Patient letters on RLS symptoms and remedies- Page 55

 

Kicking RLS/PLMD Patient

If you have questions or wish to describe your symptoms and treatments, send us email by clicking below.

 

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Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 4:20 PM
Subject: Severe RLS symptoms associated with fibromyalgia

I have suffered from RLS for the past several years and even though I am an RN I didn’t even know there was a name to the “creepy crawly” sensations I felt in my legs that would keep me awake for hours!  I stumbled onto a website to discover that I was not alone.     

For me, I would describe the sensations as “little bugs crawling inside my legs” or “someone tickling my bones.”  It would absolutely drive me nuts and I would thrash around in bed even on Ambien, get up, walk or run on the treadmill, go back to bed and thrash around some more, get up again, read, walk around the house, go back to bed, take more Ambien, but at times it was so bad that I would be awake all night long until my kids got up for school.

It is like torture when you can’t sleep, yet you are exhausted beyond reason.  In fact, I have heard that captors have tortured prisoners or weakened them during an interrogation process through the means of sleep deprivation, because they know how severely it compromises a person.  I think I prefer the pain of fibromyalgia to RLS because at least I can go to sleep with pain most of the time.

The worst times for me with RLS were during a 1 month period in 2003 when I stopped my narcotic pain medication abruptly.  I had been on a strong narcotic patch called Fentanyl  that is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin for several months for my fibromyalgia.  I did not know that RLS symptoms would increase in severity as a result of narcotic withdrawal.  

I had frequent and severe symptoms of RLS, much more than I had had before (and even then I had already replaced my sheets twice in a 6-month period due to tearing holes in them with my feet because of all the thrashing around!)  Twice during this withdrawal period I was awake for almost 48 hours as a result of RLS symptoms and had to be finally taken to the ER and knocked out with morphine to sleep.  Sleep deprivation will make you crazy!

Thankfully, I had a polysomnography around this time, which showed the RLS and another sleep disorder commonly associated with fibromyalgia known as alpha-delta sleep anomaly, or alpha-intrusion, and the neurologist put me on some additional medications for this disorder as well as an anti-Parkinson's medication known as Mirapex, which is also used to treat symptoms of RLS in some people.  I was so exhausted from not getting much sleep due to the RLS, so I was relieved to finally try the Mirapex.  

It is funny now, but the first week of taking the medication, it often causes insomnia as you adjust to the medication, but I didn’t realize that until a few days later.  I just wondered why I was wide awake with no symptoms of RLS until 5 am every night.  After about a week, this resolved, and I finally got some sleep and got rid of the dark circles under my eyes.  Good thing, because after all this resolved (finally) I was due to go on a 2-week choir tour to England and Scotland that had been planned for 2 years, and I was supposed to be a vocal and flute soloist.  It had looked like I was going to have to back out of it at the last minute, but it all worked out in the end and we had a great tour.  

I have been on the Mirapex now for a year, and it works very well for me.  When I don’t take it, my RLS symptoms do recur, even with Ambien and my other sleep medications.  I know this is quite a lengthy e-mail, but it was quite an ordeal for me last summer with this problem.  

Thank you,
Elisabeth Z.

Medical Reply

t is more likely that the narcotic medication was treating your RLS (it works really well to alleviate both pain and RLS symptoms) and that by stopping the narcotic you were left with untreated RLS (which may make it seems like you are suffering from withdrawal when in fact you are just experiencing untreated RLS).
 
Mirapex or Requip are the drugs of choice for RLS so it is not surprising that you did well with them.  A sleep study is not needed for RLS although it does pick up the associated PLM's.  Although alpha-delta intrusion is reasonably common in fibromyalgia, it occurs in many normal people and other disease states making it very unhelpful for confirming fibromyalgia (or anything else for that matter).
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 10:39 AM
Subject: Re: Fibromyalgia and Restless Legs

Can you tell me if Trazadone makes restless legs worse?  Two of my doctors have recommended for sleep instead of Ambien.  Can it be taken safely with Mirapex?  Your response and help is appreciated.  

Gayle A.

Medical Reply

Trazadone should not interact with Mirapex.  It is not as good as Ambien for sleep (but is cheaper as it is generic).  It should not make RLS worse.
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 11:44 AM
Subject: Mirapex side effects

I have received incredible relief from Mirapex (.25 mg) for RLS over the past six months.  However, I am concerned about long term use and certain side effects.  I sometimes wonder if the cure is worth it.  I have tried to reduce the dosage but .25 mg about two hours before bedtime provides the relief from RLS that I need.  But I frequently suffer insomnia and heartburn. 

I also have concern about what this drug may be doing to my system.  I don't know of a way to describe it, but most nights I get this strange feeling that there is something wrong with my body, kind of like a rush of adrenaline.  It soon subsides, but it concerns me what this drug may be doing to me (perhaps I am worried over nothing).  Can this drug cause heart palpations or other cardiac problems? 

My other concern is what this drug is doing to my whole thought process.  I have noticed that I am somewhat hesitant in my speaking as though I am searching for my next thought ( that may be from a lack of sleep).  I tried to see if I could go a night or two without the drug and I had the most terrifying nightmares imaginable.  It was so bad I did not want to go back to sleep.  

Am I simply paranoid for nothing, or is Mirapex a mind altering and body chemistry changing drug I should be concerned about? 

 
JD

Medical Reply

Your dose of Mirapex is very low.  Most RLS patients take 2-6 of the .25 mg per day and many take much more.  Parkinson's disease patients take over 10 times your dose.  That is not to say that even low doses may not cause side effects but they are relatively uncommon.
 
We are not sure of the long term side effects of Mirapex but as the drug has been out now for several years it is likely that there are no significant long problems that should concern you.
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2004 3:26 AM
Subject: OTC medications for RLS?
 
I write this in one of my late nights with aching restless legs. I notice that a lot of you are in your 50's...I hope it doesn't take that long before you find a remedy that works to relieve RLS! I am only 20 and have heard that RLS only gets worse with age. I have had RLS since about 13 years old but only had it diagnosed a couple years ago. My dad also has RLS but he never had it diagnosed.

Anyway, my doctor was suggesting some Parkinson's meds but at the same time him and I both thought that since I didn't have symptoms too often that taking something like a Parkinson's med wouldn't be practical. However, when I do have symptoms they are very severe and I lose sleep over them which is an especially hard thing to deal with right now that I am going to the University and have early mornings. Not to mention most of us know how unbearable it can get.

