TMS/TBS, Buprenorphine tip

[teakabeagle]

I have just completed TMS/TBS(theta burst stimulation) treatments(36 TMS+10 TMS/TBS)

It has been a game changer for the post Dopamine agonist depression, that was quite severe and unresponsive to meds. I currently have no depression symptoms. What I have found is that the RLS symptoms are decreased by about 50%. The symptom start later, around 11pm instead of 8pm, and is only in the left leg. I find I can skip the Buprenorphine about 2-3 times a week( take .5 mg). I do not experience withdrawals when I don’t take it. I don’t know if this will last now that I’m done with the treatments. One can only hope. If anyone has droression that is resistant, I do recommend TMS/TBS if your insurance covers it( it’s $500/ treatment cash pay) Medicare covers it if you have tried other medications first.

My RLS Dr. has me dissolve the Buprenorphine in a half teaspoon of water( it dissolves quickly) and then put that under my tongue for 5 minutes. It absorbs quickly and takes affect much faster for me. That is nice as lately I don’t take it unless the symptoms warrant it, and want a quick response. . Pramipexole could take 3-4 hours to kick in. Because of the severe depression I had withdrawing this time( I’ve taken it 3 different times for a total of 15 years)I won’t be taking it again. My dopamine receptors are clearly recovered and we can’t risk another episode like that.

[amrob123]

It's wonderful to hear it has alleviated your your depression. Do you know which brain region it was applied to?

I had rTMS for RLS/PLMD but it didn't help at all.

My understanding is that the region typically targeted for depression is different to that targeted for RLS/PLMD which is why I'm interested to know what may have been different in your case.

[teakabeagle in reply to amrob123]

TBS is a much deeper brain stimulation that does reach motor centers. The effect of the TMS produces / enhances synaptic pathways which will have an effect on other pathways that they may connect into. I don’t know if the improvement is lasting or not. Only time will tell.

[amrob123 in reply to teakabeagle]

That's really interesting, thanks for the information. Let me know if the good results continue as it's something i'm open to trying again (with TBS this time). Also, did you find the treatment tiring? I felt really brain tired when undergoing treatment. It went away as soon as i stopped treatment.

[SueJohnson]

That's great. So pleased for you.

[Joolsg]

Wonderful news.

[David1920]

I have had a bad spell of RLS. This did precipitate an episode of anxiety and probably depression. Given the reports of TMS, I did purchase a device for home use. To be honest, I thought I might use it for both conditions by placing the electrodes to both the frontal and then motor cortex areas.

The device came a few days ago. It is very well constructed and impressive on how it is controlled by the app. The headset is very sturdy and does not allow it to be used on the motor cortex — its use over frontal cortex (as required for depression) or not at all! Well, I decided to run with that anyway —- if I can improve the mood it may help the RLS.

I have only used the device for less than a week and I’m feeling a bit more cheerful and the RLS, I think is a bit better. I don’t know how much is placebo effect but I will continue and see what happens. I’ll try and report in a few months.

[teakabeagle in reply to David1920]

Is this the Fisher Wallace devise? I’ve used it before and it did help with depression. I did not find it helped the RLS. However, that or any devise you bought for home use is not TMS.

[David1920]

Flow’s tDCS device

[teakabeagle in reply to David1920]

Ok, so similar to the Zfisher Wallace. I thought it helped the depression, but I didn’t notice an effect on the RLS. It works differently and not as deeply as magnetic stim.

[Birdland]

That’s wonderful that it has helped you. I did 36 rTMS treatments for my extreme depression after DA withdrawal. Unfortunately it did nothing to help my depression or RLS. I did not have the TBS treatments. The doctor that administered the TMS told me that to treat RLS through TMS, a different region of the brain has to be stimulated. The region that controls movement. I hope your relief continues!

[teakabeagle in reply to Birdland]

The TMS/:TBS affect the dorsofrontal lobes and prefo tal cortex. The TBS can reach the motor area. It helps develop synaptic pathways and can have an affect in other areas. I think the TBS was most helpful

[Birdland in reply to teakabeagle]

Thanks for the info.

[teakabeagle in reply to Birdland]

I found the TMS help the anxiety symptom the most and about 70 % of the depression symptoms. I noted RAPID improvement with the TBS, from the very first treatment.

[Birdland in reply to teakabeagle]

That’s great. Unfortunately, I felt no improvement at any time.