Anti-Depressant Med's & RLS Symptoms

[RLS1959]

Are there any anti-depressants that don't increase RLS symptoms? I was taking Zoloft and after stopping it for about a month, my RLS symptoms dramatically improved but I need to find an anti-depressant I can take that doesn't cause RLS symptoms.

[Polar Bear]

Welcome RLS1959,
I take citalopram 20mg and am unaware of any negative impact on my RLS/WED symptoms. However, my symptoms are 24/7 and I take regular medication to control these symptoms. It could be that if my citalopram does cause a little negativity, it is covered by my RLS medication.

One of the leading RLS Consultants has stated that if an AD is needed then it should be taken and any increase in RLS symptoms should be managed as necessary.

My understanding is that Wellbrutin is less likely to aggravate RLS/WED but I have also heard that it is not the most efficient of antidepressants.

With regard to an antidepressant it really seems to be a matter of trial and error to see what works best for the individual.

[ViewsAskew]

All of them might work - there aren't any that always cause issues. Even if one does cause problems, the chances are high that another will be OK. The problem, as Polar Bear noted, is figuring it out because we're all do different. What works for me may not for you, etc. I think, if I remember correctly, that most of the newer ADs had a 2 to 20% chance of worsening or causing RLS - most were in the 5-10% range.

So glad your symptoms were better after stopping the Zoloft! You know that one doesn't work. .

[veldon75]

Wellbutrin and Trazodone dont aggravate RLS I used to take them.

[badnights]

Then again, for some people they might. I thought that both did for me, but I didn't give them a long enough trial so I can't be sure.

This is not to discourage anyone from finding an AD, but just to re-iterate Ann's point that different people can be affected differently by the same medication.