Iron Levels

[Brufax]

I am a 74-year-old woman living in New Zealand. I was on Ropinirole for restless legs for approximately 3 years. Augmentation set in and I saw his forum went to my doctor who has changed my medication to Pregabalin. Currently on 50mg per day as I weaned off Ropinirole (completely weaned off for 3 nights now). Still having restless legs symptoms but not as painful. Doctor also did iron blood tests. These are my results as per lab printout: IRON: 12umol/L, Ferritin: 210 ug/L, Transferrin: 1.75 g/L, Iron saturation 29%. This is my question: It appears that my Ferritin levels are fine but my Transferrin level is low. Should I be having iron tabs to correct low Transferrin levels? My doctor consulted the UK advisory board website and has advised no supplementary iron tabs. I am interested in what the Mayo clinic would advise. From my reading on other medical websites low Transferrin level can be a sign that iron saturation point has been reached. Very interested to have this verified or others' input and comments.

[RLSLearner]

Hi Brufax,

Yes low transferring can mean you have "sufficient" iron and dont need further supplementation. It can be decreased in inflammatory states as well. Well done getting of the ropirinole. Maybe stop the iron tablets for a while and see. Some people find taking iron at night gives some relief and is worth keeping on with at adequate iron levels.

[Brufax in reply to RLSLearner]

Many thanks for feedback

[Joolsg]

Well done for getting off Ropinirole. The withdrawal symptoms can last weeks/months after getting off Ropinirole and hopefully raising the dose of pregabalin to the average ( 150-200mg) will cover the symptoms.

[SueJohnson]

I would increase the pregabalin to 75 mg which is the normal starting dose. It takes 3 weeks to be fully effective. After that increase it by 25 mg every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. Most of the side effects 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. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 200 to 300 mg pregabalin."

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...

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, 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, fennel, 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, CBD, 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, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.

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.