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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dreamy on November 9, 2001, at 22:45:26
Since combining Effexor and Welbutrin,
I have had very agitated legs.
At work they constantly go up and down (you know -super fast)
and at night I HAVE to wiggle them...I read about a restless leg disorder...and I am convinced
this drug combo induces it.Anyone else?
Posted by Rick on November 10, 2001, at 3:09:12
In reply to Leg Shaker? Zeffor-Butrin Combo??, posted by Dreamy on November 9, 2001, at 22:45:26
Ironically,a recent study touted Wellbutrin as the first AD that is potenially helpful in *alleviating* Restless Leg Syndrome and PLMD (PLMD discussed below). SSRI's (and probably SNRI's like Effexor) can worsen RLS.
The drugs used most often to treat RLS are dopaminergic agents including dopamine agonists like bromocriptine, Mirapex, and especially Permax (pergolide). Klonopin, Neurontin, and others have been used with success as well.
But it sounds like you might not have RLS. Despite the misleading name, it isn't defined by a nervous leg-bouncing habit, but instead uncomfortable "creepy-crawly" feelings in the legs that occur when your legs are at rest.
It's more likely you have the more-prevalent Periodic Limb Movement of Sleep Disorder (PLMD). Even though most people with RLS also have PLMD, most people with PLMD *don't* have RLS. (So I've always found it strange that websites usually discuss PLMD soley as a sub-topic under RLS.) The med treatments are the same, and there are other tips such as avoiding alcohol and caffeine, especially close to bedtime.
But unless you're at least in your mid 30's, I'm guessing you may not have PMLD ether. Symptoms like those you described CAN occur, but one of the most classic symptoms is stretching and wiggling the toes, especially as you're first falling asleep (this can then wake you up and start a vicious cycle). While only a sleep lab can give you a definite diagnosis, having someone watch your feet and toes as you fall asleep can give a good clue.
AD's and some other psychotropics can cause lots of movement side effects such as strange jerks and other body movements when sleeping (or trying to sleep). Talk to your doctor about it.
Rick
> Since combining Effexor and Welbutrin,
> I have had very agitated legs.
> At work they constantly go up and down (you know -super fast)
> and at night I HAVE to wiggle them...
>
> I read about a restless leg disorder...and I am convinced
> this drug combo induces it.
>
> Anyone else?
Posted by Noa on November 13, 2001, at 17:01:39
In reply to Re: Leg Shaker? Zeffor-Butrin Combo?? » Dreamy, posted by Rick on November 10, 2001, at 3:09:12
I also have this kind of effect from effexor--restless motoric itchiness, leg bouncing, and night time RLS (irrepressable need to move legs, kick legs, etc.--a general pain in the butt that makes it impossible to go to sleep). I worked with my pdoc to tweak the doses of my antidepressants, lowering the effexor and raising the serzone, which helped, especially during the daytime. For night time, my pdoc prescribed clonopin for the leg restlessness, although I rarely use it because it makes it hard for me to get up in the morning. He had also said there was a dopamine agonist that could help. I have also found limiting caffeine to help.
Posted by svevo1922 on November 20, 2001, at 16:59:47
In reply to Re: Leg Shaker? Zeffor-Butrin Combo??, posted by Noa on November 13, 2001, at 17:01:39
was recently prescribed mirapex for RLS, but for use with a different combination of medications: ssri and tca. have not yet started taking it. might be worth asking about.
> I also have this kind of effect from effexor--restless motoric itchiness, leg bouncing, and night time RLS (irrepressable need to move legs, kick legs, etc.--a general pain in the butt that makes it impossible to go to sleep). I worked with my pdoc to tweak the doses of my antidepressants, lowering the effexor and raising the serzone, which helped, especially during the daytime. For night time, my pdoc prescribed clonopin for the leg restlessness, although I rarely use it because it makes it hard for me to get up in the morning. He had also said there was a dopamine agonist that could help. I have also found limiting caffeine to help.
Posted by Chocoholic on November 25, 2001, at 1:04:27
In reply to Re: Leg Shaker? Zeffor-Butrin Combo??, posted by Noa on November 13, 2001, at 17:01:39
>My husband gets RLS from any drug that impacts serotonin. Klonopin doesn't help, either. Sometimes massive doses of magnesium do. Also. I read Mirapex, a dopamine agonist, helps.
Chocoholic
I also have this kind of effect from effexor--restless motoric itchiness, leg bouncing, and night time RLS (irrepressable need to move legs, kick legs, etc.--a general pain in the butt that makes it impossible to go to sleep). I worked with my pdoc to tweak the doses of my antidepressants, lowering the effexor and raising the serzone, which helped, especially during the daytime. For night time, my pdoc prescribed clonopin for the leg restlessness, although I rarely use it because it makes it hard for me to get up in the morning. He had also said there was a dopamine agonist that could help. I have also found limiting caffeine to help.
Posted by Dreamy on November 26, 2001, at 12:03:57
In reply to Re: Leg Shaker? Zeffor-Butrin Combo??, posted by Chocoholic on November 25, 2001, at 1:04:27
> >My husband gets RLS from any drug that impacts serotonin. Klonopin doesn't help, either. Sometimes massive doses of magnesium do. Also. I read Mirapex, a dopamine agonist, helps.
>
> Chocoholic
>
> I also have this kind of effect from effexor--restless motoric itchiness, leg bouncing, and night time RLS (irrepressable need to move legs, kick legs, etc.--a general pain in the butt that makes it impossible to go to sleep). I worked with my pdoc to tweak the doses of my antidepressants, lowering the effexor and raising the serzone, which helped, especially during the daytime. For night time, my pdoc prescribed clonopin for the leg restlessness, although I rarely use it because it makes it hard for me to get up in the morning. He had also said there was a dopamine agonist that could help. I have also found limiting caffeine to help.Hey Choc!
That must drive you NUTS if your husband has this!
Thanks for the feedback.
I plan to have a talk w/my pdoc next month.
Dreamy
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