RLS. Legs driving me crazy tonight: Have recently... - NRAS

NRAS

37,263 members46,133 posts

RLS. Legs driving me crazy tonight

jeanjack profile image
10 Replies

Have recently changed my medication for RLS from Pramipexole to Gabapentin as I felt that it was the Pramipexole that was not mixing well with my Methotrexate and making the nausea worse. However Gabapentin does not seem to be working for me at all and for the last few nights I have struggled to keep my legs under control and get some sleep. Tonight I have given in and am sitting here in my living room at 3am not having slept at all. Thought writing this might create a diversion for my brain and my legs and I think it might be working as they feel a little calmer. Will try to go back to bed and hope it will not start again as soon as I lie down. Methotrexate is annoyingly difficult to manage and I wish there was something more simple that would do the same job!!

Written by
jeanjack profile image
jeanjack
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies

Hello. How miserable for you, RLS have kept me awake many a night, it is so frustrating and exhausting! I am now taking Pregabalin (for my fibromyalgia) but, touch wood, so far it has knocked the RLS on the head which is an incredible relief! I'm only on NSAIDS for my RA so I don't know if you can take it with other things but speak to your GP and see if they can come up with something for you.

Hope you get some relief soon, I nicknamed my legs Fred and Ginger because as soon as it was moonlight, they wanted to dance! ;-)

All the best, JoJo x

Trulyfedup profile image
Trulyfedup

Hi, I have this too, it's bloody terrible..infact I had it last night, I got up in the end and had a cup of tea...I've tried everything, from putting my legs I positions that surely are not really possible, deep heat rubbed it, hot water bottles and stretching the legs..I'm on MTX, hydroxy infliximub, they have put me on Amitriptyline which I was told would help...but it hasn't...I'm not sure how to work this one out...you have me sympathies as I know how horrendous it is...Mary.

jeanjack profile image
jeanjack

Thank you Mary and JoJo for your sympathies. I understand exactly about putting your legs in the most ridiculous positions to try to get some relief. I finally managed to get back to sleep about 4.30am only to be woken up a little later with a start as my leg had gone into a cramp. One of those painful ones where the calf muscle goes into an extreme spasm so had to jump out if bed and hobble about until it passed. Slept then until 10.30am and am just having breakfast now. I wouldn't care but I have got a lovely day to myself today as husband has gone up to Sunderland to watch his football team and I was going to do so much with my day but it's nearly lunch time already and half the day is gone!!!

I am going to bite the bullet tonight and go back to Pramipexole even though today is MTX day and I will just have to suffer the nausea tomorrow but I could not go through another night like last night.

Thanks JoJo for suggesting Pregabalin . I have heard of it before but thought I would try Gabapebtin irst but will get back to my doctor ASAP and ask for it.

Fingers crossed that we all have a good night's sleep tonight !!

Jean

Coastwalker profile image
Coastwalker

Vitamin D3 got rid of my Restless Leg Syndrome and tailbone pain many others have said it has relieved theirs too. Have read that it is good for back pain too, but have no proof on that one.

Must be a good maintenance dose strength, not just the multivitamins strength.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply toCoastwalker

I don't think I have RLS but my legs periodically get "twitchy" when I'm resting, like involuntary jumps. They're not painful but I feel the need to stretch them, drives me daft. I have found though that since taking Adcal-D3 as a supplement with alendronic acid I don't seem to be having them any more. Coincidence? Not complaining though! :-)

Coastwalker profile image
Coastwalker in reply tonomoreheels

If you forget to take your Adcal-D3 one day (or two) take note if it affects your legs or not, that might be a good pointer that it's your Adcal-D3 that is working for you. When I forget my D3 my RLS, tailbone and sciatica come back with a vengeance.

I'm not sure whether this will help or not, but sometimes RLS can be caused by low iron count. I used to get it a lot when I suffered from anaemia but since the menopause and increased levels of iron, I don't get it any more.

Coastwalker, I'm on Adcal +D3 and it hasn't helped with my back pain at all. xx

Coastwalker profile image
Coastwalker in reply to

What dose D3 are you on poemsgalore1 ? I have only 'read' that it is good for back pain, but I have no proof I'm afraid, maybe it helps only certain type back pains ?

pineapple_head profile image
pineapple_head

Hello everyone. I use vitamin D with magnesium which has been recommended by my neurologist for RLS. When my legs are restless I Jake codeine and it always work. Good luck everyone!

Adcal-D3 1500 mg. I take one in the morning and one in the evening as prescribed. I did see that you'd only read it somewhere, just wanted to mention it doesn't help my back pain. :-) Mind you, I think it stems from my hips as it across the lower back.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

RA - trouble with acceptance again and the doctors are driving me crazy…

Hi guys, been awhile since my last posts, I think 8 months ago. Sooo… Still not taking meds,...
forislava profile image

itchy skin driving me crazy, can't sleep

My skin becomes very itchy when I get warm, I don't sweat very well and can't shower as my skin is...
Iona467 profile image

Is it me?

This year I will be half a century plus five however in my mind and for my sanity I am thirty eight...
DandyLad profile image

Anyone on gabapentin for RA

I've just been prescribed gabapentin for by RA. I can't take steroids or anti inflammatories so my...
Frankiefarr profile image

Does anyone else suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome?

I have been suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome for many years getting worse as I get older. I am...
jeanjack profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.