Essentially I am looking for something quick, cheap and easy to get or do to relieve the symptoms. I can't have caffeine as it really flares up the symptoms as opposed to helping them. I am willing to try something natural but not too expensive.

 
Thanks for any help,
Jenn

Medical Reply

There is nothing that you can buy over the counter (most all of these are not natural anyway) that helps RLS.   Many RLS sufferers have written in with things that have worked for them but these rarely seem to help others.
 
The prescription medications do work very well to relieve RLS and if you have symptoms just occasionally, then you can take them on an as needed basis.  The Parkinson's disease medications (Requip or Mirapex) can be taken just when you have trouble or you can use a sleeping pill such as Ambien to put you to sleep when they occur.  Both of those drugs can be taken together if needed.
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 1:15 PM
Subject: Other anti-seizure drugs for RLS?

Do you know of other anti-seizure drugs I can try?  The Neurontin I take definitely makes my mouth hurt.  I tried Keppra last night.  My mouth pain was almost gone (it was nice!) but the Keppra made my stomach hurt and then didn't stop my legs, so had to take some Neurontin for that. 

Today feel tired and out of it!  Neurontin works for me, but for over a year has caused my upper palate to feel very hot and uncomfortable.  I know they use it for pain, but this is some kind of weird reaction!  So if you know of any others I could try.....?

Thanks again,
Irene O.,

Medical Reply

The other anti-seizure drugs that have been used with some success (but not as much clinical experience yet as they are fairly new) are Topamax, Lamictal and Trileptal.
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 4:45 PM
Subject: RLS from working with candles?

I have painted candles for the last 2 1/2 years. I spent 4-8 hours a day right down over the candles. About 6 months ago I started having severe RLS.  I've found cases of people who spend a lot of time around lighted candles having problems with their nervous systems. Could my being so close to the candles and breathing the scents cause my problem? 

I became suspicious when, after being away from the candles for several days, I became ill after painting for an hour.  The next day I became ill after painting for only half an hour.  My neurologist just shrugged his shoulders when I mentioned it to him.  I would very much like an answer from you.   

I'm now on Sinemet and am experiencing augmentation. I have tried Mirapex but have terrible side affects.

Thanks, 
Louise

Medical Reply

I have never heard of similar concerns of working around lighted candles or other things causing RLS.  It could be possible but it would be likely that we would have heard of that type of link by now.
 
You may want to try Requip and if that causes side effects then consider Neurontin.
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 9:29 PM
Subject: RLS treatment?

I have been suffering with my first bout of RLS for about the past 3-4 weeks.  You responded very quickly to a message I sent a few weeks ago, and I wanted to thank you. 

I have a few new questions.  My doctor prescribed clonazepam for the insomnia and anxiety I am feeling.  Sometimes it works and some nights it doesn't.  Will I ever have days where I will not feel RLS?  Does this come and go?  Also, I have been having sensations in my abdomen and possible my lips and mouth area.  What I am feeling in my face could be tension, I am not sure. 

What do you think?  As you can tell, I am very anxious about this, and any information you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Teresa

Medical Reply

The RLS symptoms are likely there for life but with the correct adjustment of your medications you should be able to control 98% or more of these symptoms.  The RLS will wax and wane over weeks and months.
 
Klonopin (clonazepam) is a long acting drug that has been associated with tolerance and addiction.  It may be better to treat your anxiety with a drug like Wellbutrin and your insomnia with Ambien.
 
Speak to your doctor about these changes.
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 11:22 PM
Subject: RLS and headaches?

I have RLS.  However my situation seems a little different than other people I have heard.  I have a period of a week-a month where I have headaches and RLS almost everyday, and then I go through a period of a couple weeks-1 month where I have no headaches or RLS, then it is back again.  I feel there must be a connection between the two. 

I thought perhaps my period, but the symptoms occur at different intervals and at different times in my cycle.  I found one site liking the two to depression, but I am not depressed.  I would love to hear any possible causes you could give me.  The symptomatic periods are driving me crazy!

Thank you,
Kyla

Medical Reply 

You are right that your cycles of RLS and headache are somewhat unusual.  As we do  not know what causes RLS it is even more difficult to speculate as to what is causing the fluctuations in your symptoms.   It is relatively common for RLS to vary with hormones in women's menstrual cycles, but if that is not your case then it may be very difficult to impossible to figure out what is going on with you.
 
We will post your letter and see if anyone else has noted similar problems.
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 8:51 PM
Subject: RLS better with anti-acid medication?
 
I have had RLS from the age of twelve (55 years ago).  It is in the family, my mother and four out of eight children have it. My mother and I suffer the worse. One out of three of my daughters have it and her 13 year has it. It has effected several nieces also. There has been no quality to life being tired all the time. I am very sensitive to medication and have tried a lot to try to get relief.
 
On one of the Patient Pages someone mention using an antacid, Pepcid and it helped his restless legs. I tried several over the counter antacids, taking them in a dosage that would be subscribed by a doctor with no relief. My doctor prescribed Protonix just to see if it would help and believe it or not I have gotten very good results. I used it for about ten days. My doctor has no answer as why it helps. Protonix should be used for only a short time, so we decided to try Neurontin and put the Protonix aside for now. I tried 100 mg of Neurontin but the hang over was great. I am now trying 50 mg and that is not as bad and it appears to help the legs. Hopefully my body will adjust.
 
Do you know any reason why Protonix is not recommended for long term use?
 
JD mentioned that Mirapex was affecting her memory. The same thing happened to me. After being on it for six months with great results, I couldn't think of the words I wanted to say just to hold a conversation. As soon as I got off of the Mirapex, the problem cleared up.

PLM 

 

Medical Reply

There is no explanation why an acid reducing medication like Pepcid or a proton-pump inhibitor like Protonix should help RLS.  There are many patients taking Protonix for life, so there is no reason that this drug cannot be taken for long periods of time.  Protonix is an expensive drug which is likely the most common reason that its usage is limited.  
Neurontin is generally needed at much higher doses of 300 - 1200 mg but if you are getting help from very low doses then that would be very helpful.
 
