Therapulse

[MEGS-B]

Just bought this and at the moment it's helping, time will tell, also just been give some codeine for night time. Can't usually get to sleep until really early hours of the morning, any tips, on prameprepsol, not much use.

[Allyp69]

Therapulse really helps my RLS..not a cure, sadly, but helps me to sit in the evening and to get to sleep in bed, if necessary. I only use it when I need to. Glad it helps you 😊

[SueJohnson]

I assume you meant pramipexole. You said it is not much use. If it helped before and now isn't then you are suffering from augmentation. The signs of augmentation are when you have to keep increasing your dose to get relief, or when your symptoms occur earlier in the day or there is a shorter period of rest or inactivity before symptoms start or when they move to other parts of your body (arms, trunk or face) or when the intensity of your symptoms worsen. If this is the case then you need to come off it. To come off pramipexole, reduce by .125 mg (.088) every 2 weeks or so. You will have increased symptoms. You may need to reduce more slowly or with a smaller amount. Wait until the increased symptoms from each reduction has settled before going to the next one. You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms especially as you near the end. But in the long run, you will be glad you came off it. Dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole are no longer the first line treatment for RLS. Gabapentin or pregabalin is. The beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin). Start it 3 weeks before you are off pramipexole although it won't be fully effective until you are off it for several weeks. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) 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. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects of gabapentin or pregabalin 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. If you take magnesium take it at least 3 hours before or after taking gabapentin (you don't need to do this with pregabalin) as it will interfere with the absorption of it and if you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin) daily." 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 you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is less than 20 ask for an iron infusion to quickly bring it up as this will help your withdrawal. If you can't get an iron infusion post here and we can give you some advice. 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 or s/he would never have prescribed a dopamine agonist at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[SueJohnson]

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[jack101]

codeine (phosphate) works for me. Even co-codamol from boots, in a pinch.

Xx

[RLSgirl]

When I googled Therapulse here in the US I get a site that sells regular-looking tens units and massagers.

Is this what you are referencing? therapulse.co.uk/