Tramadol Crackdown in Australia

[Peter000]

I had my Tramadol stolen in a burglary. Unfortunately, they keep a record of how much Tramadol you have taken, and it seems I am over the limit by a few months which sounds like a lot but not if that is taken over a 5-year period. My doctor says another doctor at his practice has been investigated over Tramadol prescriptions and he won't be treating me in the future. Has anyone else been getting hassled over this. I find that Kratom works for me but is illegal in Australia so I may be forced to live in Indonesia or somewhere similar. Right now, I am on Diazapam which seems to take off the edge.

[SueJohnson]

That is terrible! What about cannabis?

Have you tried gabapentin or pregabalin? These are now the first line treatment for RLS. Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

Another one to try is dipyridamole. You might want to discuss this with your doctor. It has helped some people on this forum and another forum I was on and has completely eliminated RLS in some. In the winter 2022 edition of Night Walkers, the publication of RLS.org there is an article by Sergi Ferre about dipyridamole discussing the effectiveness of it in a 2 week double blind placebo controlled study showing it completely ameliorated all symptoms. The study was by Dr. Garcia Borreguero movementdisorders.onlinelib... sciencedirect.com/science/a...

Take it on an empty stomach. (fats inhibit absorption) about 1-1/2 to 2 hours before bed. If you have headaches they tend to disappear or lessen after around 5 days. Coffee can counteract its effects by blocking the same receptors that dipyridamole aims to enhance.so the advice is to avoid it 12 to 24 hours before taking the dipyridamole. It is possible you could take it in the morning or it is possible you can't take it at all.

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, 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.

You can also try DesertOasis's suggestion. Take 56 mg of ferrous bisglycinate on an empty stomach before bed. For a few people this stops their RLS completely for one night.

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.

[Joolsg]

Very worrying. Surely the doctor should take account of the police report?Can you find another GP surgery or see a private neurologist or sleep doctor?