Mood Swings

[GaryHB]

I wonder if anyone experiences mood swings with rls? My rls started after a traumatic event in my life over 20 years ago. Something happened that caused massive fear in my life and on that day I stopped being able to sleep at night. I just could not fall asleep without jolting wide awake. Sometimes I only managed 1 hour sleep a night. This carried on for a few months and then rls started. So in my case, it seems that it was induced by stress. I have subsequently been diagnosed with PTSD. Over the last 20 years I have struggled with mood swings and its been hard to know hy? Is it PTSD or rls or medication? I'm curious if mood swings is a common problem with other people who have rls?

[SueJohnson]

What medication are you taking?

[GaryHB in reply to SueJohnson]

Currently just Tramadol. 3 x 50mg per day. Previously it was Pramipexole alternating with Codeine for 20 years. Then trials with Pregabalin, anti anxiety meds, Gabapentin. Nothing worked except Tramadol.

[SueJohnson in reply to GaryHB]

Well then the mood swings are not likely a result of your medication.

[SueJohnson]

Mood swings can accompany RLS so it is likely that.

[GaryHB in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you for your reply. Appreciated.

[ChrisColumbus]

Lack of dopamine or low dopamine production can result in fatigue, mood swings, low focus, insomnia and intense sugar and caffeine cravings.

bebrainfit.com/dopamine-def...

NOTE: I am not promoting 'Mind Lab Pro' which the authors of the linked article recommend to boost dopamine as I have not tried it, but I feel that there are useful bits of info throughout the article

[GaryHB in reply to ChrisColumbus]

That is such a good article. I definitely relate to all it said. I will what it recommends.

[GaryHB in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thank you very much.

[Moonwalker1967]

Thanks for sharing this. Super interesting. I had alcoholic parents and a lot of traumatic experiences in my childhood.

[GaryHB in reply to Moonwalker1967]

Glad it was helpful. I have never really fully recovered - I struggle with a constant pounding heart and whenever I feel overwhelmed I experience huge emotional reactions - the same reaction when I felt overwhelmed by fear 20 years ago. Its tough. I have had to try and manage the condition. I have read a few books on PTSD and they helped. It took about 15 years before my Doctor actually said he thought my health issues were PTSD. I had never considered it before then. But it makes a lot of sense now that I have read up on it.

[GaryHB in reply to Moonwalker1967]

Have you considered counselling? It really helps.

[Moonwalker1967]

Yes, not very helpful. During COVID times over the phone. In the UK you get 10 sessions on the NHS for free. I found that councillor was very unprofessional. I had sessions in Germany with a Dr of psychology and was much better. Where did you get sessions?

[GaryHB in reply to Moonwalker1967]

Sorry to hear that. My counselling experience was excellent. I went to Dove Counselling in Glasgow for face-to-face counselling - twice. They were spot on and very professional. Uncovered so many undealt with issues from my past and helped me face them and deal with them.

[Tanker1]

Yes. My mood is highly correlated to the amount of good sleep I get. Less sleep, poor mood. More sleep, good mood. Sleep depravation is considered torture for a reason.

[GaryHB in reply to Tanker1]

True!