Medication

[Keith1231]

Hello,

I asked my GP if he could prescribe 0.2mg of Buprenorphine to help me with RLS , they refused as its not recognised as treatment for RLS but offered to refer me to a Neurologist. I agreed, knowing full well it would take between 6 months to a year for an appointment. I will ask the neurologist about taking Dipyridamole, something else my GP refused.

[TheDoDahMan]

Obviously there needs to be a letter-writing campaign in the UK to recognize buprenorphine as treatment for refractory RLS. (In the US, there is actually an ICD-10 code for low-dose methadone as treatment for it - I'm not sure about buprenorphine.)

[Joolsg]

Good luck Keith.I'm always shocked at UK GPs refusal to read & research.

Pregabalin and gabapentin aren't licensed for RLS either in the UK, but most GPs prescribe it off licence.

And of course they're still prescribing dopamine agonists and failing to warn of the extremely high rates of Augmentation and ICD.

If you can afford £300 for a private consultation, you could see Dr Chris Murphy in Salford, Dr Robin Fackrell in Bath or Professor Matthew Walker in London.

They will all recommend your GP prescribe Buprenorphine.

[Keith1231 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you, I will wait for the referral. I will go armed with up to date treatment information and medication that works for some but not necessarily licenced for RLS. I wont take medication that is proven to cause augmentation. You never know I maybe surprised with the neurologist's knowledge.