Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Yes, I know when most people hear the word "Lithium," they think crazy but Lithium is quite often used, in small doses, as a mild mood stabilizer. I don't know why I haven't mentioned it before, with all of the anti-depressant talk. After I took Paxil, with success, it was a number of years before i needed another anti-depressant. When I did, I opted for Lithium because of the lessened sexual side effects. It worked well for me also...especially combined with Klonopin for anxiety. Anybody ever used Lithium besides me?

Sorry for bringing up this old thread, but I am having a "situation" with Lithium right now.

My shrink prescribed it for depression. I see it on the list of those drugs that are not good for RLS. He doesn't think it should be a problem, though. Quite honestly, I can't tell because my RLS symptoms started acting up again 2 days before I started the Lithium. I do know that when I take it, the symptoms are even worse.

When you first start taking it, you can also suffer from worse depression for a while, which is happening to me. I honestly don't think I can say with it because of that.

I digress, though. Does anyone have any input on its effect on RLS??

Thanks,

Dale

Not a clue, Dale. I'd suggest writing to Dr. B. According the The Clinical Management of RLS, there are a few anecdotal reports of it worsening PLM/RLS, but no studies have been done.

No clue, Dale. All I know is that if I had to take it for my mood, I would and worry about covering the extra symptoms, if any, with more of my regular RLS meds. That's what Dr. B always recommends, and that's what I do.

I did write to him. He just answered. He said that years ago there was a concern but that in recent years, there have no reported problems with the drug. He concluded that it ability to make RLS worse is low.

Dale

Hi Dale

I hope you are reassured with what Dr B had to say about the effects of Lithium on rls symptoms.

I don't know about Lithium but with regard to your depression getting worse, my understanding is that in general, until an antidepressant 'kicks in' the depression continues on its course and can worsen, therefore it is not the antidpressant that is making things worse, it is just that illness continues until the medication starts to work.

This is only my understanding.
I hope things soon improve.

What PB said is very true. In addition, depending on the AD, is can take weeks to notice benefits. It can be hard to stay with something during that time, especially if there are any side effects. Sometimes we just have a "trust" in something - our doctor, higher power, mother nature, whatever works. We have to have faith that we will be OK and that this will work. If I've learned only one thing in life, it's that our brains are extremely powerful and what we think will happen is often exactly what does happen.

I recall reading recently the advice
'Fake it until you make it'
although this would be easier said than done.
Hard to do when feeling bad.
But just thought I'd mention it.

Thanks. I've been taking anti-depressants for over 40 years, so am familiar with starting a new one. In all those years, though, I never took one that made me feel more depressed until it kicked in.

Recently, they have decided I might be bi-polar rather than just plain depressed. This calls for a new family of medications. The doctor said that some patients feel more depressed with Lithium when they first start. He feel that is a good sign that the medication will ultimately work. He was not sure I was bi-polar but thinks this reaction proves it.

My big concern is that it will make my RLS worse. In the past week, the RLS has gone back to pre-iron transfusion stage. In one short week, the symptoms went from mild back to where they were. This started a day before I took my first Lithium, so I really can't tell if it is the drug. That is what is troubling me the most.

Dale