RLS and Marijuana

[Celloguy]

Does anyone know of a good practitioner in Toronto who is very knowledgeable about treating RLS with CBD and/or marijuana? I was told that typically suggested doses of CBD are far too low to be very effective. What about marijuana capsules or vaporizers? As time goes on I am less and less confident that meds like Pramipexole and Pregabalin can help me. I think that I would rather be on CBD/marijuana than Benzodiazepines.

[SueJohnson]

I can't help you with a doctor in Toronto I am afraid, but I am interested in your experience with pregabalin. Have you stopped it? If so why? And how much were you on?

[ELECTRONTRAV]

I became suspicious that pregabalin was not making any difference to my situation so I stopped taking it, with no change to my situation so it was not doing anything for me. I am however still using the Neupro Patches (Rotigotine) and they certainly do control the RLS 98% of the time.

[SueJohnson in reply to ELECTRONTRAV]

How much pregabalin were you on? Many people give up on it thinking it doesn't work, when in fact they weren't taking enough. Also if you were using the Neupro patch at the same time, then pregabalin wouldn't be as effective. The Neupro patch may be working now, but there is the a good chance it will eventually lead to augmentation.

[ELECTRONTRAV in reply to SueJohnson]

Hello Sue,I as on 100mg pregabalin and had been using it for many years, I was aware of the augmentation problem but it had not happened in my case. I am currently using 2mg neupro patch and no other medication to control RLS

[SueJohnson in reply to ELECTRONTRAV]

100 mg pregabalin is a very low dose. No wonder it didn't make any difference. 200 mg to 300 mg is what most patients require to control their RLS symptoms. What a shame you gave it up before increasing it to that level then you would never have gone on the Neupro patch nor have to worry about augmentation.

[ELECTRONTRAV in reply to SueJohnson]

Hello Sue,Thanks for that info, would it be worth me talking to my doctor and try a higher level of pregabalin and wean myself off the Neupro patches

[SueJohnson in reply to ELECTRONTRAV]

Absolutely! Just understand that the pregabalin won't be fully effective until you are off the Neupro patch for a few weeks then increase it by .25 mg every few days until you find a dose that works for you. You can go as high as 450 mg but it should take that much. Wean from the Neupro patch slowly every a couple of weeks - cut it, and you may need a low dose opioid temporarily to tide you over.

[DRR2021]

I am from Peru. Long time RLS sufferer. I know a practitioner in Peru, my doctor, that managed to control my RLS crisis with micro dosing of THC / CBD cannabis cartridges. He gives advice through Zoom. Best.

[lorri214]

I know someone who uses med. marijuana for rls. Since he started using it RLS went away and so did sleepless nights. I am going to give it a try since I have RLS and it is worse than any other condition I have...