Can Duloxetine treat restless legs syndrome?(+5options)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Duloxetine can be used in the management of restless legs syndrome. We will also explore the different pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for restless legs syndrome.
Can Duloxetine treat restless legs syndrome?
No, Duloxetine can not treat restless legs syndrome. Instead, according to some studies, Duloxetine can cause restless legs syndrome (RLS) as a side effect. Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that is most commonly indicated in the management of various medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, and fibromyalgia.
It works by interfering with serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The elevated levels of these neurotransmitters are responsible for the management of symptoms of different mental disorders (1).
The side effects commonly associated with Duloxetine may include vomiting, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. However, in some cases, it may cause adverse effects such as hallucinations, cardiovascular complications, and restless legs syndrome.
What does research suggest?
There is no research study linking the use of Duloxetine in the management of restless legs syndrome. However, research studies have demonstrated that Duloxetine may cause RLS in some individuals.
According to a research study, duloxetine was prescribed to manage anxiety in a woman who reported experiencing jerky movements and other RLS symptoms after a single dose of the medication. The medication was then promptly stopped, leading to a gradual recovery from RLS symptoms within a few days. To address her mental health needs, the patient was transitioned to an alternative antidepressant (2).
In another study, duloxetine was given to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia in an elderly patient. However, after a few weeks of taking the medication, the patient began experiencing uncontrolled limb movements and jerks. Upon examination, the healthcare provider diagnosed RLS and adjusted the dosage of duloxetine. Following a decrease in dosage, the symptoms of RLS gradually subsided within a few weeks (3).
What is duloxetine used for?
Duloxetine is not a drug of choice for RLS. However, it is an antidepressant medication that is primarily used in the treatment of various health conditions that may include:
- fibromyalgia
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- osteoarthritis
- chronic back pain
- panic disorders
- personality disorders
Which medications are used in the management of RLS?
There is no specific medication that can completely cure restless legs syndrome. However, some medications are prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of RLS, which may include:
- dopamine agonists (levodopa, ropinirole, rotigotine)
- benzodiazepines (clonazepam, alprazolam)
- analgesics (diclofenac)
- opioids (morphine)
- anti-epileptics (levetiracetam)
Although these medications can be helpful in mitigating pain, reducing restless legs, and improving sleep, these medications can not completely eradicate restless legs syndromes.
What are the non-pharmacological approaches for managing RLS?
Non-pharmacological approaches for managing restless legs syndrome may include:
Daily exercise: Exercise and meditation techniques are useful in managing stress and anxiety which may exacerbate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Regular exercise is also associated with releasing muscle tension and promoting muscle relaxation which is beneficial for improving the symptoms of RLS.
Lifestyle changes: Modification of lifestyle including adequate sleep and dietary changes can help manage the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. For example, multivitamins and iron supplements can manage RLS by addressing potential nutritional deficiencies that may exacerbate the symptoms of RLS.
Leg massage: Gentle massage and stretching of the calf muscles may alleviate symptoms of RLS. Furthermore, using warm compresses on the impacted regions may occasionally provide comfort.
To my knowledge, Duloxetine is not a drug of choice for the management of RLS and its associated symptoms. In clinical settings, patients often report the symptoms of RLS after taking Duloxetine and other antidepressant medications belonging to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is advised, to cautiously use this medication in patients to avoid unwanted side effects.
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References
1.-
Dhaliwal JS, Spurling BC, Molla M. Duloxetine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747213/
2.-
Nikolaou, Kalliopi & Michopoulos, Ioannis & Douzenis, Athanasios & Papazahos, Constantinos & Papageorgiou, Charalabos & Gournellis, Rossetos. (2015). Restless Legs Syndrome Associated With the Combined Use of Duloxetine Plus Paroxetine. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. 35. 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000306. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274258977
3.-
https://www.jpmrs.org/uploads/560046803762306.pdf
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