Sleeping Tablets

[sangeet1]

Can anyone tell me what sleeping tablets are safe to be prescribed with restless legs, as i am trying to wean off ropinirole and only getting the odd hour per week of rubbishy sleep, codeine did not help and doctors wont prescribe any stronger opioid

[Joolsg]

Zolpidem is safe. But during withdrawal from DAs, sleeping tablets don't help that much. The RLS is too severe and breaks through the sleeping tablet. Then you are very drowsy. But you still have to move. So falls are common. Be very careful.Make sure someone stays up with you for the first 4 or 5 nights after the last Ropinirole dose.

Can you get an urgent appointment with a specialist?

GPs really do not understand how severe Ropinirole withdrawal is.

I suggest you take videos on your phone to show the GP.

Co codamol would help a little. Buy solpadeine Max from the pharmacy.

And show your GP the RLS-UK website. The withdrawal schedule is listed under 'useful resources'. Also show them the 'iron therapy' page as they must ensure your serum ferritin is above 'normal' levels.

I also suggest you send a written complaint to the surgery and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Explain that you are in your 70s, are suffering severe drug-induced worsening of RLS after decades on Ropinirole. The withdrawals are worse than heroin or cocaine Withdrawal and you are receiving zero help or support.

Experts are clear that most people will need a low dose opioid to settle the very severe RLS during the withdrawal process.

Your GP should give you tramadol (50mg) or oxycodone (10mg) to take for the first 5 nights after each dose reduction.

They got you hooked on dangerous Ropinirole and now they should help uou get through withdrawal.

If they refuse to help- demand an urgent referral to specialist near you. Dr Bagary at Barberry in Birmingham, Dr Robin Fackrell in Bath. And perhaps wait until you see them to get off Ropinirole?

Both will prescribe a long half life opioid ( Buprenorphine or methadone) which you can use to get through withdrawal.

Definitely send a complaint letter.

[sangeet1 in reply to Joolsg]

Unfortunately i do not have a mobile phone to show doctors anything, nor a printer, i have no savings to go to private to see specialist, i have asked for Buprenorphine, and doctors have Emailed specialist for advice on this, but seems a long time for an answer, dont know who the specialist is, thank you for your help

[SueJohnson in reply to sangeet1]

Can you borrow a friends mobile phone

[Joolsg in reply to sangeet1]

Still send a complaint letter. Keep a written diary of your nights. Log violent leg jerks and spasms. Log any sleep you get. Log how you are feeling. Log any falls/stumbles.Present the hourly diary to your GP so they can see how you are suffering.

[TEAH35 in reply to sangeet1]

Ask to use his PC

[Njbva]

I am so sorry you are going through this. My heart breaks for you. I am going through a slight version of yours, which seems horrible enough. My pray is a loving God will intervene and heal you or at least get you the help you need. You are not alone dear one.

[sangeet1 in reply to Njbva]

thank you for your kind words

[Jumpey]

Hang on in there. You'll get through it.Jools' advice is solid. Huge good luck.x

[Marymill]

So sorry you are going through all this, it is awful, I have just come through this myself. I found the GP's very unhelpful and still are, I was refused point blank with sleeping pills and had months of arguing with the GP to increase my Gabapentin, but feel I'm now getting there after a letter of complaint went into my GP practice. Awful we have to fight all the way to get the medication and care we all deserve. Good luck

[Bloodhound669]

What is the United States equivalent for solpadeine Max. Will this help me sleep?

[Joolsg in reply to Bloodhound669]

Co codamol. A combination of low dose codeine ( around 12mg) and Paracetamol. You can buy it without prescription in the UK.

[SueJohnson in reply to Bloodhound669]

It requires a prescription in the US.

[SleeplessinNC]

I’m sorry you are suffering. I’ve been through augmentation and subsequent withdrawal with little medical advice but at least my neurologist listens and lets me try reasonable research and medications. It was hell getting off the D.A. I’m sending best wishes - hang in there - it does improve.

[Bloodhound669]

Obviously, but I need to know about the USA.

[ddsd11]

I've been taking Belsomra 5MG and it works fine