RLS raised it’s ugly head again

[bedith6]

Hello all.

It is many months now since l have posted here as my RLS while never completely banished was manageable. Since the summer l have had severe bladder issues which are still ongoing resulting in having to need a catheter.

Two months ago l was rushed to hospital with a twisted and stuck small intestine and needed emergency surgery. I can’t begin to tell you the problems l had while in hospital trying to get my usual dose of buprenorphine and l didn’t get any until two days before discharge so of course my RLS was off the charts which was hell with the operation soreness,

During the time l was in hospital l suffered an atrial fibrillation which now means a prescription of Apixaban 2.5mg twice daily and Bisoprolol 1.25 once daily. Despite taking 1.4mg Buprenorphine

daily my RLS is really severe again. I have now read on this forum that beta blockers can cause worsening of RLS symptoms so can that be the cause?

If my GP agrees would Pregabalin help along side the Buprenorphine?

Any help or advice gratefully received.

Lastly l would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

[Jumpey]

Beta blockers do cause problems for some. So you could cha ge your bp medication and see if it makes a difference. I take a calcium chanel blocker with no ill effects.But others find it triggers RlS.it may be worth getting your iron levels tested.I was really ill a couple of years ago and despite taking daily iron supplementation I became anaemic and needed an iron infusion.Post operative anti nausea meds could have initially caused your RLS to worsen.

[bedith6 in reply to Jumpey]

Thank you Jumpey for taking the time to reply with such good advice.

[Joolsg]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Hospitals are appalling for taking away vital medication and not administering meds when required.When you are feeling stronger- do send a complaint to PALS and the doctor in charge of your treatment. I know the PD charity is looking into this- for many patients it is essential that their regular meds are given on time.

You can add pregabalin to Buprenorphine. But increase slowly and monitor the effects as pregabalin and opioids together can cause respiratory depression ( although Buprenorphine has the lowest risk).

I do hope the symptoms settle.

As Jumpy advises- check your serum ferritin. Any operation can reduce your iron levels.

I do hope you start to recover.

[bedith6 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you Joolsg for your reply. I hope to have an an appt with my gp soon so l will discuss alternatives etc with her.

[SueJohnson]

Yes beta blockers in general can make RLS worse

Some medicines that are safe for high blood pressure are propranolol (Inderal, Hemangeol, InnoPran) a beta blocker that may help RLS, Isosorbide Mononitrate (Monoket, Imdur) which is not a beta blocker nor calcium channel blocker. Other possibilities are: Clonidine (Catapres) an Alpha-2-Agonist used to treat high blood pressure which may help RLS and which also treats insomnia, tenex (Guanfacine, Intuniv), prazosin (Minipress) an alpha-adrenergic blocker that is also useful in managing sleep-related problems caused by PTSD and Tadalafil a vasodilator that in one study completely eliminated RLS. Discuss these with your doctor including side effects. And then there is reducing salt by 1 teaspoon a day nih.gov/news-events/nih-res....

[bedith6 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue for your knowledgeable reply, l now have some alternatives to discuss with the gp.

[SueJohnson]

Apixaban is generally regarded as safe for RLS but a couple people on th forum found it made their RLS worse. Clonidine is not only safe but can help RLS.