Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and mirtazapine

Posted by rw @rwlovell, Jun 30, 2017

Hi,
I recently started mirtazapine and have had a good initial reaction to the drug - my energy is better, my mood. The one rather major problem is it seems to trigger or exacerbate my RLS. I had been on tramadol (for back pain) about a week before starting mirtazapine and I have read that they can interfere with each other and cause RLS. My question is should I look for another antidepressant or is it possible that this will improve with time. Right now I am awake all night until about 5 AM when I catch a few hours of sleep. It is pretty rough.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Mar 23, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "WD?" + (show)

Withdrawal

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 23, 2022

In reply to @rosa66 "No evidence of disease as of the moment. It is a slow growing neuroendocrine cancer removed..." + (show)

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/

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Mar 23, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "Rosa, did you know that there is a Neuroendocrine Cancer group here too? Check out the..." + (show)

Thank you!!!!
I’ve joined 🙂

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Mar 29, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "Rosa- It's just awful the way doctors think that your mind can bounce around so much..." + (show)

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.

Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 30, 2022

In reply to @rosa66 "How did you gone off Primidone? That is the next thing I want off.?” I do..." + (show)

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?

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Mar 30, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "Rosa- Are you asking me this question? I have never taken Primidone and had to look..." + (show)

@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

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Mar 31, 2022

Thank you for your reply…..
So much to learn….

Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 31, 2022

In reply to @ess77 "@merpreb and all...Hello, Merry. Just a comment about RLS-I take Requip, and it helps me tremendously..." + (show)

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.

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Mar 31, 2022

In reply to @merpreb "Elizabeth- Before I started taking Requip I couldn't sit still! I feel so badly for the..." + (show)

@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