Fibromyalgia Support Group

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RLS and amiltriptyline.

MadelinefFromNJ
MadelinefFromNJ
I'm up now because my legs are driving me crazy. Have the moist heating pad on them. This condition seems to have started when my rheumy upped the dosage of amiltriptyline. I also had a birch beer with dinner which contains caffeine. I very rarely drink soda or caffeinated beverages/food, but this was a little treat. Also, I think my magnesium levels need to be looked at. Iron is fine. I'm due for blood tests on my next visit. In the meantime, I'm going to slowly wean myself off the amiltriptyline, start magnesium, and see how that goes. I'll put a call into my rheumy to let her know what I'm doing.

Another thought occurred to me is that these symptoms can also be sights of neuropathy. Had an EMG and nerve conduction test last Decenber, and in early 2013. I have very mild neuropathy, so am wondering if this is an increase in symptoms. I suppose I'll call the neuro doc to see what she thinks.

I'm also having a mild flare which adds to fun. And I'll be tired and cranky tomorrow.

Yes, I'm rambling, but also feeling dozie. I'll give it another 15 minutes and then try to sleep.

Thanks for letting me rant.
kimberh
kimberh
Madeline, yes the restless leg thing is annoying. I'm also on amitriptyline, but I had the restless leg movement before that. What my rheumy suggested is that I take the amitriptyline about three hours before bed time. When I do that, it actually helps me sleep because it makes me drowsy.

Also, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) is fairly common among people with Fibro. So just be aware that it might not be your meds, but rather just another one of those annoying things that goes with having fibro.

Best wishes for a low pain day and a good night's sleep. :)
Kimber
skinnybinny
skinnybinny
I've seen reports that say Amitriptyline actually causes RLS or at the least makes it worse if you already suffer from it. You can probably google it and show it to your doctor.
MadelinefFromNJ
MadelinefFromNJ
Kimberly, I take it after dinner, about three hours prior to bedtime. Sometimes I think it's a combination of factors. Although the amiltriptyline does help me sleep, it also makes me feel dopey during the day. I just don't like the way I feel on it. This has been a bad couple of days. The fibro fog is terrible, and I just feel so out of sorts from pain, legs "thrumming" buzzing and feeling twitchy and being tired. I've never heard of PLMD, and I thank you for letting me know. I'll mention it to my rheumy. This bard is such a good source of information, and I'm glad I found it.

Skinnybinny, from what I've been reading, I've heard the same thing. I left a message today asking my rheumy to call me. It would be interesting to hear her feedback about it.

I took a Flexeril a few minutes ago, and in addition to helping with he muscle tightness, it will also get me drowsy enough to sleep tonight.

Thank you for your help.
MadelinefFromNJ
MadelinefFromNJ
Kimberh, sorry for the misspell. Darn auto-correct.
Zzzzowl
Zzzzowl
My Hubby gets RLS, he also takes Amitriptyline, although he had the RLS beforehand. Quinine is the best med to calm down the RLS. Quinine is in good quality tonic water, you can add juice to the tonic if you want to, to make it more palatable.
I sometimes get the equivalent to RLS in my upper chest which is such a weird sensation!
Hugs, xxx