L Tyrosine may be helpful: My next... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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L Tyrosine may be helpful

BoldMove profile image
56 Replies

My next attempt at relief is to try L Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid that is the precursor of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Tyrosine is converted into Levodihydrophenylalanine (L-Dopa) and L-Dopa is subsequently and avidly converted into dopamine. More on the subject here:clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show...

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BoldMove
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56 Replies
ironbrain profile image
ironbrain

Tried it myself, didn't help.

Since tyrosine hydroxylase tends to be increased in RLS cases, I've taken it to mean that in my case at least, any deficiency in dopamine is an iron problem.

Also dopamine levels are generally found to be normal with RLS. I don't think it's known whether this could be a result of some sort of feedback which limits the transmission of dopamine across the synapse when the supply of dopamine is low, or whether it's because, given a problem with postsynaptic receptors, presynaptic dopamine homeostasis is otherwise maintained.

In cases where dopamine agonists work, I think the pointer is towards the latter.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toironbrain

Thank you Ironbrain. I'm becoming increasingly hesitant and may just stay with iron, B12, B50, and trying to remain stress free - (not an easy feat).

in reply toBoldMove

ironbrain has a good point. Since I'm new to this 'wonderful' disease I'm willing to consider anything and everything. You did mention that word 'STRESS' I am such a Type A person, if anyone gets a handle on reducing stress, bottle it and I'll pay anything. At 73 I'm probably going to take stress to my grave. It drives me crazy when people try to be helpful with advice like'Just don't worry'etc. If it was that easy to control stress, I would have done it by now!(LOL-but not really.)

Nillabean profile image
Nillabean in reply to

meditate

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toNillabean

I do quite often; it makes no difference.

Madlegs1 profile image
Madlegs1

Let us know how you get on.

I looked into it for helping with the wirhdrawals- but decided against it-- Too many side effects.

Good luck.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toMadlegs1

I also have my concerns and it may take awhile before I try. Remembering to take it 30 minutes before a meal rather than whenever is also holding me back.

in reply toBoldMove

Hi BoldMove. I have several meds to take at odd times. This works for me. Since I almost always have my cell phon with me I set alarms(using different ringtones than for phone calls). Then I have pills in my purse. This helps me not miss doses. Just a thought.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

thank u. I am not taking any of these meds. I am only trying natural means. So far, trying to have the computer off early in the day, and avoiding sources of stress, plus waking 30 min a day have been my greatest relief

in reply toBoldMove

Hi Boldmove,

How's the blue light filter working out? Do you notice a difference?

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

I feel more relaxed when I go to sleep, less vicious RLS, but I am in Houston and the stress of all that is going on here has ratcheted up the pain level. It will take more time to be sure, regardless, I like the softer light at sundown and thank you so much for finding this way of turning down the glare. It's appreciated.

Back to the cleanup from the storm of the century "Horrible Harvey"

in reply toBoldMove

I'm glad it's working for you.

Oh, I'm so sorry! I have 2 brothers in west Houston and near The Heights. The one in west Houston left before it hit for the sake of their 2 young boys. The other is riding it out (and was doing fine yesterday). I'll check in with him today, especially since things are moving rather quickly re evacuations. He sent me a picture of Addicks and wow! I hope you are holding up okay. Will be thinking about you.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

Many thanks. Our subdivision is in a high spot. We were so lucky, but everything around us is devastated. Glad your other brother got out

I also tried L-Tyrosine and found it made absolutely no difference - sadly. It had that in common with L-Theanine, Magnesium, Taurine, Phosphatydil serene, Macuna pruriens, passiflora tincture etc etc etc Oh and also soap in the bed - that didn't work either.

Raising iron levels was the only non-pharmaceutical intervention to help me.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toinvoluntarydancer

Thank you so much. I also tried L-Theanine and it appeared to help for a few weeks, then it just stopped working. I take Magnesium citrate regardless, but that does not seem to help, iron is also something I take. Soap in bed was just annoying.

