Improved sleep on anti-anxiety medication / antidepressants.

[Amrob]

Has anyone gone on anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants (those that don't exacerbate RLS) and found that their sleep quality improved?

Following on from a recent post containing Andy Berkowski's video on whether Periodic Limb Movement Disorder actually exists, i've been looking at alternative explanations for the non-refreshing sleep that is diagnosed as PLMD.

One line of thought is that one (of several) explanations for non-refreshing sleep is "state of mind"

State of mind: there can be any number of disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder that lead to poor sleep quality. However, those without mental health conditions can also have stress, excitement, lack of relaxation, etc. without a disorder that will disrupt sleep and lead to frequent brain awakenings.

(personal correspondence with Dr Berkowski)

My question really only applies to people who have been diagnosed with PLMD, but given the rarity of this as a distinct disorder, i'd be interested in hearing from anyone with PLMD and RLS who has found their sleep quality improved when they took non RLS-exacerbating anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants (or undertook some other therapy).

It would be super helpful if you could also advise of any other medications you were taking / started taking at the time.

Thanks for reading.

[lauraflora]

Not a drug, but I have been taking St. John's Wort 700 mg before bed and when I wake up, usually 1x per night. Also gaba, the amino acid, 500 mg. Both my sleep and my rls have improved quite a bit. I have been doing this now for over a month and a half, and only had 2 nights that were a bit more disturbed. St. John's wort, which is used for mild/moderated depression, SAD also, is recommended for nerve pain and rls. Look it up.Gaba, which I find very useful for rls, also is helpful for anxiety and sleep.

Of course, not everyone benefits by these things, just as it is with any other meds or supplements. One has to try things to see what works.

[Amrob in reply to lauraflora]

Thanks for sharing your experience LauraFlora, I'm glad the St John's Wort and GABA are working for you.