Hi everyone it's been a long time since I last posted but I feel I have to share this. After 36 yrs living with RLS and trying almost every medication that we're all told to use I've finally found the one thing that stops my symptoms. It's cannabis, and although so many of you may judge me for it I can honestly say I have a great deal of quality of life back. I no longer dread going to bed. I'm actually getting to 8pm and thinking "I'll go and chill out in bed" something I haven't been able to do for most of my life. I'm not here to promote anything but had to share this. I dont take it recreationally and smoke literally just before bed. Although my symptoms can start at any time I'm literally only taking it to sleep. It doesn't actually help me fall to sleep but the pain and twitching has gone and for that I'm thankful.
Cannabis works: Hi everyone it's been a... - Restless Legs Syn...
Cannabis works
That’s awesome. Did you get a medical Rx from your physician? I’m in the USA and it’s not legal in the state I live.
At first no but now I do receive medical marijuana. It's been life changing and again proves what this little plant is capable of
H, good for you that cannabis has helped you, how did you get it , I thought it was illegal here in the U.K. ?
It was legalised in 2019. I've been on medical cannabis for 2 years.
Do you mind if I ask for what condition you are prescribed cannabis ?
RLS
I have severe RLS too , do you get it on the NHS ?
No. Medical cannabis is only available privately which is annoying as it's a very effective medicine.
It's very effective for pain as well and you would definitely get it on prescription. It costs me about £2 a day.
Thanks , so do you see a doctor privately then?
Use this link and you can book an appointment to see Dr Sunny Nayee. £49 for initial consultation and then you pay for the product. Your GP sends medical info on your condition and drugs you'vebeen taking and are currently taking.themedicalcannabisclinics.c...
Thanks so much, is it a video appointment, anything is worth trying , I also have Fibromyalgia which I’ve heard can also be helped by cannabis.
Hello Joolsg I have been following the thread about the use of cannabis and I went on the medical cannabis website - but a few things about the set up worried me abd I wanted to check with you that it is a real bona fide organisation ….. for a start it asks for £49 up front which is always very worrying. I have severe rls - currently taking pregabalin and co-codamol - it’s not working that well! And following Paul’s recent post I am thinking that cannabis may be the answer - but how to access it ?!?! I would be grateful for any advice. D
(I was on roprinirole before but managed to get myself off of it! The augmentation was terrible )
It's a legitimate site. £49 is the reduced fee to have your first consultation.As cannabis is still only available privately in the UK we have to pay for Doctor appointment and then the product.
I use the medical cannabis clinic and they are very efficient.
In your case, as you were on Rop and augmented, pregabalin and gabapentin often don't work.
They didn't help my RLS at all. Only low dose opioids work for me. I'm very lucky that my GP agreed to prescribe low dose Buprenorphine when Oxycontin didn't help.
I started cannabis when the Oxycontin and pregabalin were not stopping my severe RLS. I only use it occasionally now.
How do get on with it? Does it stop the RLS symptoms
I first used it illegally in 2016 when going through withdrawal from Ropinirole.I was suicidal and my adult children sourced cannabis. It literally saved my life, giving me 30 mins sleep after 5 days of constant, intense, all over body RLS.
Once through withdrawal, I tried tramadol and gabapentin but they didn't help. Then Oxycontin and pregabalin for 5 years but still had severe RLS.
I now use cannabis for sleep as it doesn't stop all the RLS completely.
I'm on low dose Buprenorphine (0.4mg) and it's the only thing thst covers my severe RLS.
I know that cannabis would completely work if I didn't have permanent damage from Ropinirole.
I tell everyone to use it if needed.
So glad to hear your having the same results as me. Opioids should never be the first choice medicine as it's so addictive and ruins your life. Thank you so much for the link and as soon as I'm back from holiday I'll be following it up
Well, although cannabis really helped, it's not capable of controlling my very severe refractory RLS 24/7 so after 5 years on Oxycontin and pregabalin ( after augmentation and withdrawal on Ropinirole), I pushed for Buprenorphine after several other members reported it was the only thing that stopped their nightly RLS.It has been miraculous for me. I have slept 8 or 9 hours every night since July 2021.It's a synthetic opioid.
Opioids can also save many lives.
For those with severe RLS, who have failed all other drugs, low dose opioids are very useful.
Methadone and Buprenorphine in particular seem to be the 2 meds that help refractory RLS.
I direct people to Dr. Winkelman's opioid study, funded by rls.org. It shows that opioids at low dose are not addictive and people keep to the same low dose for years.
