Amitriptilene and RLS

[linc2u]

Does anyone find Amitriptilene helps RLS at night please ?

[ChrisColumbus]

In general, amitriptyline is reported to make RLS worse for most. However LFIT recently reported that, in combination with their RLS medications - pregabalin and clonazepam - a low dose of amitryptyline helped them sleep, although it raised their resting heart rate which concerned them.

[Joolsg]

It made my RLS 1000 times worse. When I told my neurologist he replied, ' Oh yes, that can happen.'Like all anti depressants, Amitriptyline triggers or worsens RLS for the overwhelming majority.

What are you currently taking for RLS?

Has your Doctor visited RLS UK website? It sets out the meds that worsen RLS and that iron treatment is first line therapy.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Joolsg]

Just as a matter of interest Julie can you remember how much you were prescribed, as the amounts for depression or neuropathic pain can get quite high? LFIT was only put on 5mg, which - other than a 10-15% increase on resting heart rate, which was a concern - seemed to be otherwise helpful

[Joolsg in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Just searched my NHS meds record app. In 2013 I was prescribed 10mg at night for RLS, not MS. I took it for one night and was up ALL night with constant, severe RLS.I never took another dose. And it was a neurologist who suggested it when I complained that Ropinirole didn't seem to be working.

Clearly, it was augmentation, but like other UK neurologists, he knew ZERO about RLS, dopamine agonists or augmentation.

[ChrisColumbus in reply to Joolsg]

Ah well, my theory that low dose amitrip *might* help RLS bites the dust!: I'd wondered whether you'd been put on 25mg which is a not unommon starting dose for depression, pain, or mood swings in MS.... LFIT was just lucky (apart from the heart rate worry)

[LFIT in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Hi , the positive effect in combo with Pregabalin and clonezapam was dramatic for me within 2 weeks - went from 85% to 100% effective on a 5mg add . I stopped it for now as I’m monitoring BP and heart rate as it may have elevated those. The drug was easy to add/ remove so it’s may be worth a go . Everyone is different on these meds . I augmented on ropinirole on 1mg with out knowing , went to 1.75 and with drew from it subsequently with zero issues which is a sharp contrast to many ! I didn’t want to run with amitriptyline for a long time without being more surety on its side fx for me. Once I’m happy with resting heart rate and blood pressure I will try it again - test test and test again as they say !

[Elisse3]

Amitryptyline made my RLS worse awake all night and the next day. I knew it would but the doctor i saw prescribed it even thou i told her the outcome would be bad i took it just the one just to prove my point.

[Pippins2]

10mg of Amitriptyline sent my legs nuts for 30 hours .Affected my mum the same way ,she was in her eighties and had dementia, her legs had been great for 2 years when her GP insisted it would help her to sleep. I was against it but another family member insisted we try it just the once It was 10mg and I had to walk her around all night it was a nightmare. I hate that med with a passion !

[Simkin]

Like Joolsg amitryptiline made my legs 1000 times worse.

[Baz33]

Also used as an antidepressant so will make symptoms worse

[Jumpey]

Hugely triggered my RLD.Through the roof!

[Maisiecat1]

10mg amitriptyline made mine worse had to stop as instead of getting some sleep, I got no sleep. Same effect on my daughter.

[Grammieof4]

makes it worse!

[Stelladevico]

I was given amitriptyline after surgery and was up nearly all night walking around the house.

[linc2u]

Thanks a lot for all your replies! It seems a definite no -no then!!

Regards all x

[Conifer]

hi i was on it for 25 years and it was no help at all my pain consultant is trying back on gabapentin starting tonight