Im 57 and had rls since i was 14, and been punching my legs ever since, as prefer pain to the RLS
ive been on pregablin for one month now and for me its been a revalation
i started on one 75 mg for two days, then two for two days , then three a day ever since.
My question is---do i take this forever or do i gradually reduce the dosage ?
Welcome to the forum.
According to the Mayo Algorithm on management of RLS "Effective pregabalin doses are usually in the range of 150 to 450 mg daily": you're currently on 225 mg presumably because 150 mg didn't totally control your symptoms? Are you feeling any adverse side effects?
Are you taking any other medications that could be triggering or exacerbating RLS? See this list:
no side effects my friend and thankyou fo the welcome and reply
You take it forever. RLS is chronic and incurable for most. If RLS is caused by low brain iron - an iron infusion may 'cure' the symptoms. So if you are someone who responds to iron - you might br able to reduce meds.But otherwise we need meds for life.
What were your blood test results? Serum ferritin needs to be above 200ųg ideally.
i have a blood test on the 22nd for the ferritin, just wanted to say i had given up hope with my RLS , I thought id be punching my legs foreverand not sleeping , i was a wreck ,angry, agitated all the time , i wasnt nice to be around, then my new partner started researching i found pregabelin and this forum , i dont feel alone anymore and its actually working im now looking forward to life and not dreading it. many thanks to you all on this forum
Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.
That's great that the pregabalin is controlling your symptoms and as Joolsg said you will need to take it forever.
On your blood test improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. This is the first thing a doctor should do. Ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, don't eat 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.
Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin although it doesn't for all, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise. It is a good idea to keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.
Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate 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, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, 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, listening to music, meditation and yoga.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute. I have a list of more than 300 medicines and OTC supplements that make RLS worse and have safe alternatives for most of them.
thanks sue, appreciate your time and input
thanks sue, appreciate your time and input
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