Switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin. Wonder if this would make RLS more bearable

[mmb8083]

Has anyone ever switched from Zoloft to Wellbutrin and did you notice any relief from RLS symptoms. I’ve been thinking of asking my doctor to make the switch. I’ve been on 75mg Zoloft for at least 20 years. Tried weaning off but was unsuccessful so my body does seem to need that shot of serotonin. Since Wellbrutin is known to be more RLS friendly I was wondering if anyone made the switch and improved their leg issues

[Hidden]

I can only say that theoretically Wellbutrin might be kinder to your RLS than Zoloft. Whether it will have the same desired effect as Zoloft is another matter.

For RLS it has the advantage that it raises dopamine levels. It does not have any effect on serotonin. It might therefore not cater for your apparent dependence on serotonin.

You could try increasing your serotonin by finding good food sources, taking 5HTP or Tryptophan.

I'm not sure whether an SSRI is ever needed long term. For depression/anxiety it's only supposed to be a short term measure.

I have heard that some people are told they have a "biochemical imbalance", but I believe that when this is associated with depression/anxiety it's not been shown that a lack of serotonin is causing the depression/anxiety or the depression/anxiety is causing a lack of serotonin. i.e. which is the cause and which is the effect.

Overall, chronic depression/anxiety, in the absence of any precipitating event or circumstance is likely to be psychogenic and is probably better to deal with it using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. (CBT) or Mindfulness CBT. This isn't however an easy option or one with immediate effect, but it can improve resilience, improve general well being and avoid dependence on psychtropic drugs and their side effects.

The good news is, if you live in the US as I suspect, Wellbutrin should be available to you. Bupropion, (the genetic name) is difficult to access in the UK, its prescription is restricted.

It's worth trying.

[FluteE]

I recently made the switch after having been on Zoloft for 10+yrs. My Dr. recommended that I take the Zoloft in the evening (that’s when I normally took it) and take the Wellbutrin the next morning (that’s the recommended time). I did this on a weekend since I didn’t know how it would affect me. The transition went fine. After a few weeks, I noticed that my crying for no reason returned. I called my Dr. and she increased my dosage of the Wellbutrin. Everything is back to normal now AND my RLS is MUCH BETTER!!!! 🙏 I still take Pramipexole but my dosage is lower and I only take it 2 hours before bedtime! Wished I had made the change sooner. Now... if I could figure out how to shut my brain off so I could stay asleep (at least I’m not hurting). Praying you will be afforded the same relief! Keep us posted!

[mmb8083 in reply to FluteE]

Thank you so much for your reply. I’m at my wits end with this disorder. I’ve tried so many things with only minimal relief and or unpleasant side effects. I’m hoping that transitioning off of Zoloft or maybe just taking a tiny dose in addition to Wellbutrin might offer even some relief

[Birdyman]

Wasn’t on Zoloft but used Wellbutrin years ago - np help no way Jose.

[mmb8083 in reply to Birdyman]

What do you mean. Was Wellbutrin no help with depression or was your RLS still as bad while on it

[Birdyman in reply to mmb8083]

Actually both would be true. I was not diagnosed with rls at the time cuz dr thought I had anxiety. But did not work anyway.

[Hidden]

I was on Zoloft for years and it was the reason why I suffered from RLS. It helped my depression but the RLS side effects made me a fat walking zombie. Finally did a sleep study and the doctor said I moved around so much it was like watching a marathon race LOL. Darn drug was causing my RLS symptoms for YEARS and had no idea! Switched immediately to Wellbutrin XL and RLS went away. The change has been pretty good but I do think my depression was managed better with the SSRI, but I refuse to go back on it. Having the RLS and insomnia isn’t worth it. I recommend giving the Wellbutrin a try.

[AubreyT in reply to Hidden]

Very similar story

[mmb8083]

Thank you so much for replying. I think I’m going to go the Wellbutrin route and pray for best. Life with this disorder has become no life at all. It affects every part of my life and the lack of sleep is taking a toll on my health