Try Caffeine for RLS

[Bftalbert]

I've had RLS since I was young. Of course I never knew what it was, or if it even had a name until I was in my 30s. I am now 56. I have used mirapex and lyrica with success, but they made me gain weight. About 12 years ago, by accident, I found that CAFFEINE was the answer. Yes, believe it or not, caffeine. I have told several people that then tried it and it has worked for every single one. Drink about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coffee, or just do like I do and use caffeine pills. I take 1/2 of a pill which is equivalent to 1/2 cup of coffee. I won't go to a movie, or worse, board a plane without my caffeine.

[Jeverleybane]

This is interesting. I was told caffeine brought on RLS so I have been drinking de-caffeinated tea and coffee for years.

I have had RLS since I was very young and I’m now 68. I self diagnosed myself in 2000 after years of twitching all night.

I’m going to try it. Thanks. I’ll report back.

Beverley

[Bftalbert in reply to Jeverleybane]

I have had it since young as well and I am 56. I know, I always find it amusing when they say no caffeine. But big pharma do not make money off of caffeine.

I drink 2-4 shots in the morning to wake up out of the cloud, but at night I consume the equivalent of a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coffee.

[cnote1213]

Thanks for your post. Makes sense you would take it before a movie or flight. Do you also take it regularly before you go to bed? Do you only take it once a day? Thanks!

Mark

[Bftalbert in reply to cnote1213]

I know it sounds strange, but I drink 2 to 4 shots of espresso in the morning. But then I turn around at night and take in the equivalent of 1/4 to a 1/2 a cup of coffee.

RLS is like ADHD in that drugs like stimulants, at the right dose, produce the opposite effect.

[Hidden]

I personally find that caffeine sends my RLS into orbit. It keeps me from sleeping especially as I have gotten older. Some people lose their ability to process xanthine derivatives like theophylline or caffeine. A cup of coffee or caffeinated pop will keep me up for 36 hours straight. My husband and his dad can drink coffee and go to sleep. Anything that interferes with my sleep allows my RLS to kick into high gear. Just me and my unique metabolism, I guess