CPAP usage okay, now leg movements

[SkipperH]

Hello, I've been using CPAP full mask for about a month after I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. In my sleep study the tech said that periodic limb movements were a problem, mostly my legs. She said that if after a good months time on the CPAP if the legs aren't any better this angle would have to be explored. I'm currently on Cymbalta and Nortriptyline for a balance and depression issue and I've read that Nortriptyline can cause leg movements during sleep. I'm used to the mask but I'm completely exhausted still. Has anyone had any similar issues?

[kay53]

I also had the leg movement thing. I am off the depression meds and started taking Inderal for the anxiety which has helped with the depression tremendously. I really like the Inderal (low dose - 20 mg). I am still on the Ambien at night and find that the regular Ambien works better than the Ambien CR since I have started using the CPAP. My sleep doc told me that if you don't get enough oxygen during the night, the leg movements are worse. Therefore, if your sleep therapy is working well, the leg movements decrease as you adjust to the therapy. I know meds have a lot to do with how you sleep. You may need to speak with your doctor about your medication since you are now on the CPAP.

[kteague]

Hi. I have limb movement issues too. Sometimes limb movements are related to the struggle to breathe with apnea events. Those will resolve with therapeutic cpap treatment. Since it was mentioned to you, it sounds like there is suspicion yours may not be apnea related. If you have a copy of your sleep study, see if your limb movements had arousals listed separate from respiratory arousals. Were you diagnosed with RLS or PLMD?

I don't want to throw too much at you if it doesn't even apply to you. Just want you to know what to look for. If you had significant arousals from limb movements, it may be that your sleep study didn't catch your apnea at its worst, like how it would be if limb movements had not caused arousals. On the flip side, if one has PLMD, treating the apnea can then allow the limb movements to fully manifest. That's probably why you were told to give it a month.

I'm not familiar with your meds, but if you suspect they are the culprit, I think I'd be talking with the doctor about reducing the dose or changing meds. I'd suggest doing this very methodically (1 med at a time with a bit of time at each dose) so as to be certain which med is at issue and at what dose the movements improve. Hopefully your meds will be the cause and some changes will help the problem. Keep in mind that the dose of meds one needs after their apnea is treated may change. It may be that a lower dose would work for you now that your brain and body is not as frazzled or oxygen starved. That would be something to talk to your doctor about. Also wouldn't hurt to get a ferritin level blood test to see if your storage iron is low.

I'd be interested in hearing how this pans out for you. At least with your cpap treatment your body and brain can get the oxygen they need so you can have the strength to deal with the rest. Please don't get discouraged about cpap treatment as it can be working and you still not feel rested if your sleep is still fractured by other causes.

Kathy

[SkipperH]

Thanks for the responses....I will certainly keep you posted.