RLS treatments

[lou_lou89]

Hi......

I have been taking magnesium supplement for my RLS now for about 8 weeks and it worked in the beginning, decreasing just to 2-3 times a week instead of everynight! but now I can slowly feel it increasing again! Anyone recommend I take something else on top of the magnesium??

Thanks

[Neil46]

Hello and welcome to the forum. There are lots of fellow RLS sufferers here who have different experiences and methods of coping with this horrible condition. Have you had it for long?

Magnesium in various forms is good to control RLS in many people, some taking up to and over 500mg per day of Magnesium Citrate that I know of. Have you tried different doses and times of day to see if it makes a difference?

Iron levels are also key to controlling RLS. We need a serum ferritin level of 100 or more, whereas a non-sufferer might be OK with 20 or so. Your doctor can arrange a simple blood test to find this out, but make sure you obtain the actual number, not just "It's normal". Your doc may also suggest other tests too. (folate etc)

Lastly, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and some other foodstuffs can trigger your RLS.

Please read lots of posts on this site in case your doctor offers drugs as treatment. Some drugs need managing carefully. It will depend on the severity of your RLS and the amount of pain if you experience this.

Please post frequently and give us as much detail as you can about your RLS. We are here for you.

Good Luck and Best Wishes

Neil

[lou_lou89 in reply to Neil46]

Hi Neil,

I have been suffering with RLS for as long as I can remember. I have cut down on my caffeine and alcohol intake and this just doesn’t seem to help. I am now at the point where I’m going to ask for blood tests with my doctor. Thanks for your help

[Neil46 in reply to lou_lou89]

It is awful suffering with RLS because nobody can understand how it feels unless they experience it. I hope you have an understanding doctor.

Don't forget to ask for the actual number of your serum ferritin, like 75ng/mL. If you are less than 100ng/mL ask him/her for help in obtaining at least that level. It refers to your iron stores and is higher for people with RLS.

There are supplements like Gentle Iron (iron bisglycinate) that you can buy, but it depends on your level. It will be a non-fasting test so you can possibly have it done quickly. Please let us know how you get on...

Best Wishes

Neil

[chirpyandcheerful]

My partner takes 1 iron tablet a day along with Vit C, and a Vit B Complex tablet too. It's helped to reduce his RLS symptoms from severe to moderate-mild.

[LoisTonya]

Hi lou,

I am delighted by the effect of magnesium. I take oral liquid magnesium, Dead Sea shower gel, magnesium lotion and magnesium spray spread through the day. It took about three weeks to have effect but now I have reduced my Ropinerole and sleeping really well. I do worry about overdosing but I have none of the symptoms and my life is so much better. I’m planning to cut Ropinerole again soon and will then think about reducing the magnesium. The reduction in Ropinerole is being achieved without the help of opiates which most people need.

[Neverquitting]

Why did you decrease? I’m trying to figure out how much, what kind and what time of day with the magnesium. I know it helps but there is to many choices out there!

[lou_lou89 in reply to Neverquitting]

I take them in the mornings, to be honest that’s when I remember. I have increased my magnesium to 500mg which helped me last night as had no RLS at all. Do you take magnesium?

[Neverquitting in reply to lou_lou89]

Yes but I keep switching kinds. Trying to find the right type. I just tried a magnesium/potassium combo but I think it didn’t work.

[kdun]

When I started with this horrible RLS, my Dr. tried me on so many different meds from Gabapentin to Ropinerol and about a dozen others. Absolutely nothing worked for me, Mine started in early afternoon and did not settle until 5:00 in the am. It was hell, I couldn't sleep, I was constantly on my feet moving, walking, shaking my legs. He finally sent me to a neurologist who ran a bunch of tests and told me that I have severe RLS, wrote me a script for oxycodone and I finally had my life back. Without this pain reliever I honestly do not know where I would be today. It took well over a year to finally get some relief. I tried every wives tale that has ever been listed to help with RLS and nothing worked for me. Now with saying this, we are all different and some meds work for some, while for others they don't help at all. I can honestly say that I know how frustrating it can be, keep on with your Dr. and don't give up until they find some pain relief.