Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Hi there.
My doctor has just called in a script for quinine for me. Does anyone have any experience with this medication? I thought it was for malaria.
I have tried Requip but had severe side effects after 3months. Other meds that I still take, as needed, are percocet and xanax.
Thank you in advance for any information you have.
~ Jenn

huh, I did a search on this site and on rlshelp.org but so far it appears that quinine mainly helps with leg cramps which is different then RLS.

You might read, copy, and send a copy of the RLS Algorithm to your doctor. (Link is in my signature below.) If it were me, I'd go ahead and try Mirapex (although it will likely end up like Requip did). Then go on to step #2 then #3, etc. etc. listed on the Algorithm.

Hope you can find some relief soon and welcome to the board!

Thank you so much for the quick response

One question, are the pictures important in that algorithm? I can never get them to load.
I'm supposed to see my doctor on Dec 07 and will discuss different treatments then - and will take a copy of the algorithm with me. I figured I would just give the quinine a try - what the heck, can't hurt (I think)

I don't know. The link in my signature does not have any pics so try that one.

Jenn, I also tried quinine and what Hos says is correct. It is not for rls just for leg cramps. It did not help me whatsoever.

On the Mayo Clinic Algorithm I think that you just need to copy the information to take to your dr. I would not bother downloading the pictures, and if I am wrong, please if any other members know correct me as I do not get offended.

Good luck with your Dec. 7 appt. and please keep us posted on how you are doing.

I've also tried quinine in the past and while it can help with some of the tense cramping sensations it does not provide overall relief for rls symptoms. Some leg sensations and pains may be caused by nocturnal cramping that you may not even be aware of though! So as long as it's not bothering you to take it, you may want to stick with it for a month or so to see if it eases your symptoms.

Did I understand correctly that your next appointment is December 2007? Honey, you need to get some help before then! It sounds like your doctor needs some education. Print the Algorithm and take it with you. Hopefully the doctor will be impressed with your initiative and work hard to help you get some relief. Welcome to the board and good luck.

quinine is for leg cramps you can buy it over the counter at any drug store. print off the algorithim and if your doc doesn't pay any attention to it maybe you should be in the market for a new doctor.


dee

Quinine (in tonic water) helps my restlessness in addition to the cramps and buzzing, but only temporarily, and then it quits working. So I save it for when I'm out-and-about and desparate. It's like I get one shot at it in a great while. I'm sure it's not all in my mind. Well, then again . . . Hahaha - nothing would surprise me.

Hi Elizabeth
I am so glad that you joined our group. You give some wonderful advise andI know that is a relief to some of the newbies here.

I am also glad that you are doing better. Please do not stop posting. Enjoy reading all of our posts. Have a good day.

Please read up on quinine therapy. I recently read of a woman who had been taking it for a long time and developed SERIOUS blood problems. sorry I can't remember the medical name, but I do remember that Wake University helped her find what the problem was. She was on Dialysis for several months. I read a newspaper column by Dr.Gott, a syndicated medical question and answer column. She did not say she had RLS, but did have leg cramps at night.