Tramadol for Restless Legs Syndrome User Reviews

• Leezer
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2018

"PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! It's the tramadol and the withdrawal effect that is causing the RLS. I got on this site to find out what I can take for the RLS, as I wean myself off of the tramadol. Number 1 withdrawal affect = RLS! And here everyone is talking about getting on it. Don't do it! It is a severe addictive drug that will lead to many problems when you get off. The anger, depression, lack of sleep, fatigue, achiness, and most of all RLS is enough to drive me crazy. "

• Lilyb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2020

"I have NEVER taken Tramadol and have had RLS for many years. I asked my doctor to prescribe me some (which was tough for some reason, it is the lowest level of narcotic drug but junkies ruin it for people who NEED pain control) After taking 100mg a night 1 hour before bed has SAVED me! I have NO RLS anymore! I love it! I take 2 in the morning for my back pain and 2 at night for back pain and RLS for over a year now and I feel so much better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2020

"Only thing that has given any relief to my RLS. I just wish it wasn't such a hassle to get it. Whenever I get a new doctor I have to explain to them that it in fact does provide relief for my RLS. Ive been on all the other meds. None have worked. Tramadol saved my life."

• Ceci
• August 16, 2019

"I remember my grandma getting up in the middle of night and wrap my legs with warm damp diapers with alcohol, because of my crying my legs hurt. To this day 80 years old, that was the beginning of my RLS. While going to school my mom gave me aspirins, that helped. I finished school, college got married had 5 children and continue my journey with RLS. 65 yr I had thrombosis in one leg. Had Heart Bypass, finally diagnosed RLS. I am a certificated teacher. I was given a referral to see neurologist, diagnose RLS. He prescribed Tramadol one a day for sleep. 15yr ago. It was for me a miracle. He said he prescribed Tramadol for his dad when he was 68 yrs old and had arthritis in his neck, his dad died 92 years old. I retired at 74 yr old. Now this new doc, does not want prescribe Tramadol It had saved my life, and has given me the pleasure of restful nights. It does not make me high it makes me feel normal! I have an old dog with arthritis and the vet says he can have Tramadol but, no Aspirin,"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2012

"I have been taking Tramadol for RLS for three years. It worked absolutely wonderfully, and any time I ran out or stopped for some reason, I had no withdrawal symptoms at all. Also, I never felt like I was dependent on it, nor addicted to it. It helps that this is a non-narcotic medication. At the beginning of this year, my doctor added gabapentin 300mg/night. With this combination, I must say, I have never had a more restful night's sleep in my entire life. I wake up refreshed, not groggy at all, and ready to hop right out of bed and take on the day and the world."

• Jenn...
• May 19, 2015

"I've experienced Restless Legs on and off since I was a child. I remember my legs aching very badly and feeling like I constantly had to shake and move them around. This used to only happen when I was extremely tired. But over the years it has gotten worse. My doctor started me off on a low dose of Tramadol (50mg 2x a day). 50mg didn't really help so now I take 100mg anywhere from 2-4 times a day and it completely gets rid of my restless legs. I can sleep for more than 2 hours and I can actually get comfortable, fall asleep and stay asleep. I would rather use this medication the rest of my life (I am 35) than ever have to deal with restless legs again."

• RLS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 9, 2017

"I have had severe RLS for 20+ years and it is absolutely a miserable way to live. Not only is it miserable for the person suffering, it is miserable for any spouse / significant other that you may sleep next to. 11 years ago I was trying to fall asleep, moving and stretching my legs constantly (to no avail, of course) and my husband threw himself in my face screaming "STOP MOVING YOUR LEGS!!!" That was when I knew I needed to find something that would help -- after trying several different things - all unsuccessful - I tried tramadol. It has saved my marriage, it has saved my sanity, and because of those 2 things it has most likely saved my life. For me, tramadol WORKS for RLS."

• CAG
• September 27, 2014

"I've been suffering with restless leg syndrome for years and the older I get the worse the symptoms are. My doctor prescribed tramadol when I hurt my back and discovered that my legs stopped hurting completely for the first time in years! I have tried endless medications and the only thing I got were terrible side effects and no leg relief. I have absolutely no side effects with tramadol and I can sleep pain free all night!"

• Fish...
• October 11, 2013

"I have been on Tramadol for eight years now and could not function without it. I have uncontrollable movement sometimes all day long if I don't medicate starting when I wake up each day. Presently I have to take the threshold amount of 400mg each day and now I need to take more to control the symptoms but I don't care because it works. I was taking gabapentin as well but it makes me dizzy, gives headaches, and can't stay awake. Prefer tramadol. Worried what I will do when it won't work any longer because of the volume I need to take for effects. My restless legs syndrome is so severe I couldn't live or want to live without a prescription to control it. Such a feeling of nerve pain it is intolerable. "

• Angel
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 28, 2020

"I had RLS since my 20s I am 50 now. My legs started hurting and moving and my doctor didn't understand so I just suffered and thought I was crazy. Until in my 30s my dad gave me a tramadol for a bladder infection and it WORKED ON BOTH!!!! I have taken this medicine for 20 years. It's a pain in the butt , but if it wasn't for this medication I would not have been a productive person. I have interstitial cystitis of the bladder and for some reason tramadol helps with both..... unfortunately I've had to cut back cause of my doctor now I'm having some pain and twitching at night. But my old doctor have me amitriptyline at night and that helped the tramadol last longer. Good luck to anyone with RLS it had been a pain in my life....."

