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Has anyone dealt with REM Behavior Disorder (RBD )

Aging Well | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (42)

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Profile picture for peterwmoon @peterwmoon

I had taken Sertraline (Zoloft) for years and my doctor had switched me to Duloxetine (Cymbalta) to help with a musculoskeletal issue for a year or two when I had my first RBD incident, throwing myself out of bed, uninjured. Several years later it happened again, acting out a dream/nightmare, and I had a minor injury above my eye. My neurology NP ordered a CT scan, which showed nothing. Had a sleep study, no REM apparent but dramatic RLS and PLM. But sleep Dr. said to remove lamps, etc. around bed and protect bed partner. Started Ropinirole (Requip), which I discontinued after augmentation (increased symptoms) and is no longer state-of-the-art treatment. Had another incident, throwing myself out of bed in spite of a bedrail and injured my eye, having to go to the ER. Ophthalmologist said night stands are hazardous--true. Incidents decreased with a switch to Desvenlafaxine. Also got a bigger bed after accidentally flopping my arm onto my spouse. SSRI or SNRI induced RBD seems NOT to be a precursor to onset of either Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia or to follow the typical timeline of development of those disorders.

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@peterwmoon

How frightening--so sorry you are going through that. Have you seen a seizure neurologist? Best wishes