Just checking to see if others are experiencing a small albeit constant weight loss on Ropinerol? I also take Topamax for chronic migraine. Have been taken both for just over a year now and have lost all appetite. Nearly 4 stones in weight during this year, and I do eat some very naughty food like everyone else. Just wondering if this is normal? GP has no idea about RLS unfortunately. Thanks in advance.
M X
Hi, I believe it's probably the Topamax that's causing the weight loss. If you Google it, weight loss is a side effect as it can reduce your appetite and increase your metabolism. A few years ago, I asked.my consultant for Topamax to help with my RLS symptoms, but also for the weight loss side effect. He refused!
Some people gain weight whilst taking ropinirole as it's a DA and can cause compulsive behaviours, such as overeating.
First off Topamax makes RLS symptoms worse. Safe for RLS medicines to treat or prevent migraines are Codydramol, Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra), Sodium valproate (Depakote, divalproex sodium, Valproic Acid), Rizatriptan (Mazalt) and InnoPran XL (Propranalol, Inderal, Hemangeol). Next you should get off ropinirole and switch to gabapentin since ropinirole is no longer the first-line treatment for RLS? Up to 70% of patients will suffer from augmentation which believe me you don't want. It used to be the first-line treatment which is why so many doctors prescribed it but they are not up to date on the current treatment recommendations. Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it as yours obviously isn't at
Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a... Also have you had your ferritin checked? If it is below 100 improving it to 100 or more helps 60% of patients and in some will completely eliminate their symptoms. If you haven't had your ferritin checked, ask your doctor for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning when your ferritin is lowest. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation numbers. You want your ferritin to be over 100. If your ferritin is less than 75 then take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Take it every other day at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach. If you have problems with constipation switch to iron bisglycinate. If your ferritin is between 75 and 100 or if your transferrin saturation is below 20, you probably need an iron infusion since iron isn't absorbed as well above 75. If you take magnesium take it at least 2 hours apart since it interferes with the absorption of iron. It takes several months for the iron tablets or iron infusion to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 8 weeks if you have an iron infusion or after 3 months if you are taking iron tablets To come off ropinirole, reduce by .25 mg every 2 weeks or so. You will have increased symptoms. You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms. But in the long run, you will be glad you did. On the gabapentin, beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin or 100 mg if you are over the age of 65. Start it 3 weeks before you are off ropinirole although it won't be fully effective until you are off it for several weeks. After that increase it by 100 mg every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. Most of the side effects of gabapentin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin daily." If you take magnesium don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin as it will interfere with the absorption of the gabapentin.
There was a study where topamax (Topiramate) was used to treat restless legs syndrome a few years ago. Apparently it's also used to treat epilepsy like gabapentin is.
Yes, in some cases it helps RLS symptoms but in most cases it causes worsening symptoms. If it helps you, that is great.
Actually Sue if you read my post, my consultant refused to prescribe it to me. But I'm pleased to say that my symptoms are now admirably controlled with different medication. 😊
Whoops - I got you confused with Mulle74 who is on topamax.
mayoclinic.org/drugs-supple... loss is listed as a side effect of Ropinirole & Topamax.
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