RLS - Suboxone - PLMD

[DogBella]

I have had RLS for years. Last year I weaned off ropinirole. In doing so, the doctor prescribed opioids. When I started Suboxone, I developed PLMD. Has anyone had this happen with Suboxone? Did nothave PLM before.

[Amrob]

Yikes! I've not heard of that happening before. Are you still on the Suboxone?

[DogBella in reply to Amrob]

I am still taking the suboxone. I am not sure if it causes the PLM or not.

[Joolsg]

I haven't heard of this happening. Most PLMD is at night and the patient isn't aware it's happening. Has your partner said you're now kicking/moving during sleep?

[DogBella in reply to Joolsg]

It becomes very severe that it wakes me up.

[Joolsg in reply to DogBella]

Interesting. PLMD doesn't usually wake you BUT uncontrolled RLS does. I suspect you need to adjust your dose. And check for low serum ferritin and any exacerbating meds like anti histamines, anti depressants, statins, beta blockers etc.What dose of suboxone are you taking and when do you take it?

[SueJohnson]

What happened to the Horizant you were on? Did it not work?

[DogBella in reply to SueJohnson]

Still on it 1200 but still have many issues of rls. Also take the suboxone.

[DogBella in reply to DogBella]

Nothing seems to give me relief. I have only been getting about 4 - 4.5 hours of interrupted sleep. In early December I was sleeping about 6.5 to 7 .5 hours of interrupted sleep. It seems to me if I get feeling a little better, I quickly take a step back. I see Dr. Buchfuhrer for a follow-up appointment next week. My ferritin levels are fine after an infusion last spring. Not sure which route to follow.

[Joolsg in reply to DogBella]

As you're seeing Dr B next week, he will advise the best course of action.Most RLS patients on opioid treatment usually have to adjust the dose upwards in the first year.

I suspect Dr B will increase the suboxone. The Mayo algorithm sets out the dose and 0.5mg is the starting dose, 6mg the maximum dose. The average dose according to the Massachussetts Opioid study is around 1mg.

Do you have pills or film coating? Are you dissolving under your tongue?

[DogBella in reply to Joolsg]

Doing 1mg film under the tongue. This is not my first visit with Dr. B but next scheduled appointment.

[DogBella in reply to DogBella]

He has had me try other drugs, too, without success.

[Inkosikazi]

For me, it is the opposite. I take buprenorphine (which, with nalaxone makes suboxone) for my RLS and it has been the most effective remedy so far.

[DogBella]

It was effective for the first few weeks. Afterwards it seemed to stop working

[Shumbah]

I would ask for SUBUTEX incase it is the Naloxone component.

Dr Glen brooks told me it is important not to take Suboxone.

It has me beat why they prescribe Suboxone as if we have an addiction .

[TeddiJ in reply to Shumbah]

Hi, there. He won't give it to him, unless he has changed his mind. Supposedly the naloxone does other things, as well.

[kcraig]

I was just the opposite. I was on Ropinerole for a few years and felt like I was getting zero sleep. The Ropinerole would semi-help the RLS in the evenings (+ really bad nausea), but I was twitching in my sleep. My current Dr. took me off Ropinerole and tried 5mg Methadone. Now I can get 10 hrs sleep.

[Qalba in reply to kcraig]

Similar for me! 5 mg of methadone gets me 8-10 hours of sleep. When I do experience RLS symptoms they are very mild, like 1+, and tolerable. I am not experiencing any side effects. Been on it for three months and I am so happy! It is also inexpensive. Only wish that I could get a refill without monthly doctor visits and random drug testing. That is such an insult. Nothing else worked. Opioids would only last a couple of hours and caused insomnia and constipation. Glad it is working so well for you!

[Johnson326]

Just a guess here, but I think it's just a timing coincidence. I have both RLS and PLM, and Suboxone fixes both ailments.

[TeddiJ]

Hi. I have seen Dr. B, too. To me, Suboxone causes stomach contractions that I did not have before and I now have them only when I take it. Like a sit-up, even sitting up and awake. I try to take less of it to see if that helps. Overall it seems like I no longer get the typical rls I used to have, even when I was on other opioids. Now it is PLM where both legs contract at the hips and pull up over and over which Suboxone does stop completely, though then the more minor stomach thing kicks in. I haven't had the crawly jumpy rls in quite a while. I would love to know what Dr. B says, if you can remember to share! Good luck with your appt.

[RLSLearner]

Anything further with Dr B?

[DogBella]

6 months have passed. I am greatly improved. I am still adjusting medication. I was up to two Suboxone films for awhile. Now I am taking less than 1 film a night. I am taking only 1 Horizant daily. I am taking 2-3 Gabapentin. The good news is I am sleeping once again.

[6236]

who is doctor B

[DogBella in reply to 6236]

Dr. Buchfuhrer, Downy CA He has many patient online. Well known RLS specialist in United States.