I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) => Topic started by: totosidney on June 12, 2010, 01:20:37 PM

Title: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: totosidney on June 12, 2010, 01:20:37 PM

I changed Nephrologist and was lucky to get a very smart one. One of my ongoing problems was trouble sleeping because of violent twitches during the night. As an extreme example: a few times my knee hit my chin! I figured this was nerve damage from many years of dialysis. My new Nephrologist thought that the problem was basically Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). He prescribed Carbidopa-Levodopa 25-100 (also known as Sinmet 25-100) taken twice a day. This drug totally fixed the problem. Great! Sleep is wonderful.
 
However, there soon appeared a side effect. I would call it “Night Terrors”, terrible and disturbing dreams. The doctor added another drug, Clonazepam, which I take just before going to bed. That fixed the “Night Terrors”. I now sleep beautifully and don’t seem to have any side effects (except perhaps loss of libido which is hard to pin on this drug in my case). It seems I now have an addiction to Clonazepam, which is expected. When I miss a dose I get thoughts of suicide. I quickly recognize this side effect and take the pill.
 
Of course this is NOT a recommendation. I present this information just as information that may be useful to you and your doctor together. Both Carbidopa-Levodopa and Clonazepam are somewhat dangerous drugs with a host of possible side-effects.   

Title: Re: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: Rerun on June 12, 2010, 01:55:59 PM

Thank you.  Good information.

         :thumbup;

Title: Re: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: natnnnat on June 12, 2010, 07:03:59 PM

For a start, I'm impressed that you are able to kick yourself in the chin with your knee.  I couldn't do that! 
My DH had restless leg for about a month post transplant, then it settle down by itself.  But I don't think it was a restless as yours. 

Title: Re: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: sullidog on June 13, 2010, 05:05:30 PM

I am on Clonazepam as needed so not on a regular dosage schedule and never had that problem thankfully. I'm on 1 mg
Troy

Title: Re: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: KICKSTART on June 14, 2010, 12:12:57 PM

I take clonazepam too and have no problems , so maybe the thoughts of suicide are not related after all ?

Title: Re: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Post by: totosidney on June 14, 2010, 12:24:42 PM

Quote from: KICKSTART on June 14, 2010, 12:12:57 PM

I take clonazepam too and have no problems , so maybe the thoughts of suicide are not related after all ?

It is not from taking the drug! I am quite sure the effect is from when I FORGET to take the drug, ie a withdrawal effect. Indicated Withdrawal-related effects: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, Panic attacks, tremor, Seizures similar to delirium tremens (http://ihatedialysis.com/wiki/Delirium_tremens) (with long-term use of excessive doses). These effects vary from person to person.