A patient with restless legs syndrome writes into The Seattle Times’ Wellness section to ask about how the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine could impact her symptoms.
Q: I have restless leg syndrome, which makes it hard for me to sit through something like a concert or a movie, and often makes sleeping difficult. However, since getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination, I have not had any sign of restless legs. Has anyone else reported this? I have no other explanation.
A: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a somewhat mysterious neurological condition that manifests as uncomfortable sensations in the legs. The most typical description we hear about is a “creepy-crawly” feeling. This often forces the individual to move his or her legs, which makes sitting or sleeping challenging.
As far as we can tell, no one else with RLS has reported relief after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. Such shots can affect the nervous system, though this is quite rare. That might explain the benefit you have reported.
Interesting, I did a Google search because I have been suffering from Restless Leg for some time now. I have been taking supplements and still couldn’t find a relief. I received the Johnson and Johnson shot four days ago and ever since, I have not experienced Restless Leg. Weird…
Great news Hannah. Fingers crossed the relief continues.
I got the AstraZeneca jag and for the first three weeks my restless legs stopped completely. After 20 years of RLS it was a joy. But short lived I’m afraid.
Hope the scientists discover what the jags contain which helps us sufferers.
John (in Scotland).
I have both jabs of pfizer, and have had restless legs on and off severity for 30yrs. If I was severely dehydrated from a migraine, vomiting I would get them. Now I have been getting them during the day, in my arms, mainly left hand side of body every night. I’m cranky, tired, migraines have increased ten fold. I have never taken medication for it and I’m booked in for a sleep study soon. I’m layering my legs and arms in deep heat, then ice packs, pain killers to numb them sometimes a weighted blanket helps. Any other suggestions to help me get through to sleep study or what meds to ask doctor? Plus my seasonal asthma has also made a dramatic comeback, lots of tightness in chest. Any help would be most welcome? Thanks in advance.
Same here! I received the 2nd Pfizer shot four weeks ago and haven’t had RLS since, except for a few minor twinges a couple of days ago.
I have had severe RLS extending to the upper body and shoulders every evening and night for many years.
I received my first Pfizer shot 2 days ago. So far, no sign of RLS!. Now I’m simply waiting with my fingers crossed!.
I do hope so much that this can be a cure for RLS victims throughout the world.
Every once in awhile , maybe twice a year, I get restless leg kind of bad, but since my covid vaccine onThursday, I’ve had it going on every night in bed…grrr!
So I had the shot yesterday. I’ve not experienced RLS in about 8 years, when I had issues with RLS that with weight loss dispersed until last night following the shot. Within 1 hour of sleep I started experiencing RLS and suffered every hour. Contacting my doctor immediately.
I have the worse case of restless legs which has pretty much has been under control with neupro 6mg.. Since the 2nd vaccination I have had sleepless nights with restless legs and arms. I am besides myself with this torment
I’ve suffered from RLS for years, and it was under control by taking Pramipexole (generic of Mirapex) 0.25 MG. Since receiving the Covid vaccine, I’ve suffered, usually in one leg only, with restless leg. Not sure if it started after the first or second dose. I normally take meds 3xday, now I’m taking 5x a day. Probably shouldn’t, but I’m desperate!
Forgot to mention I have Dr.’s appt. coming up, and will ask for a larger dose of Pramepexole and resume with the 3x day dosage.
Has anyone who’s RLS developed or got worse after the vaccine had an improvement months later of still suffering? I have developed RLS since my first shot of Pfizer and it’s been three weeks and it’s not going away. I’m so scared it will never get better especially if I have a second shot.
How are you going with your RSL? I have had mine under control using Cramp Eze Forte but had my second shot today and 11hrs later, have the most uncomfortable and progressively strengthening RSL I’ve had since being on CEF.
I too am now worried this will be a lasting thing.
Great news Pauline.
Not sure if your get to see my reply to Hannah.
I got the first AstraZeneca jag and for three weeks my 20 year old RLS symptoms disappeared. It was a joy.
Unfortunately, it didn’t last but I was in heaven for three weeks.
John. (in Scotland).
Same here. After the second Pfizer jab RLS had stopped.
This is very interesting. I had the Astrazeneca shot and for 3 nights in a row my restless legs and upper back were really BAD – that is, increased restlessness. Had to take double my medication dose (Sifrol / Pramipexole). I’ve even started to feel restless during the day, not just at night. Hope it changes soon
Same here, Monique! Totally discusted!
Same here, pfizer jabs, and they are driving me batty
I too have had restless leg for years and after getting the covid vaccine, do not have symptoms!
I’ve had mild RLS for over 30 years. Since having the second Pfizer vaccine my symptoms have ramped up to an almost intolerable level. I’ve never experienced it so bad.
Mines gone like that after the 1st jab dreading the second one my RLS was already severe to start with gawd knows what i’ll do , I feel for you hope it settles down .
My husband has had very increased rls since one shot of pfizer vaccine. Some nights has to walk the floor all night to tolerate the pain. meds he was on made it even worse, Not getting second shot,
I have both jabs of pfizer, and have had restless legs on and off severity for 30yrs. If I was severely dehydrated from a migraine, vomiting I would get them. Now I have been getting them during the day, in my arms, mainly left hand side of body every night. I’m cranky, tired, migraines have increased ten fold. I have never taken medication for it and I’m booked in for a sleep study soon. I’m layering my legs and arms in deep heat, then ice packs, pain killers to numb them sometimes a weighted blanket helps. Any other suggestions to help me get through to sleep study or what meds to ask doctor? Plus my seasonal asthma has also made a dramatic comeback, lots of tightness in chest. Any help would be most welcome? Thanks in advance.
I also had my RLS symptoms increase dramatically for the few days that followed my 2nd Moderna shot, and then the symptoms have completely been gone since then. It’s been two months!
I took the1st Phizer shot on the 14 May besides the other side affects I’m having restless legs cramps. They started on the second day so l started wearing compression socks . Should I be concerned n not take the 2nd one?
I developed RLS after taking the Pfizer it got worse after taking second shot. I am now worried a d depressed. Hope it goes away soon. It’s been two months
Hello. Do you still have RLS symptoms? I have the same issue after 1. Moderna shot: RLS symptoms and insomnia. Started directly after the shot – 3 weeks ago.
I suffer with RLS most of my life I’m 57 now I have it 24/7 no real respite not just legs that’s affected but arms and torso (should be renamed RMS Restless Muscle Syndrome ) since having my first Pfizer jab my RLS gone crazy sleeping even less than i was before and that wasn’t much but even standing my arms and legs are going nuts ,
I’m worried about having the second jab in Aug nut really sure what to do no one to talk about it even my neuro dr has given up on me .
I am a 67 year old man that has had SEVERE RLS for several years (legs, torso, arms). After trying many different meds, I have landed on a combination of meds that completely stops all symptoms (provided I take the meds daily).
Tramadol (Two 50mg tablets at 8:00 pm)
Clorazepate (two 3.75 tablets at 9:00 pm)
Diclofenac (one 75 mg tablet at 9:00 pm)
Bed at 10:00pm
One tablet each if needed during the day.
I am no doctor but talk to yours about these meds if you wish. I know opioids are dangerous if abused, but at 67 I don’t abuse. U will need a dr’s prescription for all 3 meds, 2 of which are controlled.
Good luck to you.
Text me if u want to chat.
Carl
864-477-8259
I hate to throw the curve, but I ended up here because I’ve had nonstop restless legs for four months since getting the 2nd Moderna. $3k in OOP testing and my PCP has no answers.