Out of Desperation

[Nlthomp]

Currently, I’m reducing Ropinirole to 2mg and introducing Gabapentin. Just a thought to mention.... when I get completely desperate at 4am, I put an ice pack on the affected leg/arm and within 15-minutes it usually curtails my RLS, so I can sleep.

[Hidden]

I'm glad that something works for you. Hopefully when the gabapentin starts to work fully and you've withdrawn from the ropinirole you won't be awake at 4 am.

It does take a few weeks for gabapentin to fully work and you may need to be taking at least 900mg.

I switched from a dopamine agonist to gabapentin, it's working really well for me.

[Nlthomp in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the response, Manerva. Do ice packs work for other RLS sufferers?

[Hidden in reply to Nlthomp]

Never tried it myself, I believe people try all sorts of things that either alter circulation or act as a "counterirritant". Ice, I guess does both.

If it works for you, then it works.

[Jimbo77 in reply to Nlthomp]

I’m going to give the ice packs a try. Thanks for the heads up!

[Nlthomp in reply to Jimbo77]

Hi Jimbo, I use the wrap-a-round type that are about 24”w x 12”h. I wrap them around my leg snuggly and find that I’ll wake up to go to the bathroom and I’ve fallen asleep with it on. I bought it on Amazon.

Polar Ice Large Knee Wrap Cold Therapy Wearable Ice Pack Adjustable Hook and Loop ... amazon.com/dp/B001G0N70S/re...

Best of luck to you!

[Jimbo77 in reply to Nlthomp]

Thanks very much! I’ll definitely give it a shot. Best of luck to you as well!