As with everyone else I find I feel like I’m wading through thick mud trying to get somewhere. Yesterday I saw my GP, this was my umpteenth effort to try for proper pain relief.
I have had RLS for about 60 years and in that time it’s changed, it now comes with its own pain on maybe four nights out of seven.
It waits until I’ve been asleep for about an hour then hits full force and forces me to walk around the bedroom for between one and five hours.
I’m on rotigotine patches, Tramadol and pregabalin but yesterday the GP suggested amitriptyline on top of this lot.
I always check drugs I’m prescribed so I went online when I got home only to see that there were some reports suggesting amitriptyline is a no no for RLS.
Is anyone having success with it?
Written by
MumofBella
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I was prescribed amitriptyline after shoulder surgery and spent every night walking around the house while desperate for sleep. I didn’t know then that I had RLS and that it had been triggered by the amitriptyline.
I'm sure you are aware that Neupro is a DA like ropinirole and pramipexole and up to 70% of people will eventually suffer augmentation according to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS and one expert believes everyone will. Pregabalin won't help you much while you are on the patch.
When that occurs post back here and we can give you some advice.
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 up-to-date on it at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...
Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, foods high in glutamate, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), collagen supplements, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.
Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennell, low oxalate diet, a low-inflammatory 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, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak (epsom salts), 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, playing and listening to music, creative hobbies, meditation and yoga.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any I may be able to provide a safe alternative.
Tramadol makes rls worse, permanently, beware! One of the few drugs that does. It was my salvation in the beginning and then my damnation, in part making me attempt suicide. But pregabalin helps as does tramadol so that is better than nothing if I'm being honest so it's more than many get unfortunately so count your blessings, (no offence intended!) I got changed from oxy back into tramadol 🙄 I asked my doctor to change it and he agreed, giving me the top dose of dihydrocodeine 120mg twice a day. Ask to swap from tramadol due to augmentation, if you make no progress the best advice is ask to change your doctor, they usually do without issue and he might be a lot more agreeable knowing a lot more about rls/neurology. Failing that simply tell a few what lies 😂 I don't want to encourage someone to lie but if it easestheir suffering.. I think the good outweighs the bad.. tell your doctor you're considering suicide because you feel you aren't getting adequate help when others get stronger opioids, trust be, use your imagination it's easy to manipulate doctors who aren't helpful.
I take Amitriptyline 25mg before bed, and works well for me. It seems different medications work for different people. The trick is finding which one works for you.
Today my mum was prescribed that drug for leg spasms by an NHS doctor who (too) rapidly diagnosed RLS. Mum only wanted more investigation eg scans, not a drug.After reading the PLS including usual antidepressant side effects and heart risk (!), I added risk to kidneys after researching. My mum has CKD stage 3! Even the NHS website (below) cautions against it with kidney problems!
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Amitriptyline
My GP prescribed Amitriptyline, not sure why...
Mum,dementia, shingles, Amitriptyline and hi! 
Advice please