So far the only thing consistent is 0 access to a computer - no RLS that night. But, I can't spend my life on vacation and I must live in the real world.

Thanks again.

JumpinBean profile image
JumpinBean in reply toBoldMove

I was just on a 7 day vacation and was RLS free for maybe 5 of those nights. At home I have pretty symptoms nightly (I had a Magnesium supplement respite for a couple months which appears to be past waning...so sad to report). I was reviewing all of the variables on vacation that could have contributed to being RLS free for much of it...I would guess maybe a lighter stress load, but I am curious if being screen free was of help?

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toJumpinBean

Screen free has been my only opportunity for a good night sleep. But, I can't live life on vacation even if I'd like to.

in reply toBoldMove

I'm assuming by your post that you work with computers? Blue light affects the brain by making it believe it's light out and therefore time to get up.

I'm wondering if turning down the screen light would help you? Or, maybe there's a way to change the RGB settings.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

volunteer work and editor, researcher, hoping to retire but love what I do.

in reply toBoldMove

Sounds like the kind of work I'd be interested in as well.

in reply toBoldMove

Yesterday I bought a new computer..Had given mine to family member so using one in the senior living library so no access overnight. Last night very tempting to read and reply to posts but resisted til now 5:30 am when I got up to take med. Slept pretty well. Am going to try to stay off at night but still pretty tempting. Maybe it wakes my brain up and then my nervous System wakes up too. Sounds logical but IDon' t know Going back to bed. Early morn sleep after being up a short time is the best for me. Don't know why. Later, everyone. It's almost 6am. Goodnight. Butma

in reply toJumpinBean

Re: soap in bed: I agree but have to admire ingenuity. I recently saw an ad in one of my catalogs for thinly sliced soapbars for rls-not so bulky! You have to admire someone finds away to make money off this. They were expensive.Can you imagine!

it's interesting to hear that being on vacation dimishes the RLS for you. It normally does for me too. Do you think that it could be because it's exciting, stress-free, and there are things to keep us busy (other than work)? If only we could make daily life seem like a vacation...

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

I think it is the blue screen. I think there is a neurological disturbance created from the internet. I've had some stress free weekends, relaxing with friends, but using the internet and had RLS on and off all night.

I am going to try to not use the web for several hours prior to sleep - just don't know how to make that happen, and see if that helps.

in reply toBoldMove

How funny! I just finished my reply about blue screens, then saw this!

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

Great minds! I've tried amber safety glasses to wear from sundown till bedtime. They drove me crazy. It may be more than the light, it may be a combination of stimuli from computer use.

I would like to cut way back on computer use and try having it off for about 9 hours before bed, but I don't think that will ever happen.

in reply toBoldMove

Hear you there! There are so many things I know I need to cut back on but just can't. Is there a way to change the RGB settings? I honestly don't know the answer to that, so I'm asking. I'll experiment with it myself. Would you like me to let you know if I find out?

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

Yes, please! Beyond the way I use a computer for my work and research, I'm technically deficient.

in reply toBoldMove

I'm not technically adept either, but I'll see what I can do to help. What computer system do you have?

Parminter profile image
Parminter in reply toBoldMove

Have you downloaded f.lux? It's free and it works wonderfully to alter the blue light on your computer at night.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toParminter

`Yes. Someone sent the directions a while back and it's done. I also use the blue blocker light bulbs at night.

Jon_P profile image
Jon_P in reply toBoldMove

Hi, this is probably late but i read about going on holiday kills RLS for you. That's probably something to do with the magnesium in the sea i'd say.

This post is 3 months old though you're probably over it now hahah.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply toJon_P

I take Mag citrate daily. It doesn't matter where I go for vacation, each time I leave for a couple of days I have little to no RLS.

Mine is neurological and is the neurological component that accompanies latent celiac disease. I still try to find help though. drugs don't work for me for more than a few days, then augments. I stay away from them.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove

Dell PC running Windows 10. Have a flat screen monitor.

in reply toBoldMove

Ok. Try this youtube video for for filtering blue light in Windows 10:

youtu.be/0gJufmQxnII

If that doesn't work, f.lux is a downloadable program designed to filter out blue light. It says it's free for ipad on iphone, but it doesn't mention desktops. I'm sure there are free ones for desktops as well, though.

