My 5 Documentary

[Bengal5]

I'm writing this after seeing the documentary today and felt heart sorry for John, sema and Terry, I have suffered from restless legs for about 20 years and GPs have always been clueless about the condition. My legs got so bad recently they were jumping so mentioned again about the condition to a different GP, he prescribed a Parkinson's drug which is used for restless legs also, think it was ropinirole which actually made my syptoms worse, my GP then prescribed PRAMIPEXOLE 0.088 mg 2 tablets twice a day and now I am cured and I only take one at around 4pm. This drug is AMAZING and has made a massive difference. I just hope all the sufferers from the documentary see this post and are able to give it a try. Best of luck to you all and hope it works for you to. I'd love to know how you get on.

Jackie x

[Hidden]

Hi there, yes Pramipexole is absolutely amazing when you first take it. Sorry to say, it doesn't cure RLS. There is no cure for RLS.

It may be that the folks in the TV programme have been on Pramipexole or some other Dopamine Agonist at some point.

I hope it continues to work for you. I was a bit daunted when I first started on it, the thought that I might have to take this medication for the rest of my life. It was such a relief taking it at first that I quickly accepted that it would be lifelong.

Unfortunately, for me, as you may find many others on this site, it stopped working and, in fact, started making my RLS worse. For me it has caused what's called "Augmentation" .

I was prescribed Pramipexole by a neurologist who never have any indication about the effects of long term use.

Enjoy its effect while it lasts. I suggest you read up about Augmentation and how it might be avoided. It's possible that it might not happen to you, I hope not.

Whatever the outcome, you might manage to get relief from its symptoms, but you're not cured, there is no cure for RLS.

[Joolsg]

As Manerva has commented, sadly you are not cured. There is no cure for RLS. There are 4 categories of meds that alleviate symptoms and dopamine agonists (like Pramipexole) are the drugs usually prescribed first. Do be aware of Augmentation, as Manerva says and do not increase the dose.

[Noddedoffagain]

I was on Pramipexole 2 x088 for 14 years before it became ineffective. During those years a lived a near normal life with just the odd flare ups. I always took an end seat or travelled in the mornings etc. So enjoy it whilst it lasts & cross the augmentation bridge if and when it happens. The dear, dear people on this site helped me through it & they will you too if it becomes necessary. Enjoy life

[Hidden]

Can I suggest you contact Icon Films in Bristol who made the documentary? They are passing on helpful information to the participants of the programme.