Stimulated
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2013
- Messages
- 29
I'm not entirely sure if this is the correct place for this type of question, but it seemed to be the best fit. If I posted here in error, I would appreciate it greatly if an admin could move the post to the correct location.
Short and simple: From a neuroscience and pharmacology perspective, is it possible that prolonged amphetamine (~1 year) usage could cause or trigger restless leg syndrome (RLS) in certain individuals?
Additional background information, explanation, etc. (for those who are concerned): I'm ADHD inattentive type, and have been taking Adderall almost daily for about a year (~30mg/day). It seems that I am developing RLS, which according to what I've read, is common in those with ADHD. RLS also runs in my family, and I've read that there is a genetic component to it as well. I routinely experience numbness and tingling sensations, crawling sensations, a mild burning sensation, and minor achy pain in my legs while sitting still for awhile and when laying down to sleep. It is much worse in my right leg than in my left leg, and it is much worse during the night than during the day. It is preventing me from getting proper sleep, as 1) it is difficult falling asleep with these uncomfortable sensations going on, and 2) When I do fall asleep, I wake up frequently throughout the night with paresthesia (tingling, numbness, crawly feelings, etc.) in my lower legs, feet, and forearms. It is preventing me from getting the high quality, restorative REM sleep that my body needs and it is severely reducing my quality of life.
I also experience random (rare but recurrent) feelings of tingliness in my forearms and upper back, in addition to my lower legs, which can come on at any time of the day and for no apparent reason. Adderall, caffeine, and alcohol seem to make these symptoms worse, although symptoms persist even when refraining from these substances. I did not experience any of these symptoms prior to 2-3 months ago, and as previously stated I've been on Adderall for about a year. I have seen two doctors regarding these symptoms, and so far have yet to receive a definitive diagnosis. I have had a full blood workup, which came back completely normal. My blood counts are fine, I have no nutritional deficiencies, and my thyroid is normal. Just today I got a cranial MRI, which came back normal, not indicative of MS or another major neurological disorder.
Is it possible that Adderall has actually triggered these symptoms, or is it most likely the result of something else?
Thank you to whoever takes the time to read and reply.
Short and simple: From a neuroscience and pharmacology perspective, is it possible that prolonged amphetamine (~1 year) usage could cause or trigger restless leg syndrome (RLS) in certain individuals?
Additional background information, explanation, etc. (for those who are concerned): I'm ADHD inattentive type, and have been taking Adderall almost daily for about a year (~30mg/day). It seems that I am developing RLS, which according to what I've read, is common in those with ADHD. RLS also runs in my family, and I've read that there is a genetic component to it as well. I routinely experience numbness and tingling sensations, crawling sensations, a mild burning sensation, and minor achy pain in my legs while sitting still for awhile and when laying down to sleep. It is much worse in my right leg than in my left leg, and it is much worse during the night than during the day. It is preventing me from getting proper sleep, as 1) it is difficult falling asleep with these uncomfortable sensations going on, and 2) When I do fall asleep, I wake up frequently throughout the night with paresthesia (tingling, numbness, crawly feelings, etc.) in my lower legs, feet, and forearms. It is preventing me from getting the high quality, restorative REM sleep that my body needs and it is severely reducing my quality of life.
I also experience random (rare but recurrent) feelings of tingliness in my forearms and upper back, in addition to my lower legs, which can come on at any time of the day and for no apparent reason. Adderall, caffeine, and alcohol seem to make these symptoms worse, although symptoms persist even when refraining from these substances. I did not experience any of these symptoms prior to 2-3 months ago, and as previously stated I've been on Adderall for about a year. I have seen two doctors regarding these symptoms, and so far have yet to receive a definitive diagnosis. I have had a full blood workup, which came back completely normal. My blood counts are fine, I have no nutritional deficiencies, and my thyroid is normal. Just today I got a cranial MRI, which came back normal, not indicative of MS or another major neurological disorder.
Is it possible that Adderall has actually triggered these symptoms, or is it most likely the result of something else?
Thank you to whoever takes the time to read and reply.
