Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Use this section to discuss your experiences with prescription drugs, iron injections, and other medical interventions that involve the introduction of a drug or medicine into the body. Discuss side effects, successes, failures, published research, information about drug trials, and information about new medications being developed.

Important: Posts and information in this section are based on personal experiences and recommendations; they should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider.
Rustsmith
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Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by Rustsmith »

Ann, interesting that you doctor doesn't like gabapentin but is considering Horizant since Horizant converts into gabapentin just as soon as it hits the blood stream. One would think that the half life of the two should be virtually identical for any given individual.

As for sleep studies, yes the goals of our two doctors are different. Since I am already using a CPAP and she has the results of my last study, mine isn't concerned about hypopneas or apneas. She will have a current read on those values when I take my CPAP chip to my next appointment. So mine is more concerned with the PLMS. I just wish that they would allow me to do the study without all of the EEG wires and just let me have the smaller number of EMG sensors. But I am certain that I would be hoping for too much since I am sure that the techs have one way to do things and they always do it that way.

As for the clonazepam, I haven't tried benzo's since my first neuro put me on them for insomnia (prior to RLS diagnosis). They did not put me to sleep and only left me walking around the house like a drunk. However, if they are combined with gabapentin then maybe the benzo will help to keep me asleep after the gabapentin wears off after about 4 hrs.
Steve

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/a ... 0/fulltext
Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

Sojourner
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Joined: Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:56 am
Location: USA

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by Sojourner »

I'm struggling a bit with the whole idea of "another" sleep study. Had one about 10 years ago (about 30 years into my rls). Results indicated no sleep apnea but did show some plus. Also, "ta-dah," poor sleep. Anyway, new new neuro referred me to a sleep specialist, primarily due to my poor sleep pattern, who suggested a sleep study. Sleep specialist does not believe I have sleep apnea or at least a very "tiny, tiny" chance that I could have. Anyway.....I declined and said I would think about it and next appt is looming. Not sure why I would want to do another. Have been on a benzo with good results until I kept needed more and more to do the job--sound familiar. Getting off the benzo was difficult. I think my "problem(s) are pretty well identified and do not think another sleep study will add to the mix. Talked to my primary about the issue in the context of I did want anyone to think I was "refusing" treatment. She did not have a strong reaction either way and seemed to be ok leaving the decision up to me. I'm just not sure what good another one would do.

Just so I am on topic a bit. At one time, I got up to the 2700 mg. range of gabapentin. Other than some initial drowsiness, mental confusion with the first few doses, I never encountered any notable side effects and would have been grateful for the sleep improvement benefits some experience. It did help with my rls symptoms though. After being off it for a bit, I returned and am now on 1200 mg along with some hydrocodone. The rls is manageable but, for like many others here, insomnia and lack of sleep is probably my greatest gripe.


Wishing all who visit here some peace this night
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ViewsAskew
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Location: Los Angeles

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by ViewsAskew »

Steve - I think she wants to use the extended release version - should have been clear.

Sojourner - I would not have considered the sleep study, except for one factor. My last sleep study was prior to 2007-2008 and that is when the protocol in studies changed - they started looking for hypopnias. They didn't do that before that. The last doctor I tried locally wouldn't really work with me because she didn't have current info. I didn't want this relationship to fail because the doctor was second-guessing what might be. That said, it's my deductible and not inexpensive!
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

debbluebird
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Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 3:27 pm

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by debbluebird »

Saw the Pulmonary doctor today, he manages the sleep and RLS. He agreed, that I could restart the Methadone. I'm only having to take 5 mg, once around 5 or 6 pm, then the other one around midnight or 1 am. My central sleep apnea has improved. He wants to see me again in 3 months. I'm his only patient on Methadone. What a relief. I'm sleeping at least 8 hours or longer, of course broken up.

Rustsmith
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Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 9:31 pm
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by Rustsmith »

Congratulations. I'm happy to hear that things are starting to work out for you.

Also, I haven't heard much lately in our local news about the Beaver Creek fire, do they have it mostly contained now? The fire just west of us (Hayden Creek) is now 55% controlled and the concern now has shifted to the potential for flash flooding due to run off from the burned mountainsides.
Steve

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/a ... 0/fulltext
Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

debbluebird
Posts: 2386
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 3:27 pm

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by debbluebird »

The fire is only 12% contained and now about 34,020 acres. They are going to let the snow put it out when it comes. The wind has changed in the last week and the smoke has been bad here.

Yes, I'm relieved the doctor appointment worked out.

ViewsAskew
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Location: Los Angeles

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by ViewsAskew »

Hey, Deb...just had an idea. The opioid webinar is on YouTube - by Dr Earley, recorded by the Foundation. At any rate, he discusses which opioids have the least respiratory depression. I think Bupronorphine is the least, but my memory it's what it used to be. It could work! But, at any rate, glad you have the methadone back and are sleeping much better.
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

debbluebird
Posts: 2386
Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 3:27 pm

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by debbluebird »

I believe you are correct, but it is very expensive. The central sleep apnea events went from 12 to 7. He said that was acceptable. Thanks for thinking of me.

ViewsAskew
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Posts: 16571
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:37 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Central Apnea, Methadone Withdrawal, and Other Trials and Tribulations

Post by ViewsAskew »

Yep - you are totally right, I didn't think about that. And it's not often covered by any insurance, either. That sux.
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.

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