Mirapex can cause drowsiness which may be responsible for the memory problems you and others have experienced.
Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2004 11:21 PM
Subject: RLS and anesthesia

I recently went in for out patient surgery and was given 2 drugs that caused a reaction in me so badly that the surgery could not be performed.  The drugs were Reglan and Propofol.  Last year I was given these drugs for reconstructive breast surgery after a lumpectomy and had no incident.  This time while going in for some more cosmetic surgery I began what the doctor described as a dystonic reaction along with myoclonus. 

My blood pressure rose and I got a fever and began jerking.  The doctors called off the surgery and are going to review what happened.  Obviously I am traumatized and scared to death of anesthesia.  Does it have anything to do with my RLS?  I took my Permax at midnight and never had trouble before.

Thank you,

Mary Jo

Medical Reply
Reglan (metoclopramide) is a potent dopamine antagonist which should make most RLS patients worsen.  You were probably quite lucky that you did not react to the Reglan the first time.
 
The Propofol is a sedative and I do not believe that it has any negative effects on RLS.
 
The information about Reglan is on our website on our RLS Treatment Page under drugs to avoid.
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 7:38 PM
Subject: RLS and iron?

I had RLS for 3 years, and it progressively worsened until it affected my legs as wells as my arms.  It was torture.   Then I heard iron might help (ferritin at 30 even with supplements) and took iron with Vitamin c and B complex, on an empty stomach - (important).  It worked immediately, that same night.  When I stop taking the supplements, it comes back.

The question I have is:  why do I need iron?  I eat plenty of iron-rich foods.

I heard that mercury poisoning from dental amalgams can deplete iron in your body and brain, (as well as cause RLS).  Do you believe there may be a connection?

Medical Reply

It is very common for women who are menstruating to lose iron and not adequately replace the iron despite eating iron rich foods.  The iron loss during menstruation can be considerable and the body can absorb only a very small percentage of iron taken orally (in food or otherwise). 
 
As you have noted, taking iron pills on an empty stomach in an acid environment (that is the reason for the Vitamin C) greatly enhances iron absorption.
 
There is no correlation or connection with mercury from dental fillings depleting iron in your body, brain or blood.
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 4:03 AM
Subject: RLS at night, better with cabergoline?

I know now that I have had RLS for close to 50 years.  I'm now 81.  It was finally correctly diagnosed about 15 years ago and I started a regime of several medications.  The first was Dopicar plus 2 mg of Clonazepam.  About five years ago the new Involuntary Movement Clinic at Ichalov Hospital determined, after several weeks of testing, that eight .05 tablets of Pergolide, spread through the day, plus .5 Clonazepam at night would be the best approach. 

It worked.  Up until two months ago I was relived of all symptoms, particularly at night.  Recently the RLS has started to return about 8 PM.  It often gets worse during the night and can be relieved only with larger doses of Clonazepam, up to 2 mg.  My neurologist feels that a gradual switch to Cabaser may be the answer.  It is supposed to extend the daily cycle of the protagonist, thereby minimizing the dependency on Clonazepam.  Is there any research of experience with the use of Cabaser for RLS?

Thanks,
B. Katz. Tel Aviv, Israel

Medical Reply

Cabaser is used a lot in Britain and Europe with some success.  Other choices (if available in Israel) would be Requip or Mirapex.  Clonazepam can become addictive in which case tolerance may occur.  Ambien (if available) is a better choice.  Neurontin may also be helpful.
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:28 PM
Subject: need help
 
I  have had RLS since I can remember. The last 20 yrs have gotten worse , and I didn't even know  what I had. I've must have seen  15 doctor's until  I know what it was. It start's around 11:00 pm  and unable to sleep till around 6:00am in the morning. Am taking apo-levocarb but it does not work. I'm unable to work now because this illness.

It was hard growing up with this disease, my parents thought I was lazy be cause I would sleep in late. I tried to explain to them about it but had no idea what I was talking about. They finally took me to a doctor, and the doctor said I was healthy and that I just want to avoid school.

The last 7 years I just gave up , I just could not compete with the working world any more, with just a few hour's sleep. Lately I have had suicidal thought's, I just can't take this any more, night after night it's the same old thing. I suffer to much and my doctor takes it lightly.

Mike M.

Medical Reply

If you indeed have RLS then there is a lot of great treatment out there to help you.   If your current doctor does not take you seriously, then you need to find one that will or get a referral to a sleep/RLS specialist.  With all the medications available (Mirapex, Requip, etc.), the vast majority of RLS sufferers can lead a normal life.
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 1:20 PM
Subject: question about Gabitril

Is research showing effectiveness of Gabitril for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Karen U.

Medical Reply

There are case reports indicating that it may be helpful.  I have used in on some RLS  patients with variable success.  As with Neurontin and other anti-seizure drugs, sedation often limits the ability to achieve effective doses with these drugs.
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 7:20 AM
Subject: OCD and RLS can I manage that ?

First of all, I would like to thanks all of you creators of this web site. It is a very informative site.

I suffer from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and RLS especially or exclusively on OCD medications. I've tried a lots of SSRI's. They help for OCD but dramatically increase RLS to severe RLS. Is it safe to use Mirapex together with an SSRI ? My doctor says that Mirapex could worsen OCD .

In my case RLS is primarily cause by SSRI, without medications I can't notice any RLS symptoms (maybe some paresthesia in the evening (but not very problematic). I'm 25 now and I have some concerns about Mirapex and long terms uses, tolerability and efficacy. Does Mirapex effects decrease over time or create tolerance ?

Taking Mirapex because of SSRI sucks. What do you think I should do ?

Daniel P.

Medical Reply

You may want to check with your doctor about trying Wellbutrin.  It is not an SSRI and may actually help RLS but I am not sure if it would help your OCD.
 
If you are stuck on SSRI's, then it is safe to take Mirapex.  About 10-15% of RLS patients get some tolerance to Mirapex but this can usually be overcome by increasing the dose.  With time many RLS sufferers may need a higher dose of Mirapex but this is most often due to the natural worsening of the disease with getting older.
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 10:23 PM
Subject: Miserable with RLS!
 
As I type this I am miserable.  Incredibly miserable.  It's midnight and I haven't slept in two nights and doesn't look like I'll sleep tonight, either.  Mirapex worked well for me to start, but there was the demon augmentation.  Eventually, after a couple years, it stopped working on the PLM's, though it still stopped the RLS.  My doctor tried Sinemet. One night of hell and incredible rebound and augmentation for 24 hours after that one dose.  I refused to take it again. 

