Opioid use for rls

[jcsphilippines]

I wonder if anyone has experience or knowledge about the use of a variety of opioids for rls in the short run, I.e. using a different one each time to avoid addiction or dependency. Over a week I might use Tramadol twice, OxyContin once or twice and the same with Hydromorphone. Never twice in a row and never more than one in a night.

[ziggypiggy]

Interesting. May work. A lot of variables to keep track of. Definitely would have to get an open minded doc on board willing to prescribe all of those at the same time. Until they perfect the synthetic opiod that doesn't lead to abuse or dependency I think it's just part of package. They are working on these newer pain killers. They just cant get here fast enough.

[m1946]

HiI have been advised by a consultant at St Thomas's Hospital that unless you take more than 400mg of Tramadol it shouldn't become addictive. However I guess it depends on whether one has an addictive personality!!

I personally take 100mg of Tramadol after weaning of Ropinirol and mostly enjoy 7 hours sleep each night. I find though I need to carry out 15 mins of stretching exercises most nights before settling down to sleep!

Let's hope permanent augmentation never occurs!!!

[jcsphilippines in reply to m1946]

The whole reason I do rotate opioids is that I seem to become quickly tolerant to such meds so that they are not effective. That has happened quickly with Lunesta and zolpidem, as well as with Tramadol, to a degree. The doc can tell that I am not abusing the opioids because I get refills so rarely. When I can have a good night without an opioid, I feel good about it. But that is usually on "crash" nights after a few bad nights.

[Joolsg]

Interesting idea and as ziggy says, you'd need a very accommodating doctor to prescribe all those opioids at the same time.I've heard of drug rotation to avoid tolerance but usually they're taken for longer periods ( 6 months/year).

Dr. Winkelman's opioid study shows that most people are on the same opioid at the same dose for over 5 years.

All RLS patients are dependent on their meds but at low dose, most do not become 'addicted' (craving higher and higher doses to get a high or the same effect) unless there's a history of abuse.

I hope your doctor lets you continue and that your results are good.

[Shoeinthree]

Hello, I haven’t heard of that before and it wouldn’t work for me, I think consistently and taking your meds on time is best, your going to get addicted no matter what pills, but if it helps you get rest or control over your life and less pain then it’s all worth it. I have had RLS for many many years

[SueJohnson in reply to Shoeinthree]

Is your RLS under control?

[restlessstoz in reply to Shoeinthree]

Hi Shoeinthree, it may help you to try using 'dependant' rather than 'addicted' to describe your dependence on opioids. AS Jools said in her reply, 'All RLS patients are dependent on their meds but at low dose, most do not become 'addicted' (craving higher and higher doses to get a high or the same effect) unless there's a history of abuse.'

Especially when other people read it, they may be judgemental and jump to conclusions. Addiction has such negative associations and we get such a lot of negativity with RLS anyway, and unless you are actually addicted, which is rare for RL sufferers, then you're doing yourself a disservice.

😀

[wildlegs]

I’ve been taking tramadol for 12+ years with no problems. It really helps my RLS. I’m 77 and as long as it works I see no reason to stop taking it. ( neither does my doctor) Tramadol is one of the least addictive opioid there is.

[mckerr in reply to wildlegs]

What dosage are you using ? I use Tramacet(mixed with tylenol)

[wildlegs in reply to mckerr]

100 MG couple hours before bed time

[Beckonwood]

I've been using a small dose of Percocet over a period of about ten years. I take the 5 mg tables and cut them in half and start taking a half every hour until 11 PM . I find it really works.

[Abott_the_Spirit_doc]

opiods willl probably work temporarily but eventually they will deplete iron reserves and dirty the blood. also they may negatively affect the dopamine system so that you get a tolerance....id stay away from opiods for RLS....no soma either

[SueJohnson in reply to Abott_the_Spirit_doc]

Is your RLS under control?