FYI - Monoclonal Antibodies

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10... This article indicates that the monoclonal antibody treatment for migraines provoked RLS symptoms in at least two patients. This form of treatment is also used for certain cancers and immunological diseases.

[Joolsg]

I've been on monoclonal antibody treatment ( Natalizumab) for the last 12 years. It hasn't made my RLS worse.If only 2 reports it could be coincidence...

[Hidden in reply to Joolsg]

When did your RLS begin?

[Joolsg in reply to Hidden]

1997. Didn't start Natalizumab until 2009.

[Hidden in reply to Joolsg]

Besides, you know my cockeyed theory. Substances (or things like exercise) that have the tendency to trigger or make the symptoms of RLS worse in the short run because they're antagonizing our dopamine receptors will in the long run up-regulate them and make the RLS better, albeit temporarily. The problem is night time. If you can exercise or take the substance by day (with a short half life) then it might be worth it. So people who avoid important treatments like H1 and H2 antagonists, like the plague, should maybe reconsider. I think Tagamet and Benedryl are great drugs and I use them all the time, during the day. Who knows, maybe they've been giving my receptors a little extra boost They greatly improve my quality of life. With that said, I like it better when the zinc carnosine rids me of my heartburn and right now I'm getting allergy shots so hopefully one day I won't need Benedryl.

[Joolsg]

I love your theories. It's controversial & outside the box but there may be something in it. If so you can have a massive 'I told you so' moment.

[Hidden in reply to Joolsg]

No, I don't like those moments. I prefer everyone listen to me from the git-go. We'll figure this all out, even if it fractures our personalities in the process.

[SueJohnson]

Benadryl is known to make RLS worse. Why not take cetirizine or zyrtec?

[Hidden in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue, I felt like they were less effective - tried two kinds, Allegra and the other name escapes me. I felt like they were making my stomach sensitive to food??? Not my intestines, my stomach? I actually like that the Benedryl has the tendency to make RLS worse by antagonizing dopamine receptors. In the short run it can make RLS worse, but in the long run may up-regulate the receptors, albeit temporarily. That's what we need, ultimately, the up-regulation of our receptors...just the opposite of what the DAs do.