On to Neurontin.  I tried it for a week and it did nothing.  I got some sleep because I was still taking some Mirapex, though was gradually reducing the amount.  Now I'm onto Requip.  I'm in hell again.  I have increased it slowly as the Mirapex was slowly decreased.  Each time it was increased, I slept less as the RLS became more constant.  Two days ago, I finished the last dose of Mirapex and increased the Requip and since that time I've had constant RLS day and night.   

Last night, for the first time, I had RLS in my arm.  I started to cry.  I want to stop ALL dopaminergic drugs for a few weeks and see if the augmentation reduces.  I want to see if the weird side effects stop.   Should I try Temazepam?  I tried to look at your treatment page and see which of the benzodiazepines would work best.  But what about a drug holiday--you said every two weeks.  I don't know what to replace it with.  Oh, but maybe it won't work as I have symptoms starting in the late afternoon. 

I don't know what to do.  Thank you so much for this site.  At midnight, having been up 50 or more hours and looking to be up several more, you are the only ray of hope I have; what you say will help me when I go to my doctor.

Ann B.

Medical Reply
With your description of severe RLS and the problems that you have had with the dopaminergic drugs, I would suggest that you ask your doctor for the pain killers.  My favorite narcotic is methadone as it lasts the longest, tends to have the least side effects and does not contain acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Many doctors are uncomfortable with this drug but may feel more comfortable with Vicodin.  You can alternate the narcotic with tramadol (Ultram) which is a non-narcotic pain killer to help avoid any problems with tolerance/addiction.
 
Benzodiazepines do work well for putting RLS/PLMD patients to sleep at night but I prefer Ambien which is not a benzodiazepine and does not cause tolerance/addiction.  You can add a sleeping as needed if the above pain killers do not fully relieve your symptom.
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 7:57 PM
Subject: Restless legs and temazepam

I have had restless legs on and off for many years.  When I had a couple of surgeries the doctors were going to give me a local anesthetic instead of a general one and my legs about jumped off the table.  Needless to say, they put me all the way under. I went through a period of three months of not sleeping and with great hesitation took temazepam. 

This worked for the legs and insomnia.  I have gone off and on it.  I have recently started to cut down from 15 mg. At night to 8 or 10 (I open the capsule and pour out half of a half of a 30 mg capsule).  My legs go crazy all night. I have to keep myself from running and taking the whole capsule.  Is there something I could take while I am trying to cut this completely out. 

Vicodin works great but I realize it is also addictive.  I am not an addictive person- I just need my sleep.  Is temazepam as addictive as Klonopin? Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thank you sincerely,
Linda, San Diego

Medical Reply
It is very difficult to evaluate how addictive one benzodiazepine is compared to another.  It is likely that at equally effective doses they are equally addictive.  Klonopin has the disadvantage of lasting very long and often causing daytime sedation. If a sleeping pill is needed, then Ambien is a better choice.
 
However, neither sleeping pills or narcotics are the drugs of first choice for your RLS.  Mirapex or Requip are much better suited to your problem and would likely eliminate the need for a sleeping pill except on an occasional basis (which would eliminate the addiction concern).
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2004 11:48 PM
Subject: Intermittent RLS treated with quinine?
 
My doctor diagnosed me with RLS today. I have been have trouble with this for sometime now.. I just can't seem to sit or lay still when the symptoms occur. She prescribed  a 260 mg quinine sulfate tablet for me to take at bedtime.

This is my first night and I can't sleep and decided to look up on the internet when I found your site. Is this a medication that has worked for some in the past?  This is not a constant problem for me,  just maybe one of two days a week,  sometimes more. It happens as often during the day as at night.  Just wanted your take on this.

Thank you, 
LuCretia

Medical Reply 

If you do have RLS, then quinine sulfate will not help you (as you already have found out).  If your symptoms are mild, then a sleeping such as Ambien taken just when necessary may be sufficient.  Pain pills (Darvon, Vicodin, or the non-narcotic Ultram) can be used in addition to the sleeping pill if more help is needed.
 
Although Mirapex or Requip are the drugs of choice for RLS, they need to be taken an hour or longer before symptoms occur, so they are not as appropriate for intermittent RLS symptoms.  If there are certain daytime situations, such as sitting for long periods of time, that typically bring on RLS symptoms, then taking Mirapex or Requip before the occur may be a better option as you do not want to be sleepy (as you would be with a sleeping pill).
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2004 1:49 PM
Subject: How long will I have RLS?
 
I believe my RLS is the result of my recent discontinuance of anti depressants.  I was wondering how long would the RLS last.  Will it go away?    In the past I would have RLS when I would miss a couple of doses.

Thank you,
Rose

Medical Reply 

Most RLS patients find that antidepressant medications worsen RLS but as you can see there is great variation.  Usually, once RLS starts it tends to stay (there are exceptions) and generally get worse with time.

Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2004 12:03 PM
Subject: Insomnia from Mirapex?

 

I have read all of the forums and, though my doctor is very helpful, I gather she doesn't have a lot of experience with treating RLS. I gave her a copy of the Mayo Clinic Algorithm that came in the recent RLS newsletter and we decided I should move from Sinemet to Mirapex.

 

I've tried it for two nights and find that, while it seems to almost completely ease my legs night AND day, I can't sleep. I just lie very comfortably in a quasi state all night checking the clock every two hours. Last pm after two hours lying there I added an Excedrin pm and it might have helped since I slept some but I'm not sure since I was so tired anyways.

 

I see that the "norm" is .5 mg which would be four of my .125 mg pills, but do they take all four at once two hours before bed? And will increasing the dosage help or hinder the sleeplessness? Or should I just try it? I took one pill of .125 mg the first night and tried two the second night. Tonight will be my third night. I'd love to stay on them since they help my legs but I need to get sleep.

 

Do some people take it in conjunction with a sleep aid and is that ok? I have some Sinemet left which used to really put me to sleep. I wonder if I could combine them or will the Sinemet bring back the jumpy legs the next day? 

 

Barb

Medical Reply 

Firstly, If your dose of Sinemet is 2 or less of the 100/25 tablets, then it is much less likely that you will get augmentation or rebound at that low dose and there may not be a need to change to Mirapex.
 
