Restless legs syndrome

Hi @jroberts826, Welcome to Connect. You are not alone with your question. Check these discussions out to learn what others have shared:
--- Restless leg syndrome is affecting my sleep: What helps you?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/restless-leg-symdrome/
--- Is restless leg (RLS) related to seratonin syndrome? Tips for relief?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/restless-leg-syndrome-3/

Have you been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome? How long have you had the symptoms?

Inderal/propranolol, 40 mg 2 x/day worked for me.

When did you start taking propranolol?

How did you hear about it?

I took it for 1 yr, starting at the dose in my comment above. Restless legs resolved in a few days, but active tremors, mostly in the hands, persisted, tho they less severe after starting propranolol. As with all drugs, there can be side effects, tho I had none; to the contrary, the beta blocker may have calmed my overactive sympathetic nervous system. Anyhow, I reduced the dose 3 or 4 times, once having to reup it due to a slight increase in tremors. I discontinued it after 1 yr of use, altho my dose was like 5 mg/day. It's very important to taper off, not stop taking inderal or propranolol abruptly.

I read about inderal/propranolol online, either the Mayo or CLE clinic website. It was at the start of covid and I couldn't get in to see a dr; I had to go to the local ER and ask for the drug by name.

I’ve used propranolol in the past to steady nerves before speaking.

My husband has (sadly) tried all of the agonists with the expected result. He ended up taking oxycodene as a last resort, before it was even recommended.

I’ll be asking his PCP if this is an option.

Give your husband this site: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1986-27957-001

I had 2 nights of agony with RLS. I'd used propranolol 40+ yrs earlier for public speaking too, so I knew that, at least back then, it worked for me and I didn't have side effects.

Not sure what you mean about agonists. Agonists and antagonists work on receptors of various neurotransmitters. I wandering well out of my lane here, but I'm inclined to think that my tremors and RLS were a product of an overactive sympathetic nervous system or underactive parasympathetic nervous system, so I'd be inclined to try an SNS antagonist or PNS agonist.

Anyhow, good luck to your and your husband.

I’ve never heard of propranolol used to treat RLS. I’m pleased that it’s giving you some relief. I’ll be asking our PCP if he thinks it’ll help. Thanks