RLS
I've had RLS for over thirty years now after my spinal cord surgery it's gotten super bad they put me on repenirol now I'm afraid I'm addicted to it. When I ran out a few weeks ago I thought I was going to have a stroke. Anyone else ever experienced the same from this drug ?
, a couple of thoughts from me. First of all you must talk to your doctor about this. It does sound as though your surgery could have changed your needs. Remember that changes to your spinal cord can certainly change the nerve path in your legs. It makes sense to reevaluate and have a good discussion about other possibilities.
The first drug prescribed for me (which sounds as though it may be the same as yours, but it has been so long ago I can’t remember the name) impacted my body in a negative way. The doctor wanted me to stay on it longer, but after a few days I stopped. I know my body and the drug was too harsh. I didn’t get another good solution for years - mostly because I was afraid to advocate for myself. That’s why I encourage everyone to feel confident when talking to providers.
The drug I am on now is known to be addictive and one of my friends was on a campaign to get me off it. My theory? I have a condition that will probably need medication the rest of my life. Is it addiction if I take it as prescribed for a condition that requires it? I don’t think so. This is working for me now. If that changes I will find another treatment.
But if you are uncomfortable on it, there are many other drugs out there to try.
This is a great article on prescription drugs for restless legs from our experts. Get familiar with it and even consider making a copy for your provider. Sometimes there will be a drug they haven’t thought about. We need to educate them as we educate themselves.
https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/medications
Best wishes! I know it is miserable.I take the same drug. I'm wondering if it's making my symptoms worse. I would like to try something else.
Are you able to speak to your doctor about your concerns and desire to try something else?
🥄🦄 Ray (Team member), when you have this sort of question it’s important to talk to your provider. There are so many different options for us. Here’s the article I shared with . It sounds as though it could be helpful for you, too.
https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/medications
Making it worse is not a viable treatment!
I have taken Pramipexole (Mirapex) for 7 years, it's a dopamine agonists and comparable to ropinirole or Requip, also a dopamine agonists. I'm wondering if your side effects from being without your ropinirole were RLS symptoms or something else. If I miss a dose I have RLS symptoms within 4 to 8 hours. As a retired nurse I don't think having increased symptoms of RLS when you miss doses is due to addiction. I also take Magnesium and drink Tonic water, 4 to 12 ounces/day as it contains quinidine. And if I still have RLS I soak my feet in Epsom salt and use a wash cloth to run the water over my legs. Before I started taking Pramipexole I had holes in my bottom sheets from my legs moving so much at night. Good Luck!
I am glad to hear that you have been able to find a combination of things that work for you. I used to be on Pramipexole but had to stop in October 2022 because I was experiencing augmentation.
Have you delt with augmentation?
🥄🦄 Ray (Team member)
Wow, that's so intense it was that rough on you. I'm so sorry it's been so bad.
I, personally, have never been on that medication but hopefully, someone else who has been on this medication will comment.
I hope you can hang in there.
🥄🦄 Ray (Team member)
