Kratom

[CindyPatt]

Has anyone else found Kratom to be effective in alleviating RLS?

[LotteM]

Definitely! Do a search, because there have been several posts on this issue. Red vein ones seem generally most effective, specifically RV Borneo. Thai/ Maeng Da as well.

[Bumble34]

Yes, I have found Kratom to be more effective at managing night time RLS than anything else I have tried which includes Codeine, Med. Cannabis, Diazepam and Pregabalin, and sometimes combinations thereof, the only thing better was the demon Ropinirole in its early days. Just a note of caution based on my personal experience it does have Opioid like side effects dependant of course on dosage, so insomnia & constipation can be an issue, the induced insomnia although not ideal is a far better experience being able to rest quietly & peacefully in bed than the alternative stamping round the house through the early hours.

[involuntarydancer in reply to Bumble34]

I have found the same. It is the most effective at treating my symptoms with the lowest level of side effects. Obviously, I would prefer not to have to take it at all but it has allowed me to resume a relatively normal life in spite of my severe rls.

Before starting kratom I carried out a lot of research into the harmful effects. I don't want to play these down but the number of deaths officially attributable solely to kratom use in the US is small in percentage terms (significantly lower than those attributable to legitimately prescribed opioids such as oxycodone) in spite of a large number of users there.

To provide context, other treatments I have tried (over the many years I have suffered rls) include pramipexole, oxycodone, pregabalin, dipyridamole, codeine, cannabis, iron infusion, extreme dietary changes, endless supplements etc. None of the other treatments has allowed me the quality of life that I experience when treating my rls with kratom. Further, although there is a level of dependency, it is FAR less difficult to discontinue than pramipexole, oxycodone or pregabalin. I have discontinued kratom for periods of months at a time and the withdrawals have been significantly less impactful. I do wish that it was regulated and legal where I live.

[Covenant1962 in reply to Bumble34]

Thanks Bumble34, can you share the type of Kratom you use and in what dosage. I’m trying it at the moment and have had good results but I worry about possible addiction

[Bumble34 in reply to Covenant1962]

Hi, I have tried several strains with no real difference noted, I take a low dose 5/7 capsules ( 2grms approx) most nights in the early hours ofthe morning when the normalish dose (75/100mg) of pregabalin appears to be helping less, occasionally I take a break for a few nights, not aware of any addiction/dependency suggestion, BUT anything I take to help with the dreaded Rls is done reluctantly at the lowest possible dose not knowing the long term consequences. the trouble is the here and now has to take precedence over the future.

[RCHD]

Please read about the health problems that come from using Red Kratom. Not to mention it’s addictive . It’s banned in over 25 countries. Would not recommend.

[Bumble34 in reply to RCHD]

Is there anything generally accepted to help relieve the symptoms of RLS that doesn`t have the potential for "health problems" but I agree one should educate and be aware.

[RCHD in reply to Bumble34]

I hear what you are saying , but I have a relative with first hand experience. It’s wrecked his body. And the withdrawals have been horrendous. Please read about it. He’s now having stomach problems since he stopped as well. It’s a super dangerous drug especially since there is no regulations. Causes loss of appetite to a very extreme degree. Again, please read up on adverse affects . There are many...

[Muftah36]

I have tried Kratom and it was absolutely no help to my RLS. I have survived on opiods and now Gabapentin and I’m am again having difficulties. I hate to always be increasing drugs. Wish there was an alternative.

[BocaMom]

It helps me on a minor level, but I only take it when I need to drive or power through some fatigue for an event.

I don’t take much either, because I have read about stomach issues.

For me it has a nice boosting effect. I don’t think it would help me sleep at all - even the more relaxing forms.

Be wary of Kratom- have heard of people getting addicted. That being said it doesn’t do *that* much for me so I haven’t been personally worried on that front.

[Covenant1962 in reply to BocaMom]

Hi BocaMom, can I ask what strain of Kratom you use and what dosage?

[BocaMom in reply to Covenant1962]

It is green vein Malay silver. Each capsule says 600 mgs and I take 2-3 at a time a few times a month (maximum).

[Covenant1962 in reply to BocaMom]

Thanks BocaMom that doesn’t seem to be much. Hope it continues to work for you

[Frissell]

I am currently using Red Kratom for the last few months. It is definitely helping my RLS and general sleep. I'm taking 1000mg once or twice before sleep. If I take it early enough it definitely calms my nervous system which is where my problem is. I don't feel any opiod affects although I understand it has opiod like properties. It is currently my seasonal allergy time and the antihistamines make my RLS much worse but with Kratom I am only occasionally using my pramipexole,