Anti-depressants

[kgmoore2187]

Hi folks,

I'm wondering if anyone has had ok success with any anti -depressants and RLS? I've read that most anti-depressants can make RLS worse, but my therapist would like me to look into it. I'm dealing with a lot- recovering from cancer, job transition, moving, but my RLS is severe so I don't want to take anything to make it worse.

Thanks for your help!

Katherine

[Polar Bear]

Welbrutin is considered to be an antidepressant that won't aggravate rls.
Apart from that it is a matter of trial and error.

I have severe rls and also used the antidepressant Citalopram for many years without any obvious ill effects. My Movement Disorder Consultant wanted me to stop taking it in a bid to reduce any possible triggers, no matter how minor that trigger might be. I tapered off it and felt no difference in my rls symptoms.

A very eminent rls expert has said that if an antidepressant is needed then so be it and any resultant increase in rls symptoms should then be treated appropriately.

[kgmoore2187]

Thank you!

[badnights]

I echo what Betty said. It really depends on the person whether a particular AD will worsen symptoms or not.
I've heard (but haven't personally confirmed) that some studies suggest there should be no negative effect of most ADs on WED/RLS symptoms, even though earlier studies seemed to show that the tricylcic ADs were a problem and the SSRIs and SNRIs were in some cases a problem.

[ViewsAskew]

There was a study at least ten years ago that showed the WORST case was about 18% were bothered, but the average was like 4 or 5%. Even if it were 1 in 5 or 1 in 6, I'd try it if I needed it!