Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) from psychedelic use?

[Taryth]

Restless Leg Syndrome. I once believed it was a simple matter of a person being fidgety by nature, or whatever. I've come to believe that it is in fact a valid affliction, after now experiencing it (and continuing to). Which brings me to my reason for posting here: I was wondering if it is possible that this may have "come on" as a result of a particularly intense trip I had recently? I only wonder, because this started as I was coming down from the shrooms, and has since persisted through every waking moment in which my left leg is not moving. I've never experienced anything like this after a trip, on any drug.

If I don't move my left leg, a weird feelings (very similar to a muscle cramp, but not as sharply painful) begins to build, focusing on my knee and spreading to my hamstrings and finally my calf. The sensation only continues to increase in intensity until it becomes much like one's reaction to a very hot surface: MOVE! As soon as I move it, the sensation dissipates, but seconds after relaxing the leg, the sensation begins again. Repeat the cycle.


I'm not joking in the least. Has anyone else suffered this, and if so, did it/has it persisted, or did it cease after a while?

 

[Xorkoth]

Hmm... yeah, RLS is definitely not imagined. As a child I had it terribly... so badly that I would walk around with m y toes curled up at tight as possible in my shoes to avoid feeling like I was going crazy. I would always have to sit at my desk (or wherever) with my legs stretched out as far as possible, and sleeping was very difficult.

Anyway, that's odd that you'd get this as a result of a trip. Let's see if anyone has any insight to offer you.

I do have to say, though, that actual RLS symptoms, in me at least, do not involve a cramping feeling, but more like an intense energy/need to move, like you feel like you just HAVE to move your legs or arms RIGHT NOW. Other than that, your description sounds very similar.

Nowadays I get horrible, horrible RLS from opiate withdrawal - in fact, it's the worst part of that by far for me. Things that help it are vigorous exercise and sedating substances (though these do not stop it), such as valerian root. Alcohol actually makes it worse. Opiates make me feel totally relaxed and thus make it go away, but that's a slippery slope. They actually prescribe Lyrica (pregabalin) for it, which is a GABAergic drug that works very, very well. It can also produce a high that can at times be spectacular. However, it can be addictive as well.

 

[Xorkoth]

By the way, I changed the title of this thread to more accurately show others what it's about, for searching and organizational purposes.