Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Thanks Beth. Respect is generally the best approach, and one should never be disrespectful when being treated well. I'm almost always respectful, but am prepared to fight (never physically) if necessary. I think the key word here is "hearing" what you say. My doctor does not hear what I say about ...

All I can say is don't give up. Opioids are the only effective medication for most people who have had their disease augmented by dopamine agonists like Mirapex. Doctors prescribed the medication that worsened the disease, they should not be reluctant to prescribe the medication that is now the ...

Patients push for more research. They would be better off if they pushed for something that required GP level doctors to become educated in the proper diagnosis and treatment of RLS, which would benefit a large segment of the population (and yes, I have discussed this at length with the ...

Hmmm... not a lower decay rate, a lower release rate. As I understand it, it's like taking multiple smaller doses over a period of time. So as an example: You can take 3 mg immediate release and it all begins to break down at once, and 3 hours later it's almost all gone (don't believe the ...

Thanks Beth. I'm visiting my doctor today. I'm going to ask for ask for Pregabalin and an extended release codeine. I absolutely have that horror! The horror is restricted to drugs acting on the central nervous system. Pramipexole is such a drug, but I never really thought about it that way. It was ...

Thanks Steve. I hope my doctor is supportive.

Thanks for the tip Steve. I really appreciate it. I had no idea it was coming, but this AM I experienced, what appeared to be a panic attack. I was lying in bed and my insides were a bit shaky. I've experienced anxiety, but never anything like that. Not too bad now. So I definitely plan to ask my ...

I use immediate-release hydromorphone these days.


Hi Beth,

I see that you use immediate-release hydromorphone. Why did you choose the IR version? I understand its half life is about 3 hours. Did you previously use the ER version?

I'm starting to realize that some or all of the issues I've ...

The contin will not allow more codeine in your body. It's the same amount but released slowly (so actually there is less in your body all at once?? I was never clear on that).



Hi Beth,

I see how it works, but can't seem to attach the chart. It basically agrees with my calculations. I ...

Thanks Beth. I'll keep working with my doctor, although for most of us, it seems like we are the doctor. I want to get by on as low a dose as possible. My current dose now seems to be OK, but that will become clearer with time. I'm prepared to sacrifice some sleep for a lower dose. I say that not ...

As soon as it kicks in, your symptoms are under control and your exhausted body, which hasn't had enough sleep in months or years, falls asleep. If the timing of this is a problem, time how long it takes for you to start nodding off after you take it, then adjust the time you take it so that it ...

Also keep in mind that RLS is not only caused by a deficiency of active dopamine receptors but also a deficiency of glutamate receptors. This leads to an excess of both neurotransmitters. Dopamine is involved with the movement issues we experience but it is the glutamate that often results in ...

Thanks Steve. So you're on a long-acting opioid, but still wake up two or more times during the night. That's where I am on a short-acting opioid. I'll try the extended release codeine (if I can get it), and see how it goes. I'm hoping I will sleep through the night with it. If I'm still up twice ...

Question: I'm taking 60mg codeine before bedtime and 30mg when I first wake up in the middle of the night. I've been doing this for about a month since quitting Pramipexole. One of the side effects is drowsiness. I'm nodding off repeatedly (but briefly) in the evening while watching TV. I'm planning ...

Hi Don,

If your issues are mostly at night, I would recommend discussing with your doctor about incorporating an extended-release, ER, form of an opioid into your regimen.

Lissa

Hi Lissa,

I have an appointment with my doctor on Mar 6. Since I discontinued Pramipexole, my symptoms only occur ...