Can valsartan be making rls worse?

[0rangetulip]

Hi. My bp has gone through the roof of late systolic up in the 190s so my Dr has changed me to Valsartan. After my heart arrest last year when my meds included beta blockers which drove my rls sky high I now have a possible dvt but after trying various meds I am now only on bp tablets. It was hoped the valsartan would help lower my bp whilst protecting my left ventricular impairment without the need of an implanted diffibilator/pacemaker. I cannot take either gabapentin or pregablin and unfortunately try as I might my Health Trust have a very stringent policy of ‘no buprenorphine’ even when recommended by private Neurologist. The past 2 nights I’ve had 4 hrs sleep in total with rls now in my arms also. Any suggestions greatly received!!

[Joolsg]

This is what infuriates me.Do your GPs not realise that lack of sleep and constant RLS CAUSES high blood pressure???

If you are treated correctly, as per your neurologist's recommendation, your RLS will be controlled and your blood pressure will start to reduce! And then you probably wouldn't need to take meds to control the High Blood Pressure.

Can you write to them again? Can you ask how the policy can be reversed? Perhaps the neurologist can write to the head of the local Health Trust to explain that your comorbidities will be reduced if your RLS is treated correctly with Buprenorphine?

Could you travel to a nearby trust where Buprenorphine is allowed and register with a GP surgery that will treat you correctly?

Shumbah was on High Blood pressure meds and was able to stop them when she was switched to Buprenorphine.

I am so angry and frustrated on your behalf.

[0rangetulip in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Jules. I ve been fighting them for 2/3yrs now for bupronorphine to no avail. But your idea of getting the Nuerologist to write to the Health Trust is something I will follow up on. Even the hospitals here nor the Pain clinics will prescribe and going to another Trust area is a no no really. You may recall I also have Cauda Equina and my mobility to travel is severely limited. Do you have an access link to know which Trusts do not red list bupronorphine by any chance Joolsg! Just in case I can manage to travel.?

[Joolsg in reply to 0rangetulip]

I know that Merton, here in S. London will prescribe it. It's probably a good idea if we start gathering a register to show the areas where it is red listed and also where it isn't.The Cauda Equina is the cause of the RLS. Spinal injury is a main cause.

I'll think how we can arrange something on here.

[0rangetulip in reply to Joolsg]

What a good idea you’ve had Joolsg re a list of buprenorphine red listing Health Trusts in the UK. I’m sure lots of folk would benefit from that info. I’m under Somerset who are soooo adverse to prescribing it couldn’t even get it for my Cauda Equina - too dangerous they say!!! Given the GPs had messed up big time and misdiagnosed me until I went private for an MRI and it showed I’d had it for at least 2yrs despite the red flags over that time. You are correct re spinal injury and rls even though I had had it for some 14yrs it really escalated just prior to getting my diagnosis. Thanks to all you great folk for being there when we feel help is needed.

[SueJohnson]

I am not aware of valsartan making RLS worse but people can react differently to the same medicine.

[violetta254]

I am not sure why beta blockers sent your RLS "through the roof. Have you tried propranolol?

[0rangetulip in reply to violetta254]

Beta blockers are renowned for aggravating rls together with sleep disturbance going by many websites and the inpacket info but thank you for taking the trouble to reply.

[Sleeplesniights]

I found CBD oil helped me with restless leg

[0rangetulip in reply to Sleeplesniights]

I did try CBD oil some couple of years ago but didn’t find any great difference to be honest but then again I seem to have difficulties with many kinds of medications unfortunately. I’ve also grown a couple of cannabis plants but even the dried leaves in tea or baking made very little difference. I’ll keep persueing avenues and am currently preparing a letter, as suggested by Joolsg to my Health Board re the fact bupronorphine is red listed here in Somerset. Of course even if I was lucky enough to get a prescription fulfilled there’s no saying it will agree with me. Just have to keep trying.

[Sleeplesniights in reply to 0rangetulip]

I find CBD balm help me

[0rangetulip in reply to Sleeplesniights]

Not used a cbd balm so might investigate that option meantime. Holland & Barrett or Boots would appear our only option. Thanks.

[Sleeplesniights in reply to 0rangetulip]

I bought mine online

[Danni54 in reply to 0rangetulip]

Hi. I am SO sorry for what you are going through. I live in Scotland and had a battle with my Pain Clinic and GP but after growling at the Pain Clinic for not diagnosing my lung cancer for 15 months, they eventually gave in. I tried the Buprenorphine patches for a couple of month's , thanks to Jools and Sue and they really helped but unfortunately I had a skin reaction to the adhesive so I'm now on the Sublingual tablets which do help. I have a vertebral wedge fracture and the pain from that gets out of control. Jools has , as usual, given you really good advice and I really hope that you get the Buprenorphine. I don't understand how the medical profession can withhold medication which will help someone's quality of life. It's, absolutely, criminal. Good luck and please let us know how you get on. Take care and all the very best.

Danni

[0rangetulip in reply to Danni54]

Hi Danni. Which part of Scotland are you? I lived in Aberdeenshire for 40yrs before moving to Somerset. Never had any problems with GPs being sensible re prescribing but that was 10yrs ago. All my family - daughter son and grandchildren still there- must admit I’ve never thought of investigating Grampian Health Trust re bupronorphine but certainly will get the family to do so for me. Thanks for that info.

[Danni54]

Hi. The medical profession in Britain now seems to have decided that Opioid's should only be prescribed as a last resort not realising that they help other conditions apart from cancer or other terminal conditions etc. I was on Diconal, an Opioid, for 20 years and they suddenly stopped it and my Dr.s left me going cold turkey ,which was awful,for 10 days! I live north of Aberdeen but it's still a battle to get Opioid medication. It might be worth contacting your previous medic's ? Or contacting Grampian Health Board for information on their policy. I think you need back up from a respected Consultant. Why is everything such a battle ? It's bad enough feeling awful and being in pain without having to fight for our right to live a pain free life ! On my soapbox again! Jools and Sue on this Forum have helped, supported and advised me more than any medic and this Forum is incredible. I wish you all the very best. Please let us know how you get on.