If you are at a higher dose, then a change to another drug would be wise.  If the .125 mg of Mirapex worked well for your RLS, then there is no need to increase the dose which will only worsen the side effect of insomnia.  You may even try 1/2 of a .125 mg tablet (yes, they are hard to cut, but this can be done with a good pill splitter).  If this does not help decrease the side effects or is not an adequate dose, then a change to Requip may be helpful as this drug works very similarly, but may not have the same side effects.
 
If the above dopamine drugs do not work for you then Neurontin would be a good second choice.  You could consider using Mirapex or Requip with a safe sleeping such as Ambien, but we generally don't like having to use an extra drug to treat the side effects of the treatment drug unless we really have no other options.
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 5:04 AM
Subject: RLS and peripheral neuropathy?

As a sufferer of RLS for most of my life ( I am 41 now) I can tell you that you're not alone. It is a very nerve racking disease. One thing that I have as of yet to see mentioned was the fact that there are several conditions that often go hand in hand with the restless leg syndrome or have similar symptoms. My father was diagnosed with a very bad case of peripheral neuropathy. He also had RLS. Many in our family also had the RLS symptoms. Seems that runs in families too.

No one really completely understands how RLS works and its cause so a good work up to exclude other causes is vital. Now I have been diagnosed with having peripheral neuropathy also,  probably a genetically inherited type. CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth) is by far the largest type of inherited peripheral neuropathy. An electromyogram and an NCV (nerve conduction velocity)  are the standard diagnostic test for the  PN (peripheral neuropathy) and to rule this out as a cause before diagnosing RLS as the symptoms are very similar.

Do yourself a favor and read up on Charcot Marie Tooth disorder just to see if you have any  of the characteristics of PN versus RLS. Both are very poorly understood at the present time by the medical community. Currently I am on Neurontin and Mirapex. Seems like to me they work very good together and just last night I forgot to take either of my medications and barley slept a wink.

Sandra

Medical Reply 
Interestingly enough, about 15-20% of RLS sufferers have peripheral neuropathy.  About 60% of RLS patients have a family history of RLS.
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 3:41 AM
Subject: RLS and peripheral neuropathy?
 
You've helped me very much in the past answering my questions.  I sure hope you have some advice about this.  My aunt. age 64, also has severe RLS as I do.  She cannot tolerate any of the Parkinson's disease meds or Neurontin.  She relies strictly on pain medications for relief from her RLS  symptoms which lasts about 20 hours a day. 

To make a long story short, she's developing problems with the Ultram (tramadol).  What can she alternate the other med she takes (I think its either Vicodin or OxyContin)  with if she can no longer tolerate Ultram. 

Thanks,
Mary P. 

Medical Reply 
That does present a difficult problem as Ultram is the only non-narcotic pain killer that helps RLS.  I prefer methadone to Vicodin or OxyContin as it works better and does not contain acetaminophen (Tylenol).  I do have many patients who are on narcotics alone and do reasonably well if they keep the dose to the minimum necessary to relieve their RLS problem.
 
It is also very likely that if she stays off of Ultram for a few months that she may be able to restart it without having problems and then can alternate drugs again.
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2004 4:15 AM
Subject: RLS worsened with Fosamax and other medications?
 
I have severe 24/7 RLS for which I take a variety of meds (including pain medications).  My system is very sensitive I guess and if I take any kind of other medicine or vitamin my RLS meds do not work, my symptoms increase and its as if I am taking no medication for my RLS.  I cannot take any vitamins, no ibuprofen, no calcium, no glucosamine sulfate. 

What has me concerned is that I have osteoporosis and my doctor prescribed Fosamax for me.  When I took this, it was the worst week I've had in a long time as far as my RLS symptoms were concerned.  Even though I am on medication for them, the crawling sensation was horrible, I was practically rolling around on the floor, I couldn't sleep, its as if my RLS medications just stopped working. 

After the Fosamax got out of my system, everything was fine and back to normal. Have you ever heard of anything like this and is there any thing I can do.  I'm really upset because there is severe osteoporosis in my family and I really need some kind of medication for it.  I hope you can help. 

Thanks,
Mary P.

Medical Reply      

I have never heard of that kind of sensitivity to medications that are usually benign for RLS causing worsening.  Some medications do contain caffeine (even in small amounts) and can cause RLS worsening in sensitive patients.  Fosamax contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. 

Again, there is nothing there that is known to worsen RLS and furthermore, I have many RLS patients on Fosamax without any noticeable worsening of symptoms.
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2004 7:40 PM
Subject: Abilify for RLS

I have been taking Abilify, a schizophrenia drug, for my RLS and it works fabulously. It has some side effects like mild nausea and sleeplessness, but these go away within 24 hours. The best part is only one 5mg tablet works for 2-3 WEEKS! I can't tell you how fantastic this drug is.

Please post this on your site; a lot of doctors don't seem to know about its effectiveness for RLS, and it could help a lot of people.

Thanks,
Anne D.

Medical Reply      

We have gotten a few reports (see our RLS Treatment Page 54) that Abilify helps RLS.  This drug acts on the dopamine receptors  similar to Mirapex and Requip which are very helpful drugs for RLS.  It is very unusual for a single tablet to help RLS for more than several hours and certainly not for more than a day.
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 11:42 AM
Subject: Menopause and RLS

I have had the symptoms of RLS for the past two weeks. I also believe I am in the beginning phases of menopause. What if any correlation is there and have you heard of other women with the same connection. I  had taken Paxil for 5 years for postpartum migraines but have not been on any antidepressants for many years.

Does the use of antidepressants have a connection to causing RLS? Thank you. I am so glad I found this website I thought I was just going crazy.

Debbie

Medical Reply      

RLS often changes with menopause (usually worse but some actually get better).  How long this will last may be difficult to predict.  Antidepressant medications such as Paxil are known to worsen RLS but only while you are on the medication.
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2004 5:44 PM
Subject: RLS help for children?
 
I stumbled upon your web page while looking up information about RLS. I read a brief article describing this syndrome and I am beginning to think my 11 year old daughter has it. I have not discussed this with her doctor yet, except to comment on her "intense growing pains, in her legs and feet".

