Duloxetine effect on RLS?

[Wiggler]

Hi,

Just a quick one. I’m having a juggle around of meds with a great new consultant I’m under the management of from The Priory, Roehampton (UK). I briefly had Duloxetine added to my current meds and I think we over did it with the mixture of other meds I’m on causing serotonin syndrom so we stopped it after a week. My RLS is 95% under control at the moment with the mixture I’m on but the Duloxetine immediately helped with background pain from various operations/injuries in the past (ex Army & Police). I’d love to get the Duloxetine into the mix which I hope we’ll do by cutting back on Pregabalin 275/day, Lamotrigine 300/day & Bupropion 300/day.

Brief question - is Duloxetine likely to make RLS symptoms worse again (had since childhood and was previously all over my body at the usual rest/sleep times pre meds). I know SSRI’s can but are SNRI’s in a similar vein?

Sorry for making a short question into a longer one and thank you as always for all the amazing input we get from you all!

[SueJohnson]

Yes SNRIs are in a similar vein and Duloxetine is likely to cause RLS symptoms. It certainly did for me. My RLS is completely controlled and I can take many things that cause RLS like melatonin and benadryl but Duloxetine make my RLS go through the roof.

[SethLinn]

I have been taking Duloxetine for the last 8 years for Chronic Pain Syndrome, 30mg each morning. It has made my RLS a little worse but lucky it's not too bad. I have been mostly able to keep it in check with iron and vit D supplements.

[Wiggler]

many thanks to you both. As with everything RLS related, it sounds like a personal reaction that can vary with some trial and error!