Medicines and treatments
for
Cyclical Depression & Anxiety
Medications I am currently using.
Escitalopram — since 2002
Gravely increases my RLS, placing it in the severe symptomatic category.
Lamotrigine — since 2026
Appears to reduce the number of chronic depressive episodes. It causes a slight increase in RLS, and insomnia is a prominent side effect.
Oxascand (oxazepam) — since 2011
Used occasionally for anxiety and insomnia. It does not appear to cause RLS, but it can intensify related sleep disorders such as sleep-eating, reduce sleep quality, and increase daytime sleepiness. It is also addictive.
Finding What Works
Finding the right medication can be a challenging and deeply personal journey, filled with ups and downs.
In 2020, my doctor and I made the decision to transition from Escitalopram to Trintellix, hoping for a solution that would alleviate my restless legs syndrome (RLS) and have fewer side effects.
However, what followed was an unexpected trip to a mental health ward. Alongside my insomnia and anxiety, I faced terrifying consequences for my mental well-being that surpassed anything I had previously encountered.
In search of a better outcome, I tried switching again in 2025—to Voxra. Unfortunately, this also resulted in another hospitalization and a repetition of the same nightmare.
I share this not just to recount my experiences, but to emphasize a crucial point: healing is rarely a straight path.
It is essential to pay close attention to your body's signals and to show yourself compassion throughout this process. Recognizing this will significantly influence the effectiveness of the healing journey.
Other antidepressant and anxiolytic medications tried and discontinued
2020–2026
- Trintellix — 2020: Increased RLS. I was unable to manage the adjustment anxiety and associated symptoms.
- Mirtazapine — 2020: Caused severe RLS and a feeling of being out of sync with reality.
- Quetiapine — 2020: Increased RLS and caused a sensation of being disconnected from reality, as though I were behind a glass panel.
- Voxra — 2024: Did not trigger RLS but induced extreme anxiety
- Olanzapine — 2025: Increased RLS but helped with sleep and anxiety.
- Alimemazine — 2020 and 2025: Triggered extreme RLS and was highly agitating, making it impossible to rest.
- Private psychodynamic psychotherapy — 2005–2006
- Psychologist — Rissne — spring 2020
Potential future treatments:
- TMS — RLS-neutral
- Ketamine/Spravato nasal spray — RLS-neutral
- Atypical antidepressant