That's great news Paul007. And you needn't worry about judgement...you're the one that has to live with RLS!
I was worried about judgement from my wife but she says the same. Plus she's sleeping better nowadays because I'm not shaking all night. It honestly has been a game changer
Excellent. No judgment here. It's a great medication for many. My doctor had me try it for a while with no luck. How long has it been working for you?
Since the first time I tried it. It doesn't help me fall to sleep but it does remove the horrible sensation and pain in my legs. For me it's doing enough
I am sorry it didn't work for you ziggypiggy - did you take the oil or the vape? For many CBD is not strong enough and they need the cannabis bud which is best vaped. It has an instant effect of creating a melting sensation through the body taking away that dreaded RLS feeling with the benefit of making you sleepy. You also need the right kind of cannabis ie Indica variety specially bred for its calming relaxing and pain relieving qualities.
Exactly. Indica is what you want and not sativa.
Yes. I've tried all the methods. Latest was vape pen 10% indica. I know the melting feeling well. Still have the RLS symptoms. Still didn't help me sleep. It also increases my anxiety if I vape bud. Ingestion has the least side effects but I'm just not getting the desired results. I'm happy it works for you. I know many people like you who have great outcomes.
Are you on dopaminergic drugs?
No.,
Cannabis can cause anxiety. I used to get panic attacks with it but since switching to Althea Oil with 20% ,THC, taken 2 hours before bed, I've fallen asleep by the time any 'high' happens & I don't get the anxiety.
Awesome. Yeah, I have a genetic disposition to anxiety and depression that stems from a personality disorder. So my thought patterns are deeply ingrained. In general cannabis tends to amplify any moods or thoughts I am having. In my late teens and early twenties using cannabis as a recreation drug was a positive experience. I used it as a replacement for alcohol because even back then I I could connect drinking to insane RLS symptoms. Later in life I as I tried cannabis many times as a treatment for depression, anxiety and sleep it more often just added to the problem. I now will only use it recreationally again as it is enjoyable in certain situations. For example, at concerts my friends have a few drinks and I'll will just enjoy a mild edible.
Hello, I am so happy for you. It'saQ like a miracle. Anyway I tried almost every strand for sleep with no results. Is to posible for you to send me the name or any info on the strand.
Why should you feel judged - Cannabis is legal in most countries and people are increasingly waking up to the power of this wonderful medicine which is an extremely low addiction scale and very safe. I also find it works very well for me and I have not had to take any of the more insidious drugs that cause augmentation and a cascade of health problems.
Glad that cannabis is giving some relief from The Demon for you, Paul007. Found the same myself - it is the only preparation which has an instant effect. Wish I could try it in a pharmaceutical quality pill but that's just impossible with the ridiculous NHS policy. (It is legal for some conditions but, according to one source, only three, yup three, prescriptions have been written since 2018). Personally cannot smoke it with tobacco. Even though I am a smoker, it is just so rough, Take it through a vaporiser and, even then, it is difficult - coughing fit usually follows. Certainly works though. I seriously do not like taking it - feeling more than a bit intoxicated is something I seriously dislike - but it'll instantly stop a really bad attack.
I don't use tobacco just smoke it neat in a pipe. There is a guy in Ireland who makes his own oil which I'm interested in
Have you tried CBD? I have found that CBD helps calm my legs as long as I can get to sleep right away. THC helps me get to sleep faster. I take CBD capsules (don’t like the oil drops) 2 hrs before bed and THC gummy about 1 hr before bed. I don’t feel high, just relaxed. When I first tried THC they suggested I try RSO pen and I still felt out of it the next day. Didn’t like it. Military vets can get a substantial discount for CBD through Lazarus Naturals online. They also have a sleep capsule.
I agree. It's legal where I am and j use it and it does help. Good for you. No reason to judge. Better then narcotics and all the other drugs.
Thank you and yes I agree it's better than all the rubbish these doctors keep throwing down our throats. Especially as they still don't what causes it
No judgement here just joy that you have relief. I am also interested in the details if you don't mind sharing them - strain name, method - vaping, edible, sublingual, etc.
No idea about strain name but I don't vape or smoke tobacco as it's one of the triggers. I just grind a bit up and put it in my pipe. Takes around 3-4 puffs then I get in bed and actually relax without the fear of how bad my night will be
Would love to try Cannabis for RLS that has been driving me insane for years. My problem is, I don’t and have never smoked and don’t like the idea of smoking. Is the Oil any good?