Good luck,

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

Thank you! I got it set up (with help) to start tonight. I also intend to try a Walgreen's Restless Leg product several people have rated highly on this forum.

Yesterday, was a "vacation day" with very little computer time, and I had lest RLS activity and did not walk much or need ice sheets. Must be a multi pronged approach for many of us embracing a modern lifestyle.

Thanks again.

in reply toBoldMove

Yeah, it must be.

That Walgreen's cream doesn't happen to be Restless Leg Cream from Magnilife, does it? If so, I think you'll like it. I stock up on it every time I travel back to the States (I'm from Texas, but live in Norway).

Take care,

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply to

I tried that same cream many times and it did nothing for me.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

Thank you, but not a cream. I want to try Hyland's Restful legs dissolving tabs

in reply toBoldMove

Power to you for trying things! I really hope it works for you!

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toBoldMove

Helped me.

You suggested tyrosine. Why?

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

I read it raises dopamine levels, but has some side effects. Still debating over safety issues.

I'm in TX so if u respond to this, I may not answer for a week, I keep hoping I don't flood and power stays on.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toBoldMove

The gabapentin works fine for me so no need for anything else.

I have a friend in Houston who just told me the water is covering the street and the sidewalks. She still has power.Where are you in Texas?

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

Also in Houston. Still have power. going to cook lunch. we've not had much time to eat. Continually working to keep water out of our house.

in reply toBoldMove

Just to say, how awful the hurricane has been over there. Hope you keep power AND keep the water out, it does seem to be getting worse from looking at our news here in the UK. Stay safe.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

thank you, so far so good, taking it an hour at a time.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toBoldMove

Sorry you've got all that to deal with.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

So far home not flooded. So sad though seeing all the devastation.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply to

It's the I want to try Hyland's Restful legs dissolving tabs that I've heard praised on this site. Worth a try. I'll also make a note of the cream u recommend, though another responder said it didn't work for her.

I'm in Texas too, originally from NY.

in reply toBoldMove

I'm originally from Houston, but now live in Norway.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toBoldMove

The Hyland Restlful Leg product at Walgreens works really really well for me. I ordered it from Amazon and it was a little cheaper.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

Yes, that is what I plan to buy at Walgreens. I'm glad to know it works for you, I hope it works form me.

marsha2306 profile image
marsha2306 in reply toBoldMove

Just FYI though, remember that I take gabapentin also (a pretty low dose) and use the dissolving tablets if/when the gabapentin wears off and my legs start jumping at bedtime. I also have RLS in my hands and the dissolving tabs stop that immediately and I fall right to sleep in minutes every time I take them.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tomarsha2306

OK, thanks. will keep in mind

lauraflora profile image
lauraflora

Have you tried GABA, the amino acid? GABA CALM is a great product.

BoldMove profile image
BoldMove in reply tolauraflora

No, but I will put it on my list to order. I'm sure my problem is neurological. I have latent Celiac disease, diagnosed in 2009. It came with gallbladder removal surgery. Had all the signs from the moment I woke up the next day and was diagnosed a few months later. Latent CD has a neurological component. In 2010 I had the most mild signs that were mild disturbances, didn't last long, and not much of a bother. I would take iron at night and they were under control for awhile.

RLS gradually became more intense. I ran my symptoms by my GP who confirmed it. He gave me Mirapex which worked for 6 days, then not at all. I decided to try naturals.

Celiacs don't absorb meds or much else like normal people's guts, so all is problematic. But, everything is worth a shot. I have at least one decent night a week. I try to allow 10 hours for "sleep" in order to get between 5 and 6. During the walking time, I do little chores that I had let slide to gain those extra "sleep" hours. I may be a lost cause on this forum.

Sorry for the ramble.... which I usually don't have much time for.

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