Any tips to help with sleep,while tak... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

21,293 members14,928 posts

Any tips to help with sleep,while taking opiates for RLS?

12 Replies

The loss of sleep is tough. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Read more about...
12 Replies
Hoffie profile image
Hoffie

I take 5mg oxycodone and 0.5 mg of clonazepam about an hour before bedtime, then I usually wake up due to leg movements around 1Am and take another dose of above. With this combo, I can get as much as 7 hours of sleep.

rls_optimist profile image
rls_optimist

Hi, Wanman, which opioid are you taking and what dosage and time of day? Taking any other meds for RLS? Many people sleep well on opioids. But I know what you're going through: I had that same issue while on oxycodone. When I switched to another opioid, methadone, the problem went away and I slept quite well. (I think methadone may be hard to get in the UK, but I'm in the USA where it's a little easier. It also has less side effects and works quite well for me.) so you might ask your doctor if there's a different opioid you might try. Good luck!

Highlighters profile image
Highlighters in reply to rls_optimist

They say that methadone leaves one feeling good and relaxed?😈

rls_optimist profile image
rls_optimist in reply to Highlighters

Yes, it does, to some degree. But it produces much less of the euphoria one can get with morphine-derivative opiates like oxycodone. Therefore, there's significantly lower risk of addiction with methadone. That's one of the reasons the RLS experts favor methadone over other opioids. Other reasons: it's highly effective, has less of that morning dopey feeling, is longe lasting, and has much less risk of increasing tolerance. In one study over ten years of continuous methadone therapy for RLS, the average increase in dosage was just 10%.

Highlighters profile image
Highlighters in reply to rls_optimist

The main thing is it works, may be good option for me as I also get very restless and agitated when I can't sleep

in reply to rls_optimist

Thank you very much! Will check it out!

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

I take OxyContin and added pregabalin to counteract panic attacks and feeling ‘hyper’. Pregabalin really helps RLS and as it’s sedating, helps with sleep.

Highlighters profile image
Highlighters in reply to Joolsg

Do u think it would help with agitation?

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply to Highlighters

Not sure what you mean by agitation? Feeling restless? Or actual twitching? As pregabalin is sedating it should help calm mental and physical restlessness. I only take it at night and it does make me calm and sleepy.

Highlighters profile image
Highlighters in reply to Joolsg

What I mean by agitation can be best described as and excuse the language, feeling really pissed of inside

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply to Highlighters

I think possibly cannabis might help with that. As long as you choose a sedating strain.

Opioid alerting was one of the reasons I discontinued OxyContin. I never solved it after months on the drug. The only thing that helped was some cannabis taken as an edible but even it wasn’t reliable. Pregabalin can help somewhat.

You may also like...

Any tips on dealing with RLS?

month, so I cannot be on any heavy medication, really. Do you guys/gals have any tips on dealing...

Help sleeping with RLS

unwinds my springs and I fall into a tranquil restful sleep.

Opiate boost for RLS?

giving me relief. So, I am wondering if there is any way to boost the therapeutic effects for RLS...

Opiate use and sleep.

warning of the dangers of opiate use. Related to sleep quality and breathing problems. It is not a...

RLS Any tips other than medication?

brace on foot..Recently I have been unable to get any sleep, I have a horrid crawling sensation in...