Stopping Ropinerole

[TPA13]

My restless legs have dramatically improved after taking Ropinerole for years ( which I do not think helped). However after stopping it cold turkey, I developed constipation . After searching it found out that stopping ropinerole cold turkey can cause irritable bowel syndrome constipation , Anyone else experience this,?

[grandma_of_7]

Hi, bummer. I have IBS-C. A lot of sufferers get relief by using Linzess. It gave me diarrhea so bad I couldn’t leave the house! Do you know about movantik? It’s designed just for opioid induced constipation. I take that as needed although I’m beginning to prefer miralax - I adjust both as needed, Citrucel 3 times per day in 8 ounces water +an extra 8 ounces.

[SueJohnson]

Stopping ropinirole whether cold turkey or not is not associated with irritable bowel syndrome nor with constipation. Where did you find this?

That is a hard way to come off ropinirole, but glad you are off it.

What are you now taking to help your RLS?

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so, what was it? This is the first thing your doctor should have done. Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not when you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including in a multivitamin 48 hours before the test, avoid a heavy meat meal the night before and fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not, post them here and we can give you some advice.

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, , 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.