2nd night with no sleep

[Janis67J]

Hi, I’m only 17 and I started noticing symptoms of RLS at the beginning of this year once I started taking my antidepressants (Lexapro). When I told my doctor she just lowered my dosage which was helpful for a bit but it eventually got worse again. About a month ago I decided to stop taking my antidepressants altogether because I couldn’t stand not being able to sleep. Things were going well for a good while but just a few nights ago it came back, I’m on my second night with no sleep and nothing seems to be helping. I’m exhausted and frustrated because I need Lexapro for my severe anxiety but I also need to sleep and I don’t want to have to choose between the two. I can’t go see my doctor right now due to coronavirus, and I’ve done a lot of research on it but I’m still very new to all of this. I just don’t really know what to do.

[Heatherlss]

Hi Janis,

Sorry to hear that you're struggling at such a young age. Terrible.

I don't have much to suggest apart from the fact that anti-depressants are known to make RLS worse. As you noticed, stopping them or reducing the dosage did help your symptoms.

One more thing, please try to refrain from medications for RLS if you could. At least for now. Get your iron levels tested. They might help resolving the situation altogether.

[Hidden]

Hi Janis, it's awful that you're struggling with these issues.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors like Lexapro are known to make RLS worse so that's what triggered your RLS. It does sound as if you do have "idiopathic" RLS, i.e. an innate tendency to having RLS. The SSRI has precipitated it increasing in intensity.

It might seem intuitive that if you stopped taking the SSRI then the RLS would improve. This may happen, but it may take a while to do so.

I understand yoir dilemma, if you don't take something, you suffer anxiety, if you do take something you suffer RLS.

Additionally, both anxiety and insomnia can make RLS worse, so you're in a vicious circle.

There are a few options for you

1. Benzodiazepines e.g. are a more traditional remedy for anxiety and are still used for insomnia. These do not cause RLS. Clonazepam, is commonly used for insomnia in RLS sufferers.

2. No medication should be prescribed for anxiety in the long term. Medication should be usef short term to "take the dge off" whilst other therapies are started.

If you're suffering anxiety because of some specific situation or event then talking therapies (counselling) may help.

If you suffer a recognisable anxiety disorder of which there are a few, you might seek a referral to mental health services.

3. There are a variety of self help and other anxiety management strategies yoi can research online. Mindfulness is a strategy I personally find helpful.

You are young and learning some coping strategies will help you the rest of your life.

NOT using medication for your anxiety will help with your RLS.

As regards your RLS, as Heatherlss says, NOT a good idea to start on RLS medication.

There are a variety of non-pharmacological measures for dealing with RLS.

The first one to look at is your brain iron levels. This can be indicated by a blood test for "ferritin". If it's below 100ug/L then you may benefit from an oral iron supplement. Read about iron and RLS on this site.

The link below is a link to an overview of RLS management.

Do NOT read about medications!

uptodate.com/contents/treat...

[Hidden]

Hi Janis,

I'm sorry for what you're going through! My experience is that, while its a good antidepressant, Lexapro grabs hold of you and doesn't want to let go. I tried going down 4 times (over different lengths of time and at different increment reductions) and got very depressed every single time. Does your doctor offer phone sessions? You need to be very careful with Lexapro (and doubly so because of the RLS), so I would try getting in contact with her and weighing your options.

I hope this helps somewhat.

[WideBody]

Hi Janis, I am sorry that you have to deal with this at 17! Life has it's own issues at 17 without RLS.

Lexapro can cause issues with RLS and it may take awhile to go away.

I take Wellbutrin (bupropion), and it does seem to help. I do think it is the only antidepressant that is listed for use with RLS. It seems to be helping me.

Of course what REALLY helped me was supplemental iron, so please get yours checked. You want your ferritin to be ABOVE normal. If the doctor or nurse says it is a little low..... it is very LOW by RLS standards.

Sleeping is the hard part, but it DOES get better! I use meditation and Yoga, it is a coping mechanism and the more I practice the better I get, but progress is just as slow as exercise.

BTW, since the studios are closed, I haven't been doing yoga and I am gradually turning into a slug.

Good luck, you got this.

[Buddhacat]

I mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water, it always helps! I take 200 mg. Magnesium twice a day also helps significantly.

My number one helper is magnesium spray on legs,arms and back. Gabapentin is also helpful, of course you have to get a prescription. Never ever take Benadryl it will give you rls head to toe!!!

PLEASE try the above. I have severe rls and I have found relief. I used to wonder if I could die from rls, it can be that severe. Anyone who has never experienced it can't possibly understand how disabling it can be. It sounds like such a silly problem but it is a profound problem that must be addressed.

Good luck and be blessed with healing. Take action and use the above it will Definitely help you.

Have a restful day with Rested Legs 🙏💫🌈🙏

[bill54321]

I suggest you be very pro-active and goolge and study. At your age, you will be led around by the nose. Seek the real treatment of physical myoclonic jerks and seek a physicians referral to a Movement Neurologist. DO NOT TAKE MEDICINE TO GO TO SLEEP> Study the Navy Seals Method. Google. Keep notes physically. Show your notes to your physician. Not satisfied; seek a referral to another physician for a second opinion. You will need your parents backing until you are legal age. Show them this script. Getting started on RLS with Awakeness is so important.Your age will mean a lot. Please make sure you follow professional help but learn how avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs affect your conditions. Googling will help you to learn good ffod, good exercise and good sleep. Do you want to live over 100 yrs of age? Want to die at the normal 75 Yrs old for men. Your wife will live on to 95yrs old due to superior genes. Think men are better? Stupid. After all, whose body is it?

[Hidden]

Kratom stops RlS get the red kinds one to two grams every 4 to 6 hours.