmarielee in reply to TEAH35]

Thank you so much. My doctor said for rls specific medications that they're unsafe during pregnancy but this gives me hope after I deliver.

I've had rls for quite a while. Mostly induced by antidepressants that I've got to take. I'm going to ask my doctor about a medication for rls after baby comes! I cant imagine having 3 young babies and not getting sleep due to rls.

[Joolsg]

Urinary frequency is listed as a side effect of Trazodone so you are right to think it is the culprit.

I suggest you drink all your water during the day and stop drinking about 2/3 hours before bed and monitor the results.

Watch out for urinary retention which is another side effect as that could lead to urine infection which you don’t want.

Mention it to your doctor.

I’m delighted you managed to sleep. I hope the frequency settles.

[Emmarielee in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you! I'm relieved that I was able to sleep. I did a self experiment and went down to 25mg which was awful. I was drowsy but not drowsy enough to fall asleep before my rls was at its worst.

I guess 50mg is the perfect dose for me. Any less and my rls kills me and I think more than 50mg would put me in a sleep coma for a few days lol.

[Joolsg in reply to Emmarielee]

It’s trial and error with these drugs. You’re doing the right thing in monitoring the effects and adjusting the dose accordingly.

I know what you mean about taking the right dose to get you into deep sleep before the dreaded RLS kicks in.

I occasionally use zolpidem sleeping pills & they knock me out enough to get at least 3/4 hours sleep but I feel very drowsy the next day.

I’m so glad you’re able to get more than a couple of hours.