CBD oil isn't strong enough but there are people who turn cannabis into an oil without taking anything out of it. I don't use tobacco just smoke it neat so maybe that would help
Have you tried any medicines for your RLS? Have you had your ferritin checked?
The medicines are the problem. And I've never heard of one that completely suppresses the symptoms of RLS.
I take 1500 mg of gabapentin and it completely controls my symptoms. Have you had your ferritin checked? Improving it to 100 helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms.
Gabapentin never worked for me and yes i had my ferritin levels checked a few years ago. I was also under a neurologist for many years in Londons UCLH hospital and went through multiple different treatments all of which didn't work. I pray for anyone using opioids to relieve the symptoms as opioids are a horrible way of life
How much gabapentin were you on?
I honestly can't remember how much I was on sorry. I know RLS sufferers who claim gabapentin worsens their symptoms
Gabapentin can NOT worsen symptoms. There are other possibilities for why their symptoms got worse. They may have been coming off a dopamine agonist. They might have started a medicine or OTC supplement that causes RLS symptoms to get worse. There may have been triggers that caused it. All kinds of reasons. As far as gabapentin didn't work for you, it may have been because you didn't take enough. Many people think it doesn't work for this reason.
Gabapentin doesn't work for everyone that's one of the harsh realities with this condition. That's why many of us have used multiple different medicines.
That's certainly true but as I mentioned above, many people give up because they didn't take enough. The main reason gabapentin doesn't work is because after many years on a dopamine agonist a person may have permanent damage to the dopamine receptors.
Taking 1500 mg of gabapentin is no way to live. That's a really high dosage and personally I wouldn't like the after effects of that dosage. I get absolutely no hangover from Cannabis
it's a fine way to live if it controls one's symptoms as it does for me and I have no after effects nor hangover nor do most people. Some do have side effects they can't live with. It is not a high dose. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin daily." The maximum is 3600 mg. But it certainly is up to you and I am glad for you that you are happy with cannabis.
I agree. I am withdrawing from Pramipexole due to augmentation. Does anyone know what Helps? My feet kick, not my legs. Anytime I lie down they start up and I have to keep walking. Too many years of this s$#t. Can't wait till life is over and I can rest.
If you want to try gabapentin I can give you some advice and the best way to take it.
Definitely. Thank you
Beginning dose of gabapentin is usually 300 mg or 100 mg if you are over the age of 65. It will take 3 weeks to be fully effective. 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. 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 at
Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...
Thank you. What are the side affects? I was taking 600 mg total and couldn't sleep, head in a fog, diarrhea, stomach cramps, anxiety. I haven't slept for three days and yesterday I just wanted to die so I could rest.
Are you already taking gabapentin? It sounds like withdrawal from the pramipexole. I would back up to the last higher dose and reduce more slowly or by a smaller amount, cutting the pills if necessary. Also will your doctor prescribe a low dose opioid to use temporarily?
I started at 1.5 mg several months ago and am dow to 0.012 mg. I was on 0.025 mg for 4 weeks and reduced to 0.012 mg. Do u think I went down to fast. This is my third night of one hour of sleep.
With the symptoms you are having, yes you are going down too fast. Will your doctor prescribe a low dose opioid to help you?
Thank u for the advice on Prami. I am going back up to 0.025 mg and reduce slower. I am on oxy for back surgery. I was prescribed Gabapentin 600mg 3x daily. Are u only taking 600mg in evening?
yes Are you still taking gabapentin?
Yes it was prescribed 600 mg x 3 . Is it OK to take with prami?
Yes - don't increase it though until you have been off pramipexole for a few weeks and at that point you will probably just need it at night unless before you were on pramipexole you had RLS during the day. 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 take it at least 3 hours before taking gabapentin as it will interfere with the absorption of the gabapentin.
I take a medical marijuana gummy when I’m in bed and my legs start up. I fall asleep within a half hour and sleep through the night. 20 mg cbd/10 mg thc
I also won’t smoke anything. The tinctures and oils can be very potent but I’m not a fan of them. They burn my throat and it’s a sensation that lasts for hours. So even if my legs aren’t bugging me, my throat will be. Lol I love edibles! Not recreationally as I don’t like how marijuana makes me feel—except when I take it for ending RLS and trying to go to sleep. You can also just eat the buds. My step kids make fun of me for this but I don’t see the difference between grinding it up and putting it on a pizza like they do in Cambodia, or baking it into things like they do in the US (and elsewhere, I’m sure). I sorta like the flavor, I’m not getting excess calories, and I am getting fiber! The thing about edibles of any kind (including tinctures), you don’t feel them immediately like you do with smoking. So you need to plan ahead. And learn what amount is right for you so you don’t overdo it.
