Drug interactions and RLS-

[Wanman4]

I found this information to be very useful, as many of Us, as well as our Doctors are not aware of these interactions. Here’s the link restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-...

[Madlegs1]

Link not working for me.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Madlegs1]

That's unfortunate: it works for me, although a message with the cookie opts makes it clear that it's intended for US users

[SueJohnson]

Good article except 1) It left out trazodone which is a safe antidepressant 2) Caffeine makes RLS worse for some as stated, but it also make RLS better for some. 3)Topamax may help but in other cases may make RLS worse 4) I wish they hadn't mentioned the Dopaminergic drugs as one should never start them if they are not already on them.

[ChrisColumbus]

9Some good points, but perhaps not detailed enough to be a really useful reference. What do you think SueJohnson Joolsg Madlegs1 ?

On a quick read I noted that it doesn't warn about the potential augmentation and impulse control problems with the dopamine agonists, misspells bupropion, doesn't mention trazodone, doesn't mention buprenorphine, talks about iron therapy without guidance or pointing out that too few doctors know enough about RLS to interpret blood test results correctly in this context....

[SueJohnson]

Also although clonazepam can help it has a 40 hour half life so can cause daytime sleepiness. Eszopiclone or Lunesta that they list is best as you can take it long term where the others are for short term or intermittent use.

[Eryl]

Reinforces my determination to eliminate my rls by dietary control alone. Cut down your systemic inflammation by cutting out wheat flour and processed food (including refined seed oils) and you'll reduce and could even eliminate your rls.

[Joolsg]

It's a useful resource to show meds that can trigger RLS, but it's not as detailed as the Mayo Clinic Algorithm.As Chris and Sue point out, it doesn't mention Buprenorphine or methadone, the most effective low dose opioids and it doesn't mention trazodone as a safe anti depressant. Especially important now Bupropion has been discontinued due to contamination. GSK informed me that they don't know when manufacturing will begin again.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Joolsg]

I had thought that the GSK contamination issue *only* affected bupropion (Zyban) in Europe/UK? Has it also hit e.g. Oz, and has there also been an issue with Wellbutrin elsewhere now?

[Joolsg in reply to ChrisColumbus]

I'm not sure. I know GSK supplied Australia with Zyban. I hope there are other manufacturers who can supply the drug, but it doesn't look good.

[Joolsg in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Apparently Accord also manufacture Bupropion so I've emailed them to find out if there's a problem/shortage.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Joolsg]

I can't see bupropion on their product list but perhaps they've just decided to take advantage of GSK's disarray... The BNF is only listing GSK, but perhaps Accord have a licence for other parts of the world? Hope you get the answer from them!

[Wanman4 in reply to Joolsg]

I was not aware of the Mayo Clinic list, I located and here’s a link for others who also may not be aware of it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...