Which countries other than the US pre... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,294 members16,339 posts

Which countries other than the US prescribe opioids for refractory RLS?

MrCrow profile image
5 Replies

Title says it. I am from India and treatments for RLS are limited to DAs and gabapentinoids.

Written by
MrCrow profile image
MrCrow
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
RiceyRiceRice profile image
RiceyRiceRice

I live in Germany and opioids are definitely prescribed for RLS here. Both by GPs and neurologists.

Overall there is no hysteria here towards opioids or other medications like gabapentin or pregabalin.

MrCrow profile image
MrCrow in reply toRiceyRiceRice

That's great news! I hope I get work there soon. In India unfortunately, they are very tightly regulated.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

It very much depends on the individual doctors.Those that are up to date on research will know about opioids for RLS at low dose and will be familiar with the Mayo Clinic Algorithm, the new AASM guidance and Dr Winkelman's opioid study.

There will also be an issue of Big Pharma involvement. Dopamine agonists create billions in profit. Dopamine agonists pharmaceutical companies are very much aware that these drugs cause severe augmentation and ICD. But they don't want to lose the billions in profits.

Many neurologists are STILL insisting on prescribing them to RLS patients, despite the overwhelming evidence against them.

Either they are too busy to read the research and evidence, or too wedded to old beliefs.

And perhaps there is financial incentive in some countries to keep prescribing dopamine agonists?

Most opioids are cheap and generic versions are available. They don't make as much money for big pharma.

So- a combination of ignorance, negligence and possibly corruption/financial incentives in some countries.

And that will include the UK and the USA.

MrCrow profile image
MrCrow in reply toJoolsg

I heard some rather distressing news from another member here that a top doctor in India who knows about augmentation and is in touch with Diego Garcia refuse to prescribe opioids for the condition to their mother who is currently on 1mg pramipex. Getting opioids prescribed is apparently very difficult in India. I am trying to immigrate to a place where this isn't an issue.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toMrCrow

It's depressing and infuriating.1mg Pramipexole- the poor woman will be climbing the walls.

I would video the severe augmentation and sleepless nights and send to the doctors.

I totally understand the opioid crisis and the fear of addiction and abuse.

But the studies are disproving this for RLS.

One day........

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Opioids for treatment of refractory RLS

The US RLS foundation have posted guidelines for the use of opioids in refractory RLS. If you’re...
Joolsg profile image

why docs don’t want to prescribe opioids for RLS….😔

With all the recent total panic by docs on not prescribing opioids, I thought I would just attach...
Kakally profile image

Opioids for RLS- some useful information

Having put this in a recent Reply I thought that I'd add a Post to highlight the information from...
ChrisColumbus profile image

RLS Any tips other than medication?

Hi im Rachy, age 37 , I have two beutiful children and a wonderful hubby , I suffer with an...

Efficacy of methadone for refractory RLS

Fellow RLS sufferers, For a short bio, if you don't mind, you can skip to the second paragraph:...
GuillaumeL profile image

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.