Pedialyte—electrolytes & RLS

[Bganim1947]

Recently I saw some physician online saying the primary cause of RLS is low levels of electrolytes in the body. I had been having a breakout bout of RLS for a few weeks due to some swelling in my knees and ankles. So I thought what the heck, I picked up some Pedialyte at the drugstore and tried it one night—about 6 ounces. I had zero RLS that night. I’ve been using it every night for the last two weeks and still zero instances of RLS. Any thoughts about that? Could it be that simple? Or am I just lucky?

[SueJohnson]

If you have an electrolyte imbalance that can make RLS worse. Low electrolytes can cause muscle weakness and spasms. However "the primary cause of RLS is low levels of electrolytes in the body" is certainly not true. However if it is helping you - great.

[Reb0013]

Interesting you share this; I take liquid sea minerals/electrolyes as drops in my water especially when I do outside yard work or gym workouts and can say that this is one of the many habits I have acquired that helps keep my RLS at bay. I notice a positive difference. I would not say that electrolyte imbalance is the root/main cause of RLS but for me I have found it can trigger the restlessness at times.

[Fleur29 in reply to Reb0013]

What are the drops called?

[Reb0013 in reply to Fleur29]

I'd send a picture of bottle but don't know if this site allows; It's called Sea Minerals Dietary Supplement by Pure Aussie. Ocean water derived. Made by a company out of Colorado USA

[DicCarlson]

Interesting. My severe RLS was preceded with muscle cramps for weeks. I could get relief using sea salt and cream of tartar (potassium). I think the electrolyte imbalance is perhaps related to RLS but not a cause of RLS. Iron supplements eventually "cured" my RLS, but I deal with insomnia and leg cramps to this day.

[TeddiJ]

May I ask if you have ever taken DA's for your RLS? (ROP or PRAM, etc.?)

[Reb0013 in reply to TeddiJ]

Not sure if you are asking me but I'll answer just in case. I took a small dosage of Ropinerole for approx. 4 months before doing research on the augmentation it causes. I stopped using it. In hindsight I realized my mother at age 76 started Ropinerole and augmented after about 5 yrs. She passed at age 84 from cancer and was taking the ropinerole even then at a much higher dosage but it made no difference at that point in her life because she needed it just to be able to cope. I didn't want to be dependent on it at my age.

[TeddiJ in reply to Reb0013]

Thanks-and so sorry to hear this. You did tell me a bit about your Mother before and now I have more details. I'm very glad you didn't take ROP for long-not long at all-yay!

I was also interested in what kind of drops you take, so thanks for that info. I was asking the poster about their history, just because I like to know if the person trying the pedialyte, or other solutions, has had a diffcult history with DA's or is more of a "regular Joe" trying various natural solutions.

All the same-I will try the pedialyte, or your drops, as I know I do not drink enough water...even after biking and a lot of exercise.

Talk to you soon, re: the Hirsuta (or whatever it is called-lol)

[Bganim1947 in reply to TeddiJ]

I took Ropinerol 5 years ago until it caused augmentation. It was a dreadful experience having to titrate off it. My idiot neurologist kept increasing the dosage every time my symptoms got worse. Do not let any doctor talk you into any Dopamine Antagnonists. It is still taught in med schools that DAs are first line treatments for RLS. That must change!

[TeddiJ in reply to Bganim1947]

Hi. Oh, yes, I am more than well aware. I have been dealing with my DA withdrawal experience this past year and I am still struggling to find solutions. What are you taking now?