She cannot sit still, her legs are always going, when we go on car rides she gets "antsy" she insists on stopping to get out and walk. She cannot sit for any extended length of time without complaining and at night she wants her legs rubbed. She really likes it when I squeeze her feet, really hard. It seems to be in her feet and shin area the most. Both legs. Sometimes it wakes her up.

While reading your entries I found a comment on Sept. 3, 2001 about a diet that helped her symptoms. At 11, I truly would prefer to go that route instead of medication. Would you be kind enough to tell me how to go about finding the triggers. I understand caffeine consumption. But what about other foods, like this potato and corn theory. Are there any particular foods shown to increase symptoms?

Thank you for any help,

PT.

Medical Reply      

It is always difficult to diagnose children with RLS.  If there is another family member with RLS then the diagnosis becomes even more likely.
 
Diets are more hit and miss.  Avoiding caffeine is very important and you may want to check lists of foods and over the counter drugs which contain caffeine.  Some think that refined sugars and carbohydrates may also cause worsening RLS but there is really nothing very scientific about this area of treatment for RLS.
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2004 7:59 PM
Subject: Husband with RLS

My husband has had this for years. He didn't know it had a name until about a year ago and was able to pass that information along to his maternal grandmother who has suffered with RLS for a long time. She walks her house at night...she refuses to leave and spend the night away from home due to this. It has been this way with her for a good 20 years or more now.

My husband is 36 and he sees how much this has affected his grandmother (his mother is deceased so he does not know if she had suffered as well) and worries that he will end up just as bad. He has been through muscle relaxers and many other spasm meds....now he has been sent to a neurologist. and they prescribed Mirapex, .25mg. He has to take about 2 every night to feel any results but he has been sleeping better....me too!

Connie N of NC

Medical Reply      

Your husband should continue to do well with his Mirapex.  In a recent study, about 80% of patients on Mirapex remained stable for long periods of time.  So far, we have not really found any significant long term effects of taking this drug.
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 10:23 AM
Subject: Tamoxifen and RLS?
 
I took three doses of Tamoxifen 20mg to treat breast cancer and have developed legs nerve twitching, a buzzing feeling in my legs, inability to sleep because I need to move my legs at night, joint soreness. I discontinued the Tamoxifen on my Drs. advice but the symptoms have not disappeared. since I had an estrogen receptor tumor I need to pursue other ways to turn off my estrogen supply. Probably ovarian suppression via injection.

Anyway, is there a link between estrogen levels and RLS? I have never had this feeling before and I going a little crazy with these symptoms. My mother used to complain of "jumping legs".

Any advice?

Medical Reply   

Hormones can surely influence RLS.  Sometimes positively, but mostly negatively.  As Tamoxifen is a hormone antagonist, it should have more of a potential for helping RLS, but anything is possible.
 
The best thing to do would be to treat your RLS with the usual medications such as Mirapex or Requip.
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 2:14 PM
Subject: Zoloft and RLS?

I have had RLS most of my life and I am 77yrs old.  It has been very bad the last 2 or 3 years.  I found that my medication was causing some of it and I have been able to get it under control by being very careful of certain foods.  Right now it mostly happens just after I go to bed and I can relieve it by using Sportscream or Theragesic and an ice pack on my feet.

My doctor gave me 50mgs of Zoloft a day a couple of months ago and that is the only medication I am on except for Fosamax.  He wants me to stay on it because he thinks that is what is helping me.  However I have had experience with food before and know what affects my RLS and what doesn't.  Can you tell me if Zoloft actually helps RLS.  I really don't think I need it. 

Thank you for any information you can give me,
Evelyn

Medical Reply    

Zoloft, as with all the other SSRI type antidepressant medications tend to worsen RLS.  There are some exceptions where patients are unaffected or get better.  Wellbutrin or trazadone are the only two antidepressant medications that do not worsen RLS.
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 8:03 PM
Subject: Restless legs medications
 
This is such a wonderful site and you provide a great service to we RLS sufferers. 
 
I was diagnosed with RLS about 7 years ago.  I am now 62 and still trying to find something that will help me get a good nights sleep.  Currently I have occasional daytime symptoms, fairly frequent nocturnal myoclonus, and nightly paresthesias.  Sometimes besides the twitchies and creepies I have burning sensations and tightness in the muscles.  Mostly legs, but other places too. 
 
In the past I took Klonopin (awful), and after educating myself on the web I talked him the neurologist into trying Xanax.  I have taken the .5 for over six years (with regular drug holidays).  I did have a sleep study in 1997 and had no PLMD, poor sleep efficiency, and some hypopneas (12 - 14 index).  Rather than C-Pap, I worked on my life style, and lost 50+ pounds which I have kept off for three years. 
 
My family physician was pretty good about the Xanax and allowed me to have a prescription for Ambien to take prn for the bad nights, with the Xanax.  He retired two years ago and I switched to a new physician.
 
The new physician was fairly insistent that I try Mirapex and since my paresthesias were worsening, I agreed.  I took it for a year, mostly at the .25 dose.  While it seemed to help a little, I still needed the Xanax to get to sleep.  And I was still tired during the day, worse so after a bad night.  After a year since I didn't think it helped that much I quit the Mirapex.  I thought it made me sleepy during the day and since I have pretty severe nasal allergies my nose was stuffy all the time. 
 
My new doc pretty much told me since I was still tired during the day, I might still have some apnea and he didn't want to continue prescribing the Xanax/Ambien combination. 
 
So, I went to a new sleep specialist who repeated a sleep study.  The good news is that there were no hypopneas or apneas.  The bad news was that my sleep efficiency was 40%.  After my study, while waiting for my follow-up with the specialist I weaned myself off of the Xanax.  No withdrawal symptoms,  but falling asleep was even worse most nights.  When I saw the sleep doc he said no apnea, and thought I may have a neuropathy.  (I've been checked multiple times for diabetes and the like, originally had a EMG, all normal.)  I figured he would want to try the Neurontin, but he doesn't prescribe that drug and wanted me to see a neurologist.  (He said there was no reason I couldn't continue with the Xanax and an occasional Ambien.)  I think that I remember reading that about 20% of RLS people have some neuropathy, so I'm not ready for the neurologist yet. 
 
