Exercise that often helps

[Cedarish]

Although I have experienced intensification of RLS symptoms after heavy, prolonged daytime exercise, paradoxically I have sometimes found significant relief with short bursts of fairly intense calisthenics when symptoms hit at night. As mentioned elsewhere, I have had RLS since my teens. By about age 60 I began taking meds - first gabapentin, and then methadone (up to 10 mg/day for the last several years, still ongoing). Because I wanted to always take the lowest possible dose, I put up with breakthrough symptoms. I discovered that a fairly vigorous 3-to 5-minute bout of squats, chest/leg raises while lying prone, and situps with bent knees, often knocks out symptoms completely for several hours. It seems important to focus on mobilizing my spine while doing these. I do them even in the middle of the night if awakened by symptoms. I am fortunate to able to get back to sleep right away - I realize not everyone might be so lucky. And certainly, we are all so different, these might not help many others. But I hope at least some fellow sufferers find some relief. (A bonus is stronger legs, back and abdomen 😊)

[amrob123]

It's great you've found something to deal with your breakthrough RLS. And very sensible to keep meds as low as possible. Thanks for sharing.

[SueJohnson]

On that subject let me share an exercise that controlled my RLS before I took any medicine.

I did the exercises for the leg involved as described under calf stretch and front thigh stretch at healthline.com/health/restl... In addition, I walked for about 3 to 4 minutes rolling the foot of the leg affected back and forth as I walked. It worked every time although I might wake up later at night and have to do them again. Actually on the calf stretch I didn't hold it for 20 seconds, but instead did the exercise for 20 - 30 times. I also pushed my heel back before I leaned forward. I, also moved my leg to each side when it is stretched. On the thigh stretch, I only held it for a few seconds, but then repeated it 6 - 10 times.

[Rayme]

It's good to hear of ways of coping, while keeping medication as low as possible. I'm on 5 to 7.5mg methadone. I never took DAs and the pregabalin and gabapentin didn't work. We are all reluctant to take medication but so relieved when it works. Thanks for your tips on dealing with breakthrough RL!

[Tiredkicker]

I haven't much experience with Gabapentin other than it made me dizzy when I arose at night. However, based on what I've read, it is addictive and I ceased using it for that reason. I'm sorry I haven't more information.

[SueJohnson in reply to Tiredkicker]

It is not addictive.

[Tiredkicker in reply to SueJohnson]

drugs.com › medical-answers › gabapentin-addictive-3573085

Is gabapentin addictive? - Drugs.com

Mar 14, 2023Gabapentin has been shown to lead to dependence, addiction and withdrawal in some people, although when it was first approved in 1993 this risk was thought to be minimal. Gabapentin has been increasingly associated with drug abuse, particularly in people who mix it with opioids,

americanaddictioncenters.org › addiction-medications › gabapentin

Gabapentin: Uses, Side Effects & Abuse - American Addiction Centers

Feb 7, 2024Yes, Gabapentin can be addictive. Many people use gabapentin for legitimate medical conditions, but some people become addicted to the drug and may misuse it. Frequent use of gabapentin can lead to physical dependence on the drug. This occurs when the body becomes

[SueJohnson in reply to Tiredkicker]

Yes you can become dependent on gabapentin (you can become dependent on almost any drug) but addiction is completely different. They are often confused.

"Addiction is an inability to stop doing or using something, especially something harmful." (Cambridge Dictionary) People using gabapentin usually illegally in very high doses are what is referred to. Addicts have a hard time coming off a drug. People using gabapentin for RLS if they find it doesn't help or has side effects they can't live on can slowly come off it without any withdrawal effects. They don't have any inability to come off it.

"Population at risk for addiction of gabapentinoids consists of patients with other current or past substance use disorders (SUD), mostly opioid and multi-drug users, who preferred pregabalin" pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/289...

"Altogether, we support the view that gabapentinoids are quite rarely addictive in the general population." pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/299...

So yes, technically gabapentin may be addictive but not for those who have RLS so it is nothing to worry about and shouldn't be used to discourage one from trying it, so although I certainly respect your decision to come off it, I would really appreciate it if you would not scare other people from trying it for this reason. Thank you.