I take thc oil (though I sleep fine on s-adenosy-methionine, too) but you can also put it in tea and you can bake it in cake. Called space cake…
Hi, Zyxx. How much oil do you take, if you can quantify it? Does that last for the whole night then?
I tried an oil pen syringe indica 73% THC earlier this week. I woke up with more RLS at 3 a.m. and did a dab more oil. 2 nights of that and the 3rd day i could barely walk or talk or type-for about 20 hours from that last 3 a.m. dose.
I felt terrible and do not want to repeat this, obviously! I felt dope sick or it was an OD or something.
Thanks for your input!
Oh goodness, yes, taking it several times in the night would do me in, too…..I began taking 1 small drop (bottle of oil with dropper - I don’t know the thc percentage) together with a drop of CBN oil. That’s also marihuana oil, said to be good for sleep. I don’t know if it is. I just always take them together.After some months I needed 2 drops of both per night. I spoke to a man who only “graduated” to 3 drops of thc, for sleep, after 5 years. I always seem to get inured to substances faster.
I go to bed early. If I go to bed too late, the thc seems to work less well. It takes about an hour to kick in, anyway. If it’s too late at night I don’t sleep, that’s why I go to bed early.
Right now I’m doing ok. I had the worst RLS when I was on paroxetine. Night and day, all body. Fun times.
Thanks so much for the info and glad you are doing relatively well now. Sorry you had that awful RLS-it is beyond torture.
Maybe I shouldn't describe what I took as an oil, now that you've written. It is like a pen/syringe combined, kind of.
It is obviously strong but also not quite strong enough to last 8 hours...?! Or maybe i need to go to bed earlier, as you describe.
Take care!
ok, thanks...good for you. I am trying to find a cannabis tincture I can take a liquid drop or two under the tongue before bed...different brands, different strains, so many choices. I do not smoke either.
Hi. I don't smoke and tried a kind of syringe pen this past week (see above). It works for RLS although I am struggling with the dose.
I would say try indica in any brand. Just start with very little until you know how you will react.
Also, make sure it has THC in it as I made that mistake when I first started trying my local pot shop-some things say indica but there is no percentage of THC listed.
Hope this helps!
Paul, that sounds amazing….I’m in the uk too and currently taking pregabalin - but it’s becoming less effective and less effective and Is affecting my life quite considerably….where do you get it from? Do you only need to take it once a night? And have you come off all other medication? Please message me with info!!!
I've come off everything and will never go back. Cannabis truly works for me but I don't use tobacco just smoke it neat. It doesn't help me fall asleep I'm still terrible at that part but the pain and twitching and horrible sensation has gone. My body can finally relax
So, smoking it “neat” as you say, is that any less hard on the lungs? If I recall, I think you use a pipe, right? I can see the advantage, I guess. The cannabis is more concentrated, and you’re not getting hooked on nicotine at the same time, but if my problem is getting it he 💨 in, keeping it in, and not feeling like it’s just burning a great big hole in my lungs, then am I correct in thinking that smoking it “neat” is not going to be any easier for me?
Yes I smoke it neat. To be honest it is uncomfortable at first but now it's really easy. Last night I drank coffee which is a huge trigger for me and I couldn't even sit on my couch due to my legs doing the Riverdance. So I smoked my magical plant and felt total relief. I honestly can't praise it enough. If you suffer badly and want some quality of life back I'd really give it a go. The meds we all take for this curse are really damaging.
How much pregabalin are you taking?
Hi sue 300mg they won’t give me any more and that’s fine because it freezes my legs and affects my walking
You might try switching to gabapentin. Although they are basically the same, sometimes the side effects of one don't appear when they are switched. The equivalent dose of gabapentin would be 1800 mg. If you switch take 600 mg 1-2 hours before bedtime then 600 mg 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg, and then 600 mg 6 hours before bedtime. If you take magnesium take it at least 2 hours before the gabapentin as it interferes with the absorption of gabapentin.
Have you had your ferritin checked? Improving it to 100 helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. Also another medicine to try is dipyridamole. For some people it completely eliminates their symptoms. You might ask your doctor about it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Dipyridamole is one I've never tried.
themedicalcannabisclinics.c... consultation £49. Ask for Dr Sunny Nayee in the Pain clinic. He knows it helps RLS which is a neurological disease.
