Droperidol and Restless Leg Syndrome: What Users Say

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2022

"I received this medication in the ER for pain. I was having severe pain from a cyst and was given this med. I can’t even begin to describe the sense of dread I started feeling after getting it. I started having suicidal thoughts and honestly didn’t know how I was going to keep living. On top of that, the restless legs were so beyond intense. Nothing seemed to help. The most frustrating part, though, was the ER doc casually saying this happens sometimes and brushing me off. It was an absolutely horrific experience. About 8 hours after getting this drug, I started to feel a little bit. But it was a nightmare. Stay away from this at all costs!"

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2022

"I was given this by a shot in the hospital along with Versed for extreme anger, agitation, anxiety, and violence. Five minutes in, I had the WORST restless legs EVER and ARMS!!! I felt like I needed to explode out of my own body, this made my panic level shoot through the roof. I began sweating, crying, and screaming hysterically, trying to get this garbage out of my system. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow when I got assigned to a room. I slept from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am the next morning, with nightmares that I couldn’t wake up from. My blood pressure and stress level were super high, my nurse informed me as soon as I woke up. 1/10. This drug is just as awful as Haldol, Latuda, Risperidone, and Zyprexa, which I all quit about 2 years ago. Never again."

• Dia...
• February 11, 2016

Droperidol for Nausea/Vomiting "I received Inapsine or droperidol in an ER visit to assess a small gastric bleed related to gastroparesis. The nausea and vomiting had persisted for 2 days. However, within 10 minutes of the drug administration, I became severely restless and unable to remain in the bed. I suffered the worst episode of restless leg syndrome in my life, but it involved my upper body and arms, too! I paced, stretched, and moved constantly, trying to achieve some comfort. I became repeatedly tangled in the IV tubing. Finally, I relaxed after having received several IV or IM doses of diazepam. I remained awake at home until the following morning."

• KRo...
• June 6, 2022

"Went to the ER for what I thought was possibly meningitis. Doctor assumed it was a migraine. Nurse never asked and gave me the droperidol. I noticed her giving something and asked what it was. Was surprised when she said it because I thought it had been taken off the market. Immediately started having anxiety, RLS, hot sweats, absolutely miserable. I had hallucinations, the most bizarre dreams. I couldn’t sleep, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open. That was Thursday night, and it is now Sunday night, and I am absolutely miserable still. Panic attack (which I have never had before), absolutely horrible shaking inside and just dread and restlessness. I had a similar experience with Reglan but never realized that they would be the same. I will never allow this drug to be given to me again. The doctor gave me Cogentin to try to stop the side effects, but it didn’t work. It has been the most horrible experience."

• C-S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2017

Droperidol for Nausea/Vomiting "I was given Inapsine for nausea during delivery by cesarean. While lying on the operating table, I developed an extreme case of RLS, restless arms, actually, since my lower body was completely anesthetized. The only relief was flailing my arms and shaking them vigorously. I passed out shortly thereafter, and that was the end of that. Fifteen years later, I experienced somewhat extreme RLS and immediately recognized it as the same way my arms had felt during delivery (post-Inapsine). The RLS continued for months and was likely due to taking sertraline. When I finally made the connection, I tapered off the sertraline and haven't had an episode since. Perhaps those who have RLS due to Inapsine are more likely to have the same reaction to SSRIs."