I've printed off the Mayo protocol and plan to take it to my primary doc next week.  The way I figure it my choices are Requip or Neurontin. Does the Requip cause nasal stuffiness?  Can I continue to take the Xanax with it, or alternatively Ambien?  My biggest problem is getting to sleep, not staying asleep.  (Except for the leg cramps for which I take quinine.)  Some nights it is my legs and some nights it is more like plain insomnia. I'm just lost as to what to do.
 
Mary C.

Medical Reply   

Insomnia is common in RLS sufferers.  Mirapex is a great drug for RLS but side effects can limit its use in some patients.  Requip has the same potential for side effects, but for some reason side effects that occur with one may not occur with the other.  It is certainly worth trying Requip.  If tolerated and you can take adequate doses, your RLS symptoms may be resolved.
 
About 15-20% of RLS patients may have neuropathy.   Other than taking medications (such as Neurontin) there is not much more that can be done for this problem.  I often use Neurontin for my RLS patients who also have a neuropathy associated.
 
Care should be taken with Xanax as both addiction and tolerance can occur.  It may take time and some will only have problems after many years (even up to 10-20).  Ambien is much safer (but more expensive).
 
It is likely that a combination of Requip (assuming no side effects occur) and Neurontin may help you significantly.
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2004 4:08 PM
Subject: RLS and PLMD
 
First, I love this website!! Now my problem. I've had RLS since I was a child. I am now in my late 40's. Several years ago I discovered (thru a sleep study) that I also have PLMD.
 
I've recently started having "PLMD-like" symptoms any time I am at rest. I have muscle twitches/jerks randomly in any part of my body, one at a time, anywhere from a few seconds apart to maybe almost a minute apart.   Sometimes it's just a little twitch and other times its a big jerk that moves a whole limb or part of it (such as when my forearm flaps up in the air a foot high!)
 
Also, my RLS has gone crazy! (Oddly enough, like a previous writer, I experienced a reprieve from my RLS when I started taking Strattera. Unfortunately, it was temporary.)  
 
I've upped my Mirapex to .375 and that seems to handle it but I'm curious and concerned about such a sudden and extreme increase in my symptoms. And are the involuntary muscle movements I'm experiencing while I'm still awake typical of PLMD or could they be something else?  
 
In addition to Mirapex, I take  200 mg Zoloft and 60 mg Strattera for depression. I'm currently rotating 3 drugs for help with my insomnia - .5 to 1 mg Klonopin, .5 mg Ambien or about 12.5 mg of Seroquel (I cut a 25 mg tablet in half). (I don't want to take the Klonopin every night because I have some cognitive problems. I took Ambien for a long time but then it stopped working. Switched to Seroquel but it didn't last all night and greatly increased my appetite. So I decided to rotate them and I seem to be getting to sleep more quickly.) 
 
What can you tell me about my increase in symptoms?

Medical Reply   

 
Daytime PLM's are not too uncommon and are called PLMW (the W stands for wake as apposed to PLMS).  It is most likely that this explains your daytime jerking is due to PLMW.
 
RLS does go crazy at times for no apparent reason.  Sometimes stress may be responsible or foods or OTC drugs containing caffeine.  Also, your drugs Zoloft and Seroquel may worsen RLS.
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 4:01 PM
Subject: Please help with Nexium and RLS?

I have had RLS for years and its worsening.  I didn't know what it was until I researched symptoms on the internet.  I have it in my legs, arms back and neck.  Its unbearable.  I'm on a few different medications and am stopping the ones which worsen RLS.  Can drugs like Nexium worsen RLS?  I have an ulcer and if Aciphex (like Nexium) worsens RLS can you suggest anything else?  I only would get it after taking an antihistamine or decongestant but now I have it almost all the time and during the day.  I  the legs is bad enough but when it effects arms and back and neck it is horrific. 

My husband is disabled and I am his caretaker.  I get no sleep at night and am exhausted during the day.  Is there anything I can take other than the anti-seizure drugs?  I am presently taking, Paxil, Tricor, Aciphex (recently and for just 6 weeks), Fosamax (have to for osteoporosis), vitamins (senior) , 81 mg. aspirin, and eye drops for glaucoma. 

Please help if you can.

Medical Reply   

Nexium does not worsen RLS.  Your other drugs are also compatible with RLS except that Paxil may worsen RLS.  Check our RLS Treatment Page for more information on the medications that worsen RLS.
 
Mirapex or Requip are currently the best drugs for RLS.  They are not anti-seizure drugs but rather dopamine agonists used for Parkinson's disease.
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 6:27 PM
Subject: RLS, lupus and Neuropathy?
 
I am 32 years old and was suffering from extreme fatigue. My family doctor sent me to have a sleep study and found out I have RLS. The "sleep doctor" checked my ferritin level and it came back at a "9" which was low and he said causing my RLS. He put me on iron pills (which made me horribly sick), and contacted my family dr. My family dr. sent me to a Hematologist because I don't have any reason for my iron to be low (I had a hysterectomy about 6 yrs ago). The hematologist can't find any reason for my ferritin level to be so low, and he's done the ANA test to test for Lupus. Do you know of any connection between Lupus and RLS?  SO today (11/15/04) I had my first iron infusion, and I'm hoping that will help my RLS.
 
Can RLS cause severe pain in the heels (the back not the bottom), and feet? My feet ache and I can hardly walk after sitting or laying. Is this a common symptom of RLS?  I always wake up with terrible leg cramps that leave my calf muscles sore for days after, is this common to RLS?
 
Thank you for any information you can give me! I feel I'm being lead on a wild goose chase with no end or help in sight!
 
Thanks,
Tammy M.

Medical Reply   

Lupus may have a possible effect on RLS but so far this is not well understood.  The iron infusion may be quite beneficial for your RLS problem.
 
About 20% of RLS sufferers may have a painful neuropathy often in their legs or feet.  Leg cramps are not any more common in RLS sufferers than in others.
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 8:47 PM
Subject: RLS worsened by surgery?

I have had what I believe to be RLS since I was a young child.   Actually my sister and I both have it and as kids called it the leg wiggles.   I have had episodes on and off and for different durations.  The best description of how it feels is that I want to get up and wiggle, move as fast as I can, and try to run fast enough that I will run out of my skin.  My most recent one started the day that I had back surgery (fusion)  When I woke up from surgery, one of the nurses asked if I have had any problems with it.   It has been almost three months and I am still having a difficult time with it.  