That is amazing good for you !!!"Judge not for you are just a mere human"
I find a delta 8 gummy ( which you can legally buy in most states here in US- just a quick google search will give many options), about 30-40 min before bed really helps. I place desired amount under tongue and let it ‘melt’. We also use THC gummies as needed for our son with autism. Only need small amount.
It really helps calm his nervous system when he’s stressed 👍
The problem is that you don't know what you're getting in these delta 8 gummies, as they aren't regulated. Read more here;fda.gov/consumers/consumer-...
True. You make a good point. However, so far, it’s been a real help to me! Please also remember most vitamins/ supplements are not regulated by the FDA, either. I can only look for companies that provide certificates of authenticity/testing and hope they are being honest.
If you don't mind me asking--what brand do you use, and which certificates do you trust?
Right now I’ve got The brand ‘Koi’ and the brand ‘Premium Jane’ in my fridge ( I don’t think they need to be refrigerated, but I’ve heard delta 8 doesn’t like heat, so 🤷🏼♀️)There was another brand from Colorado but I forget the name - there are so many now!
I tend to look for sales, and if the company seems legit, I try. These things aren’t cheap. Worth it, imo. But not against saving some $$ if I can.
I second the vote for Premium Jane. They seem like a very good company (if we can believe their marketing-which I do, but I believe anything unless I have a reason not to. Lol). I can’t get their Delta 8 products in my state but I had wanted to try them. So without being able to get those, I don’t buy from them because everything else is basically CBD only and I definitely need THC for RLS.
OMG absolutely No judgment from me!! I am so happy for you that you have found what works for you! I only wish it was available where I live....😕
I'm UK and sometimes you have to do what works even if it's illegal
It's just a shame it's not legal everywhere.
I totally agree but I got it anyway. These pharmaceutical companies will never want you to go down the natural route of cannabis. I'm UK and it's illegal here but if it works and gives me some quality of life back I'll do it
I'm in the US and it's only legal in certain states. How much sense does that make? Ridiculous!!
That is crazy. The UK still won't legalise it. The medical marijuana has alot of the THC taken out and I believe that's the ingredient that helps
I have heard that, too! Because I have tried CBD oil (which IS legal), but it does nothing for me...*sigh*
Paul, I'm delighted cannabis is helping. The cannabis in the UK from legal medical clinics definitely has THC. I have 2 oils, one that's 20% THC, the other is 26% THC. My friends have flower. All different varieties and stengths.For RLS, Indica strains are best.
The medical cannabis may be more expensive than street cannabis but at least we can be sure it's indica and not contaminated with anything else.
I've done a few interviews on medical cannabis.
Paul, it's legal in the UK. I've taken it for RLS.themedicalcannabisclinics.c...
No judgment here either, and I’m very happy for you!
Unfortunately cannabis gives me severe paranoia and heart racing - think this is a gene related issue. Nobody really knows until they try it. I went to the time and trouble of getting a legal card (in the US) and it was basically worthless for me. Have tried multiple strains too.
That being said - you have found the key for you! That’s awesome!! So glad for relief from suffering.
Sure you didn’t take too much? If I take even a little too much thc I get bad, bad fears. But not from a little bit.
I've been using cannabis for a few years to help control my RLS, too. But I find it works best for me with tramadol. Sleepless nights are a rarity now for me. And yes, THC is the magic component. For anyone curious why, Google Entourage Effect. Also, for the suffers in the UK, there is this: cannabis healthnews.co.uk/2021/08/11its-perfect-torture-restless-legs-syndrome-cannabis-and-sleep/
I agree. I use cannibus gummies.
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That is great news. I recently got a medical marijuana card. I purchased "grape ape" oil and the prefilled cartridge. I was so hopeful. However, I tried the oils. Kept uping it until I felt something. My rls didn't go away. Maybe slightly better. I was very dizzy and felt strange. Didn't like it I tried vaping with the cartridge. I couldn't stop coughing. It didn't do much. Maybe I have the wrong strain?? I am so disappointed. I have to go back and purchase a different strain and maybe that will help??? The only problem is the coughing. Maybe because I never smoked. Any suggestions???
I always cough from inhaling it too. Try edibles! Just give yourself a little more time because they take 30-60 min to kick in. And I also get dizzy from it, which is why I like to try to be in bed, waiting for it to kick in.
