Kratom

[Coladh]

Hi guys, I’ve been following you for 4 years and have taken different actions recommended over the time. I’ve just had my bloods done and I’m waiting for results. So far I’ve avoided medication, instead taking iron and magnesium and exercise. My RLS comes every night but has gotten much worse in the recent past (hoping that my ion has dropped and this is the reason ) but I don’t think so. There have been no other changes and not on other medication except Cardio K for cholesterol.

I’m very close to going on medication either Pregabalin or Gabapentin as per your advice but realise that if I start I will be on medication going forward. Do you think this is the way to go or should I stick it out a bit longer. Also thinking of trying Kratom - which would you recommend and where to I get it?

Thanks in advance, le buíochas, Coladh

[Joolsg]

First get the blood results, as an iron infusion might completely resolve your RLS.As you've tried the iron pills and they haven't worked, an infusion may be prescribed.

I know at least 3 people personally who have improved dramatically after iron infusions.

If it doesn't work, then you can start pregabalin or gabapentin.

Kratom works, but can lead to tolerance. I've seen people increase the dose to very high levels. Plus it's illegal here in the UK, and I suspect there in Eire.

Involuntary Dancer and Madlegs are in Ireland and can hopefully recommend good doctors who will arrange iron infusions if needed.

Alternatively, the Iron Clinic in London will do them privately for around £700 after you send blood results. If you can afford a trip/private treatment.

[SueJohnson]

When you are ready to start gabapentin or pregabalin, post back here and I can advise you how to take it.

[BettyRae]

From what I’ve read Kratom has serious side effects. Liver toxicity and seizures are mentioned. Low dose medication maybe all you need for years.

[Goldy700]

Have you tried medical cannabis - I like you have been avoiding Gabapentin and my RLS has gotten worse over time and now goes up my back and neck. For the moment medical cannabis is enabling me to get enough sleep and dampen the RLS.. I use the exercise bike or yoga stretches to temporarily reduce the RLS and then vape the cannabis flower to get me to sleep. I intend to try to avoid Gabapentin for as long as possible. I don't get any side effects from the cannabis thank goodness. I take gentle iron and all the usual supplements and healthy lifestyle.

[TheDoDahMan]

Before Dr. B put me on low-dose methadone, I used kratom as the only substance that would give me a decent night's sleep. It worked well for a year or two, but because of a growing tolerance to it, I went from 4 grams per day to 32. I never had any problems with it, even at the higher doses, but I recognized that I couldn't continue to keep raising my daily dose. I was lucky to find Dr. B.

Liver toxicity and seizures , I believe, are only likely to occur on WAY higher doses than I ever took. Some people get hooked on it and abuse it, but if you only take it temporarily, at the doses I took, I don't think you'll have such problems - as you keep searching for a more permanent solution. Pregabalin or gabapentin are the normal first-try meds nowadays.

I'm in the US - for sourcing kratom in Ireland, others on this forum will be able to help you. Powdered kratom tastes pretty chalky - I found that mixing it with Carnation "Breakfast Essentials" powder in a cup of milk makes it quite palatable.

Best of luck to you.

[Wanted-sleep]

Kratom is helpful when switching between medication, such as reducing and uptaking gradually. I’ve had my emergencies.

Comparitively, BPC157 peptide may be a game changer to my previous kraton use.

I have become real fat on pregablin. Nasty. I follow a keto diet and limit meats that come from a barn.

Great people here. Reach out.

[Wanted-sleep in reply to Wanted-sleep]

Creatine in a morning beverage goes along way.

[LotteM]

Coladh, good that you have kept away from medicines up until now. Maybe your blood iron results will show there is room for improvement. I assume you have made sure ferritin will also be assessed? As together with transferrin saturation it is gives some indication about whether your iron status is too low for RLS.

Also, you mention cardio K for cholesterol. After some internet search I found it is an otc supplement claimed to reduce cholesterol. And that it contains red yeast rice. I also found (on the Dutch variant of the Yellow Card website for reporting side effects) that is has the same (side) effects as statins.

If I am correct (Sue keeps a list), statins may worsen RLS, so it may be wise to stop the cardio K and look for more natural ways to lower cholesterol, preferably through diet. The cardio K may well be the culprit.

[Coladh in reply to LotteM]

Thanks LotteM,

I’ll stop the CardioK and see how I get on, cholesterol is not too high GP is not very concerned about it. I will let you know how it goes.

[fishinphil1946]

I have been on 1500mg gabapentin for about 11 years. My RLS is not as severe as many other people. My RLS is worse when I am over tired from poor sleep and/or activities and maybe alcohol especially gin. Some people cannot tolerate Gabapentin and Pregabalin is easier to absorb. I am adding magnesium gluconate, but not within 3 hours of taking gabapentin. I take 600mg G at 5pm, 900mg G at 9pm and Mg at 8am.

Others on this site know more about medications but this works OK for me.

Best Wishes for a more comfortable Holiday Season!