Blood Thinners for RSL Sufferers

[Jose651]

hi Rls friends,

I have managed to withdraw from Pramipexole and have been taking Targinact 4.5/ naloxone

Successfully for several months

However, I have been admitted to hospital with a stroke and finding that I am dispairat this point( after 2 weeks)

My usual Targinate has been replaced with a different brandLongtec,and I have been put on a blood thinner . I am suffering greatly with lack of sleep since the change to Longtec or adding in a blood thinner

Is there any research on Blood thinners that do not exaserbate Restless legs.

Thank you kindly

[SueJohnson]

Dipyridamole is safe but since you have had a stroke it may not be strong enough for you.

Warfarin (Coumadin) and Plavix (Clopidogrel) definitely make RLS worse.

I have the following listed that may be OK : Xarelto (Rivaroxaban), ticagrelor (Brilinta), prasugrel (Effient or Efient), Lixiana (Edoxaban) and Fragmin (dalteparin)

However your doctor know best which is best for you as a stroke is more serious than RLS.

Which one have you been prescribed? If not one of the above I can check it out.

[Jose651 in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue,

I was on aspirin before I took the stroke. When I came into hospital the consultant took me off it as I also had 2 bleeds on the brain.

A short while later, he put me on Clopidogreland I had 1hr30 mins sleep that night and the same the next night.

I was also put on atoritistatin40ml x1at night.my task is to see which of these, if eitheris making the RLS much worse than it has ever been the dose of Longtec is the same as Targinatr4-5 x2 daily

Thank you

[SueJohnson in reply to Jose651]

Unfortunately both can make RLS worse. I assume you meant Clopidogrel.

All statins make RLS worse. Nexlizet (Nustendi (UK) is a cholesterol lowering drug that is not a statin, but I don’t know if it exacerbates RLS symptoms. Ezetimibe (Zetia) - reduces cholesterol although It doesn't reduce cholesterol as fast as the statins, but according to Chris Columbus it didn't trigger his RLS although the FDA does show it increases RLS for some people and then there is Triglide which seems safe. You might want to discuss these with your doctor. A more difficult way to reduce cholesterol is to go vegan. My husband lowered his cholesterol from 221 to 131 this way. Again discuss these with your doctor.

[Jose651 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks So very much Sue, am home from hospital from yesterday evening. Feel my meds all mixed u atm.worked so hard to get off the Pramipexole and to have to try and explained to the hospital neurologist that the Clopidogrel( yay mistake,sorry)the first dose resulted in aggravated symptoms and 1 hr 30 mins sleep went unheard was very difffcult.

The BMA says it does not( his words)., so patients experience means nothing or sufferers do notreport it by ‘the ‘yellow card route’

The statement’ a lot of people don’t sleep in hospital ‘ did not sit well with me tbh.I Wasn’t resting in bed. I walked past the nursers station for hours throughout the nights and days so it was well noted.

I amtaking no extra meds I.e blood thinner or cholesterol reducer out or pure fear of going back to those horrendous feeling of dispair.

Thanks again for your deeply appreciated replies.

Bless you

.

[Jelbea]

Hello Jose651 - I note from your profile that you live in Northern Ireland which is where I live also. Good for you for getting off the pramipexole and on to Targinact which is actually the type of oxycodone suggested for RLS. Targinact contains oxycodone and naloxone (naloxone helps with constipation). It is much more expensive than Longtec which is probably why you have been changed. If you find you really miss the naloxone do not be afraid to ask to have the Targinact again. I have been on both and find no difference as I am able to manage any constipation with diet and walking.

Regarding a blood thinner, I have also been on a blood thinner for 3 or 4 years and found that it did not disturb my restless legs. I take Xarelto (rivaroxaban) 20 mg once per day and this does not cause side effects. I have to take it because I have a rare blood cancer which would cause my blood to clot and it has been keeping me clot-free. There are many other blood thinners which could be tried so you should be able to get one which will suit you.

Your lack of sleep may well be made much worse by your recent stroke and all the upset which that has caused you. You should talk to your Consultant or GP (if you are back at home) to sort all this out. You do not say what dose of Longtec you take but perhaps this needs adjustment. Do not be put off and if necessary have someone with you to help. I wish you speedy improvement.

[Jose651 in reply to Jelbea]

Hi Jelbea,

I do indeed. I have lived her all my life. Thank you for taking the time to answer y post. I am seeing the ward Doc today as a nurse has suggested taking the rosuvstatin in the mornings instead of night time.

[Gmc54]

I was on warfarin for over 10 years, and I feel my RLS worsened during that time. It may have just been coincidence. I went on to Edoxaban. About three years ago. I found it made no difference to my rls, it was the same as it was while on warfarin.

[Jose651]

thank you Gmc54, although we are all different it is helpful to know what meds have worsened This torturous disease.