I asked for the gummies. The place told me they do not sell them. I have the oil . I used the dropper. I kept increasing it. When I got almost to the top of the dropper I was so dizzy and felt so weird. However my rls did not go away. I did not like the feeling. I am going to try a different strain. I have "grape ape" now (the nighttime strain).
Ugh. I’m sorry you first experience was weird and not very good. But I’m glad you aren’t giving up and I’m glad you have a new nighttime one to try. It’s odd the place you went didn’t have gummies. I struggle with dropper application too and taking it that way really irritates my throat too. I’m sure it’s not for everyone, but I will say that the terrible dizziness subsided over time. Or maybe I’m just better at taking it now. Meaning I try hard not to have to walk around or be predicting in any way by the time I anticipate it will begin to work. Good luck tonight. I hope the grape flavor is good and that the product doesn’t bother you in any way. Hoping for a good night of restful sleep for you!
yep. I mostly use tincture, but also make butter to use in cookies, etc . It's a medicine, and I treat it as such. btw, I'm in Ohio and have a card. I wouldn't trust buying it off the street
Two drops of THC before bed helps me so much with RLS and insomnia. It might stop all the RLS symptoms if I used more but I am careful with anything I put in my body!
So happy and pleased to know that you and others have found something that helps you. What a relief!
I think we all need to remember the end goal is relief from RLS. When an individual finds something that works for them we can't wait to share the good news with those who understand and shout It from the mountain tops. It's natural human behavior. I did the same thing when I found relief. By now it's clear their are numerous ways to get relief. Let's not judge or shame anyone for their medication of choice. We all can do an extensive internet search for the upside or downside of any substance in existence.
Same here Paul007, I discovered cannabis about a year or so ago and I only take it, like you at night when RL symptoms start and I like you, tried conventional prescribed medications which continually caused trouble for me by augmenting. I am now 74 and started smoking cannabis last year so at 73 had never smoked it before but I am so grateful for it now.
That’s great. It’s such a relief to finally find something that gives you back some quality of life. Unfortunately for me , it does nothing for my RLS, and I wish it would cause I can go to my grocery store or other outlet and just buy it. When you find something that works for you , enjoy the relief it gives you. No apology needed. Best of luck with that
I cannot imagine why anyone would judge you for taking cannabis. Recreationally, too. It’s a damn sight smarter than taking augmenting drugs (I don’t judge that, either. We do what we can.)
Hi Paul007. You mentioned cannabis doesn’t help you sleep. I assume you’re using indica vs sativa already, but have you tried getting one with CBN? It’s the cannabinoid that promotes sleep. I find it helpful. They also offer a lot of products with added melatonin, which I avoided for years based on things I read on this site. But I wish I had done my own experimentation because I got insomnia a month or so ago and was desperate enough to try melatonin, despite the warnings from people in this forum. It worked great and did not impact my RLS at night. I took it nightly for a week straight (to get through the bout of insomnia) and never had an issue. It’s probably not something I’d want to take indefinitely, but I’m grateful to know it works for me now. But I do use indica THC gummies with CBN regularly and almost never have a problem falling asleep anymore. Just an idea for folks with insomnia and RLS.
I have RLS and tried cannabis as edibles since they are legal in my state. For me, edibles didn’t work. They got me high and I had RLS which was not pleasant. I’ve read that smoking it is effective for RLS but I’d rather not do that.
I live in a medical cannabis state in the USA. I have tried many cbd and thc products to help alleviate RLS. Although I never found one that controlled RLS, I have found one that has improved my ability to fall asleep and stay asleep for several hours at a time. The product is called Gogi OG and is a hybrid of Nepali OG and Snow Lotus. I have been using it over the past year to help with insomnia, not RLS. My RLS is currently controlled very well with a low oxalate eating plan. I hope this helps somebody.
Can you tell us more about how you manage your RLS with a low oxalate diet? Perhaps as the subject of a separate post so it will be more visible. A couple of others on this forum have had success with a similar diet.
Hi Amrob. I will work on that!
I found I would take 900mg of gabapentin as soon as I felt RLS setting in. 30-40mins it had gone completely. Only draw back was Gabapentin totally wiped out my short term memory. Definitely Gabapentin worked. Because of catastrophic memory loss I had to stop taking Gabapentin. However, I am now on Pramiprexole which seems to just about work 90% of the time.
No side effects with cannabis for me. I been on gabapentin and pramiprexole in the past and hated how it made me feel. I'll never go back to meds
My goodness, why would anyone judge you for finding something that stops the dreaded feeling. I'd like to try it but I just cannot smoke it. I'm very happy for you