Atarax - RLS - What My Sleep Dr Told Me

[futurehope]

I just visited my "sleep doctor" yesterday, a neurologist who specializes in sleep disorders and conducts sleep studies. This is the third time I've seen him and I've already had a sleep study done. I suffer from insomnia.

When I told him that my restless leg syndrome (RLS) is bothering me again and that I had just begun taking Hydroxyzine HCL 50 mg for my IC, he told me that the "old time" antihistamines such as Atarax cross the blood-brain barrier and can exacerbate RLS.

I believe in my case, my beginning the Hydroxyzine HCL coincided with worsening of my RLS.

He told me that of all the choices for antihistamine that don't affect RLS, Allegra was the best, with Claritin being next. I do not like the side effects of dry mouth from Allegra so I guess I'll use Claritin for my allergies.

As for my IC, and what to do about that, I will relate this additional info about Hydroxyzine HCL to my urologist tomorrow.

I just wanted to let you all know in case you are taking Hydroxyzine HCL for your IC and you happen to suffer from RLS.

I am not giving medical advice. Don't stop or start any med on my account without consulting your doctor. I'm just relating what my doctor told me.

Peace and blessings.

[Katrina]

Thanks for the info I have RLS but didn't know that although I no longer find antihistamines helpful for anything these days it is still good to know.

My RLS has gotten a bit worse lately too....my guess is that is from getting off of Tegretol. I can tell I have less problems when taking the Neurontin before sleep...which my Neurologist has it prescibed for me as needed which is unusual but not that unusual for a Neurologist.

Hope you find a treatment plan that doesn't bother another condition...that is often a big struggle for me :grouphug:

[SandyRN]

I usually run out of hydroxyzine before the month is over because I was verbally told to take 100mg and only have an rx for 75mg.....I've noticed since I started taking it again this month that I'm waking up in the middle of the night again, AND I have that all over restless feeling, especially in my legs....they tingle and I feel like I just cant get comfy in the bed again, and wind up going to the couch where I can toss and turn without bothering Tom. I usually take 100 mg of Benadryl on those days I dont have the hydroxyzine. This is all very interesting to me, and while I've not been dx'd with restless leg, I think I probably have it.

With the RLS, do you feel fidgety during the day too?

[Katrina]

Sandy at least with me I get fidgety especially when I am tired. I often will sit on my feet so that I don't move them and disturb others when at a table. I hear that usually with RLS you have symptoms either during the day or at night but we know I have both and I am sure I am not the only one.

[Bessie]

My husband has RLS and he is always moving his legs.......day and night. He is better at night because he takes medicine for it before he goes to bed. Whenever we go to church or when he has to sit for a long period of time he moves his legs to help him get comfortable. I think he moves more when he is tired also.

Needless to say we have not been to a movie in a few years.....that would be so distracting for the other customers, and when we go to church I always sit on the back row and at the end of the row so I can get up without disturbing others.

Between his RLS and my IC we are a mess :^)
octoberfarm

[futurehope]

Yep, RLS can happen any time and can disrupt sleep whether you are aware of it or not.

And while we're on the subject, my sleep doctor told me (after I asked "Is there any vitamin or supplement I could take to help the RLS?") that he would check my serum ferritin and since I suffer from RLS, he would expect my results to be above 60 - 70.

Conclusion: low serrum ferritin (iron) contributes to RLS. I am now taking supplemental iron (Slow FE) 1 pill/day.

I wouldn't be surprised if many people could be suffering when, in fact, they need more iron in them. If I hadn't asked the doctor, I don't know if I would have learned this.

BTW, you should be under a doctor's care when using supplemental iron since you need to have bloodwork done every 3 - 4 months to make sure your levels are okay.

Good sleeping and pain-free days to everyone.

[dminton]

Yes! I had RLS and was found to be iron deficient with an iron panel, because it did not show up on a complete blood panel. I started taking iron and my RLS slowly disappeared.

Note: I do take low-doses of narcotics every day, which is also a treatment for RLS, and when I was in a good phase bladder-wise and tapered down on the narcotic, the RLS was somewhat worsened, which is common. But eventually it all balanced out (except that my IC got worse and I take narcotics again).

Bottom line: have serum ferritin and a panel done to see because it can actually cause RLS!!

Diana.

[sami4]

I am in the process of being evaluated for a sleep disorder; trying to figure out if I just pee all night because of IC or I wake up from a sleep disorder and pee just in case. Anyway the doctor also told me that Atarax was not good to take if you have a sleep disorder. I didnt know that either, so it was news to me. Apparently it makes your brain waves more active or something.
Sammi

[Katrina]

Good luck Samie....I know of a few others that are looking into the same thing right now. :grouphug:

[Julie B]

I have dealt with this for years, but you are not going to get me to give up the Atarax; I really believe it saved my life. :angel:

What I have found I need to do is do stretching two or three times a day. When I am home, that is fine, I can do what I want. I will also get on the treadmill a couple of times a day for 10-15 minutes a shot if I need to. What becomes an issue is if I am working and not on my own schedule, attending an educational conference or meeting, etc. I cannot sit still for longer than a half hour. I am constantly squirming.

Does stretching help any of the rest of you at all???

[Briza]

Sammie, I know you probably already saw my response to your post regarding anthistmines/sleep disorders, but maybe the others haven't. If anyone's interseted click on link below for that thread in the antihistamine forum:

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34243