Restless Legs moving up the body

[horseart]

I experience a strange feeling in my legs, but if I lay still it moves up my legs into my stomach and then around my chest. That makes me feel panicky and I resort to getting up. My Neurologist who diagnosed me with RLS and Parkinson's disease had prescribed Pramipexole ER. The insurance company does not want to fill the script due to the cost. Anyone here have that problem? And if so, how did they solve it?

[martino]

I am sorry that this reply will not help you but I wanted to say that you have my utmost sympathy. I am in the UK and as I write it is 6.15am. I woke at just before 5.00am and each time I tried to sleep I had a kind of convulsion or spasm. Nothing too frighteningly dramatic but enough to stop me sleeping. This is quite common and I know that the only thing I can do to stop it is, like you, get up. In the UK we can very fortunately get the medication as prescribed. I have Neupro patches, Lyrica and Tramulief. As well as RLS I have Small Fibre Neuropathy .k

[Parminter]

Where are you Horseart?

Pramipexole is absolutely standard for RLS and for Parkinson's, so does your insurance have an alternative? (There are generics for pramipexole).

If not, it can only be because they do not take either condition seriously, which is scandalous.

If this is the case, then ask your neurologist to write a letter for you, saying that it is a chronic neurological condition.

Also ask if you have been prescribed the generic.

[horseart in reply to Parminter]

The doctor is working on the letter as we write. Hopefully, within 72 hours I can get the meds. He prescribed the Pramipexole ER. I think that is the base drug, not a generic.

[horseart in reply to horseart]

I finally got Pramipexole started at 1MG twice a day. instant relief but my caregiver said I was groggy and not allowing me to drive. Regular pramipexole is only 1$ while the ER version is $500.00, unbelievable! The dose was reduced to .5 in am and 1 in the evening. Hoping to be more alert.

[involuntarydancer in reply to horseart]

In higher doses, pramipexole is associated with sudden sleep onset so do be careful and don't drive - or certainly don't drive long distances. On the plus side you should not find it too difficult to sleep! I wish you much success in finding a solution to your problems.

[horseart in reply to involuntarydancer]

Thank you Involuntarydancer, it seems to be going much better with the total 1.5 mg instead of the 2 per day. In the end they would only do the normal pramipexole, I have switched neurologists as the first one never did the required letter, and is no longer with the practice group.