I was on Sinemet and Xanax until today.   My doctor took me off of the Sinemet, Lipitor.   I have also been on a great deal of pain meds for the last three years, now pain free I am gradually going off of them.   I have a friend that never had RLS until she had surgery, now is on meds for it.   Any correlation of onset with surgery?  

Also, does it run in families.  Is this a sleep disorder?   Brother also has sleep apnea.   Does RLS start at such an early age?

Thanks so much,

Barb

Medical Reply   

About 60% of RLS sufferers have a genetic component (family history).  In these patients, about 24-30% will have onset of symptoms before age 21.
 
Surgery is a very common trigger for RLS as is any other trauma to the body.  For some reason, spine surgery seems to be the most potent trigger of RLS. 
 
RLS is considered a sleep disorder as most patient have considerable trouble falling asleep and symptoms worsen in bed.
 
Sinemet and Xanax are not the best choices for this disorder.  Mirapex or Requip are much better choices.  It is very likely that your pain medications (narcotics treat RLS symptoms very well) were reducing your RLS symptoms and getting off of these medications has made your RLS symptoms more apparent.
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 11:34 AM
Subject: My story and Requip or Mirapex?

I have had RLS for the past 8 years, although I did not know that it was a medical condition. My father, his brother, and my 2 adult sons 34 & 36 have it also.  My dad used to call it the "jitters".  I can't believe that my sons have developed it.  They both thought that they had Parkinson's.  I do not have middle of the night symptoms.  My discomfort always came around 8 or 8:30pm while watching television, for about 3 days in a row and maybe once a month or two months.   

I was able to control it by taking 2 aspirin and within 30 minutes it would be gone.  This past summer my symptoms became more "intense" and at least 3-4 times a week.  I was still able to control it with the aspirin.  In the fall it became unmanageable and my internist put me on Sinemet 25/100 right before bed.  I took it for 27 days with a huge increase in my symptoms. 

I now had it everyday beginning at the same 8pm start, but it never stopped before I went to bed and the only way I could fall asleep was to take an over-the-counter sleep tablet (Tylenol Simply Sleep).  I even have the symptoms slightly in the morning. I never seem to be able to relax.

I want to switch medications and cannot decide between asking for Requip or Mirapex.  Which would be better for RLS symptoms that occur during awake time?

Medical Reply   

Either Requip or Mirapex would be fine as they are very similar.  You should avoid OTC sleep medications as they are antihistamines which (if they do not put you to sleep very quickly) worsen RLS.
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 6:52 PM
Subject: Wellbutrin and RLS?

I am now taking Mirapex 1.0 mg/evening and Neurontin 1 300 mg capsule/evening.  These seem to be working okay but earlier I was taking the Mirapex and Wellbutrin 50 mg/2 x day.  That worked better for sleeping (I wake up several times each night)  The combination of Mirapex and Neurontin works well for the neuropathy but I don't sleep as well. 

Before I go to my doctor, I was wondering if it would be feasible to take all three or if this would not be a good idea.  I'm not even sure if this is where I should be asking this question.  Just wanted an idea before asking my doctor.

Medical Reply   
It would seem to me that the combination of all three would be fine.  Generally, a higher dose of Neurontin is needed to help neuropathy problems and also the higher doses generally cause sleepiness, which may be helpful in your case.
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 7:42 AM
Subject: Mirapex and Clonazepam for RLS?

I have had RLS for a 5 years and am now 60. Originally a sleep study doctor (had trouble sleeping) put me on clonazepam .5 mg He took me up to 2.5 which was really a drugged state for me. Another sleep doctor said to go off that (fun) and put me on Mirapex 2 a night of .25 mg. Did not help RLS and leg pains so current general practitioner put me back on clonazepam. which I take 1 mg at night along with the Mirapex.

Does not seem to help much and sleep is getting worse. plus very tired and feeling drugged when I get up in the morning. Have a new doctor who says he has no experience with Mirapex and has no idea if there is an interaction but says to give it a try. been on both  now for 2 months and sleep not great and no help with RLS..

 
Comments? Is there interaction? Should I be talking both? Up level of one and eliminate the other? I need medication for RLS and something to assist  sleep as I can't sleep without the clonazepam and then not great if the RLS kicks in before I get to sleep. Appreciate your comments as you obviously have a lot of experience in this after reviewing the web site.

Thanks

Kingsley B,
Toronto, Canada

Medical Reply   
Mirapex helps most but not all RLS patients.  You might need a higher dose and can discuss increasing the dose slowly to about 1 mg.  If there is no improvement at that dose then there is no reason to take the drug.  It might be worthwhile to try Requip which is similar to Mirapex but may work when Mirapex does not help. Make sure that you take either of these medications at least 1-2 hours before bedtime to give them adequate time to kick in.  There are no interactions between Mirapex and clonazepam.
 
Clonazepam has a very long half-life and very often causes daytime sleepiness as a side effect.  Shorter acting sleeping pills such as Halcion are even better.  Here in the USA, Ambien is currently the best sleeping pill but is not available in Canada.  Imovane is somewhat similar and would probably be a better choice than the benzodiazepines (clonazepam or Halcion).
 
A pain killer, such as a narcotic or tramadol before bedtime may also be very helpful and help resolve your RLS symptoms and let you sleep.
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 1:07 PM
Subject: Early onset RLS.
 
I am a 16 year old female, and I have recently discovered that I have restless legs syndrome. I am in psychology class at school, and while doing a project on sleep related disorders, my partner and I were randomly assigned RLS. I was reading different information about it, and I realized that I now had a name for all the pain in my legs.

I was born with a dislocated hip, and have always had leg issues because of it. When I was little I used to wake up screaming at night it hurt so bad. The doctor always attributed it to growing pains, but when it continued, I knew it wasn't. It mostly bothers me when I'm tired or late at night, or when it's cold and rainy.

Winter is usually the worst time. stretching my lag into weird positions often helps relieve pain, but other than that, I don't really do anything for it. sitting for long periods of time bothers me, especially if my legs don't quite reach the ground, or on stools. I haven't discussed this with my doctor yet, but my mom is making my an appointment.

I'm just happy to know that I wasn't going crazy all the times I told my parents it felt like something was crawling inside my legs. I think it's great that their are places like these where people can discuss symptoms and remedies.

Brittany

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