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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by enndub on July 13, 2012, at 15:41:53
Hello Everybody,
I started Nardil 2.5 weeks ago and have been having some pretty bad restless legs or akathisia (not sure of this difference). I have been diagnosed with Aspergers and have always been a leg bouncer, but many medications make it worse.
Antihistamines/anticholinergics like Benadryl, doxylamine, and mirtazapine have always given me bad RLS to the point where it keeps me awake at night, which seems weird because I read that they are used to treat RLS.
Nardil seems to exacerbate my natural RLS to the point where I am pacing around all day. I have not seen any posts by people with similar problems, except when combined with an antipsychotic (I am on Nardil alone).
Has anyone experienced similar? Can anyone suggest a medication that is safe to take with Nardil that might alleviate this side-effect? OTC is good, but I am open to prescription suggestions to discuss with my doc.
Thanks guys!
Nick
Posted by SLS on July 16, 2012, at 21:55:10
In reply to Nardil causing RLS/Akathisia, posted by enndub on July 13, 2012, at 15:41:53
Hi.
I'm sorry that no one responded to you sooner. My guess is that no one feels confident enough about diagnosing you and recommending treatment for your condition. I think you need to work with your doctor to differentiate between akathisia and RLS before you can decide upon an effective treatment.
My legs will bounce up and down constantly while seated when I take Nardil. For me, this is neither RLS nor akathisia. Of the two, I would consider akathisia more likely according to the medical literature. However, it seems to be an infrequent occurrence. As a rule, you will see a warning with all antidepressants about the possibility of akathisia occurring as a side effect - especially in young people. However, not all antidepressants are equally capable of producing this.
I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
- Scott
Posted by enndub on July 18, 2012, at 14:57:49
In reply to Re: Nardil causing RLS/Akathisia » enndub, posted by SLS on July 16, 2012, at 21:55:10
Thanks Scott,
I will discuss with my doctor during my next appointment, which is unfortunately in 2 months.
Fortunately this side effect is already subsiding, although I still have the leg bounce like you. Good news because I really don't want to get rebound RLS from Mirapex.
Thanks,
Nick
Posted by ChicagoKat on July 27, 2012, at 15:34:03
In reply to Re: Nardil causing RLS/Akathisia » enndub, posted by SLS on July 16, 2012, at 21:55:10
Hi,
I tried Nardil last winter. At first, it was a wonder drug to this treatment-resistant depressant; it totally erased any anxiety I was having, helped me sleep, and eventually started to help my depression, I was feeling better....Yay!
But then, tragedy struck and I developed akathisia which was bad enough that I actually fell several times. So, very sadly, the Nardil had to stop. I can tell you that my psychiatrist, who is very experienced (he's worked since the 70s!)and very knowledgeable, said that he has seen this happen with MAOIs.
Just my 2 cents, in case it helps. Feel free to ask me anything about it if you have questions.
Regards,
Kat
This is the end of the thread.
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