Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and mirtazapine

WD?

No evidence of disease as of the moment. It is a slow growing neuroendocrine cancer removed from my pancreas, but a couple of suspicious spots.
That worries me much less than my mental health. Have had recommendations of cymbalta, Effexor and remeron and am over thinking and researching them all as I do not want to try and come off and repeat. Tried Effexor 7 weeks ago but stopped after one week due to 1st 3 days I couldn’t function then throat burning. Going through Paxil WD had severe heat intolerance and extreme hot flashes and they’ve gotten better, I’d hate to have that back again. So…you like cymbalta?
Thank you for your patience with desperate me.

Rosa, did you know that there is a Neuroendocrine Cancer group here too?

Check out the discussions and connect with members here:
- Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/

Rosa- It's just awful the way doctors think that your mind can bounce around so much with medication. I have felt somewhat like you. If I were you I'd go for a second opinion and get help with your anti-depressants. You don't need to live like this, nor should you. Paxil is a biggie for withdrawal symptoms, so take care. Depression is a big side effect of cancer.

My mindset is that I know that I need an antidepressant. And I'll live with it. It's all about my quality of life. When I got off of Effexor after taking it for years I knew that I needed help, that depression was part of my makeup. So that's why I thought that way.

One of the side effects of Cymbalta is sweating. And boy did I with a 90mg dose. I had taken Welbutrin for quite a while with sertraline so I just went back on that. We'll see how it works out. I have really liked Cymbalta and wished that I could tolerate the sweating. It helped me out of feeling like you do.

As far as RLS I did not like Primidone, or something similar. My tremors come on and off and I haven't figured out what is triggering it to act up. I love Ropinirole. My RLS is at night or very late in the afternoon. I hate, hate the feeling. I don't know what underlying conditions you have right now, other than cancer that might interfere with any of the drugs that you take or might try.

Where are you with cancer right now?

How did you gone off Primidone?
That is the next thing I want off.?”
I do have a tremor in my hands,?” But think anxiety caused my whole body shakes and want to get stabilized on a psych Med b4 tapering.

Rosa- Are you asking me this question? I have never taken Primidone and had to look it up. I only take requip for RLS. And I'm still on it and plan to continue!

Have you considered a pain clinic that treats more than pain?

@merpreb and all...Hello, Merry. Just a comment about RLS-I take Requip, and it helps me tremendously with restless leg syndrome AND with my daily walking, lifting legs and feet, etc. It seems I have some Parkinsons' issues that are helped by this drug. The major other issue with RLS that caught me by surprise is ferrous/iron deficiency. My ferrous level was at 15 in 2020, up to 37 earlier this year after taking Vitron -C supplements. Still very low...Sleep experts like to have levels at 75+ to address RLS. So, yesterday was my 2nd iron infusion. After the 1st infusion a week ago, I had a new feeling of energy after 2 days, less heavy fatigue. Today, after the 2nd infusion, I'm in bed, not feeling so well. It's probably simply exhaustion as I've been more active the last few days, active for me. So, I think today is a result of being at Mayo for several hours, filling bird feeders, and such. Acceptance is a lovely thing for those of us with these aging issues, that keep coming. Acceptance, makes all the difference in my life, my attitude.

I'll have a ferrous blood test on April 11, 2 weeks from yesterday, and may well have infusions regularly as needed as my body seems to have issues with absorption of several minerals-iron, B12, D. My grandfather died from pernicious anemia, so some of this may be genetic. Whatever, I'm thrilled the Mayo doctors found these issues and are addressing them fairly aggressively. It is improving my life.

Wishing you well, enjoy the Requip benefits, and be blessed. Elizabeth

Elizabeth- Before I started taking Requip I couldn't sit still! I feel so badly for the people who have sat next to me on a plane! Yes Requip is given to some Parkinson's patients. I'm very glad that you have had relief from it.

Sometimes iron can upset your stomach so if this is one of your symptoms you might want to look into it. And I'm going to check my levels! Thanks you.

@merpreb, @rosa66, and all...Yes, so much to learn and a lot I don't want to know! I've had numerous conversations with God about this very issue. I understand He wants me to learn and that's a good thing, But, I think I've learned all I want to know. No more, please. This is keeping me very busy staying on top of what I already know I have, working to deal with all the issues of health and life involved, and accepting and moving forward.

Yes, an upset stomach was one of the results of iron supplements during my younger years, including daily supplements including iron. Since I had my son, 54 yrs ago, I haven't taken any iron supplementation, only got iron from my food. I love spinach and other iron-rich food and have eaten plenty of these foods. But, while my bloodwork shows healthy hemoglobin and hematocrit, always mid-normal, the ferrous blood test is startlingly low and is a completely separate test from regular bloodwork. I'm so thankful this was tested and found so I am getting the treatments I need.

My feet and legs still must move when I'm sitting or resting, but not nearly as much as before these infusions. I had a good night's sleep last night for the first time in forever! What a joy! Very little movement or even turning over and over as I usually do...Thank you, Mayo, and all my doctors. You are so wonderful and appreciated.

Merry, be well, stay still-ish, be blessed. elizabeth