Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

A neighbor suggested that it might be helpful to take magnesium glycinate pills. I don't think she knew anything about restless legs but she gave me a few and I bought a bottle. It wasn't part of my regular routine and during the Xmas holiday I didn't keep up with my magnesium pills. I had a couple of bad nights trying to get to sleep. I have been trying to manage with 2 ropinirole pills but had to go with 3 those nights. It occurred to me that those nights were the ones where I missed taking magnesium. I am back with the pills and life has been better. I also have Barrett's Esophagus and because of it I have taken Nexium for years. I just refilled my prescription and noticed that there was a warning that Nexium over time can reduce the magnesium level. This all kind of falls into place and I plan on continuing the Mg pills. I thought I saw some info about Magnesium in the RLS archives but can't find it when I want it. Are there some recommendations somewhere and does it matter what form the pills should be? What levels should I be looking for and is it a routine blood test?

My RLS has been under better control since I came off the ropinerole. Whilst reducing I started to supplement with magnesium. Coincidence or not I will be continuing to take the magnesium.

I don't have any specifics. All I have heard is that if you are low in any of the minerals and vitamins, you may have more symptoms.

Magnesium does bind oxalates. Maybe that's the reason why it helps some of us.

Magnesium was prescribed for me by the RLS specialist in Denver. It also helps with constipation, if you take opioids.

For a brief overview of some of the types of magnesium, benefits, side effects, and studies thereof: https://examine.com/supplements/magnesium/

Examine.com is a website I find helpful for its analysis of published scientific studies on dietary supplements.

I supplement at night with a form of magnesium collected from organic algae. It helps a little with sleep, some with constipation, and not at all with my RLS symptoms as far as I can tell.

I've been taking magnesium in pills and powders in tea or water. Besides some help with occasional constipation, I don't get relief from RLS. But my wife keeps pushing it on me so I've been doing this for at least five years and my RLS is worse than ever. No miracle cure but I'm sure it does not hurt.

debbluebird wrote:Magnesium was prescribed for me by the RLS specialist in Denver. It also helps with constipation, if you take opioids.

I cannot remember which it was, but one type works well for me in this regard. All others do not. But, I am tired and cannot remember!

I am tired and cannot remember!

Amen!