Lexapro and RLS

[Crazilegs]

Has anyone with RLS started taking Lexapro for anxiety? If yes, did it have any affects on your RLS? My RLS is pretty well controlled at this time with minimal drugs (100 mg Gabapentin) after finally getting off Pramipexole. I also use Melatonin, Valarian Root, and CBN. But most helpful, I think, is my exercise routine before bed (Deep knee bends) or if I awaken with RLS. Thanks. Crazilegs

[Joolsg]

You are extreme lucky that melatonin doesn't trigger RLS. It's a medication that worsens RLS for most.Most anti depressants also worsen RLS because they increase serotonin.

If you suffer anxiety, rather than depression, increasing the gabapentin might be a better option, as that can reduce anxiety.

Trazodone and Bupropion are the safe anti depressants for RLS.

rls-uk.org/medical-treatments

[Crazilegs in reply to Joolsg]

Oh, my!!! Well, I did not know this about Melatonin!!! I have been reducing Gab, so don't want to increase it right now, but thanks....I will talk to my doc about Traz/Bupropion!! Thanks!!!

[SueJohnson]

Lexapro is known to worsen RLS for many. I would avoid it.

[Crazilegs in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks. Any recommendations for dealing with anxiety? I really don’t want chemical treatment. I thought about CBD. I use a derivative for sleep and a cream for pain, but I’ve not used the tincture or gummies for quite a while. Is Delta 8 safe?

[SueJohnson in reply to Crazilegs]

Some OTC supplements that help anxiety are Ashwagandha, L-theanine and Honokiol. A prescription medicine for anxiety is Buspar (Buspirone) which may actually help with RLS and Trazodone, also a prescription medicine, helps both anxiety, insomnia and depression and also may help RLS. But I would suggest increasing your gabapentin as Joolsg said. 100 mg is below the recommended starting dose of 300 mg and might also improve your "pretty well controlled" to completely control your RLS.

[Crazilegs in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you!!!! I will talk to my doc!!

[Birdland in reply to Crazilegs]

I make a cannabis tincture for calming anxiety. It is not psycho active. You soak cannabis buds for three days in Everclear alcohol. Keep it covered in the freezer during these three days. The next three days leave it at room temp with the lid off to evaporate the alcohol. Then strain. Make sure to squeeze liquid out of buds. I keep it in a bottle with a syringe and use it sublingually.

[Crazilegs in reply to Birdland]

Thanks but I do not use cannabis. I may try Delta 8????

[Birdland in reply to Crazilegs]

The only delta 8 I know is in the form of a psycho active edible, which will make you high. Could be there is another form I don’t know about. The reason I like the tincture is because it has a calming effect without making you high.