• Gr8cape
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 19, 2018

"I have suffered from RLS since college. I had hip replacement when I was 48 and was given Tramadol for pain and realized that it also eliminated the RLS and I could finally sleep through an entire night. I have been on Tramadol for 9 years, but now my doctor will not prescribe it. He has given me other drugs which either upset my esophagus or cause horrible side effects. I had no side effects with the Tramadol. I take one 50mg pill each night so I obviously am not abusing the medication. Is there any way to get a waiver or something similar so that I can continue to receive the one medicine that works?"

• Hawes
• July 11, 2016

"Had restless legs for many years also had sciatica and was prescribed Tramadol and found that it worked wonders for RLS but doctor will not prescribe me Tramadol anymore as it's become a controlled drug now I have to take Ropinirole and the side effects are awful all they do is make me vomit all night. Suffering BIG time because I not allowed Tramadol anymore which worked perfectly without any side-effects. There needs to be ALOT of reviewing about RLS because it ruins lives. Tramadol should be prescribed for RLS no matter what."

• Nubs
• April 7, 2017

"I too suffer from this horrible condition, and it is extremely frustrating that Tramidol has fallen under as a control substance. I have been taking it for some years now and it's what works for me. Now its gotten more difficult to get the doc to refill with out being stereotyped as a junkie. I put in for my refill a day or two before running out and it's a battle to get it on time.There for I suffer many restless night with my RLS before it gets refilled. It's frustrating no doubt!!! And angering for sure!!!!! I too wouldn't trade one dose for all the others in the world!! It truly is God sent....."

• Jenn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2016

"I wanted to post a little more information on Tramadol for RLS because people here are having a lot of questions/concerns. 50mg of Tramadol once or twice a day is not going to greatly improve your RLS. For restless legs, this medication needs to be taken in doses of at least 100mg and for it to completely get rid of the restlessness, it needs to be taken 2-4 times a day. And while other opiates like Oxycodone or Hydrocodone start working right away, Tramadol can take up to 1-2 hours to feel the full effect. So your last dose should be taken a hour or 2 before bedtime. Tramadol does nothing for pain but for RLS, it is a God send. The max dose is 400mg in 24 hours with no more than 100-150mg taken at once."

• Mac
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2019

"Tramadol is the only medication that addresses the burning sensation in my knees and calves -- whether caused by RLS or fibromyalgia. When I started taking Tramadol I noticed a subtle but very helpful change in my mood. SSRI and other antidepressants were not effective. After 4 years and the same 50 mg 2/x or 3/x per day prescription, I have not become addicted but I am dependent because it works really well for me. I feel better psychologically and physically."

• Harold...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 3, 2016

"My life changed because of this medication 15 years ago but after 18 months of use my doctor at the time wouldn't give it to me anymore because he said it wasn't approved for rls and he wasn't gonna take chance of being sanctioned by medical board despite knowing how much I needed it.For next 15 years I obtained tramadol by other means but I now know it's approved for restless legs.The reason I tell this story is because I become victim to pain meds stereotype and I hope that know one ever has to go thru what I did for so long.I would not trade one dose of tramadol for all the pain pills in the world.For all who deal with this miserable miserable condition just know your not alone."

• Ricky
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 26, 2023

"It's frustrating and demoralizing to have the medical community not listen that Tramadol is a treatment for RLS. As a long-term sufferer of RLS at night only, I've tried all the medications that are labeled for RLS, endured numerous sleep studies and neurological testing. Some medications have even made it worse, Ropinirole for example. Additionally, I find it utterly bizarre that the medical community is willing and extremely eager to place me on medication such as an antidepressant which I've shown adverse mental reactions to instead of the medication that has proven results for over a decade. I understand the opioid epidemic argument, as well as concerns of long-term use of opioids. However, the medical community doesn't know exactly how antidepressants work for RLS, yet enthusiastically prescribes them as if they're harmless. RLS has diminished my faith in the medical community. Tramadol needs to be labeled as a treatment for RLS sufferers."

• GatorQ
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 26, 2016

"I have been taking Tramadol 50mg 2 three times daily for well over 5 years now for RLS. I did numerous sleep studys with a Neurologist who prescribed the combination of Tramadol and Topamax for RLS with Sciatica. It has been an absolute life saver. Like so many other sufferers, had he not come up with this I may have gone crazy it was that bad. I even suffered during the day while trying to sit at a desk it was impossible. Recently since it has become a controlled medication I get the same reactions from any docs not my regular ones. They treat you sub human like you are a pill junkie, even when you are taking exactly as prescribed. I have tried to stop taking before but the symptoms of RLS immediately return and I cannot handle the RLS."

• Snoopy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2020

"Tramadol has helped me 100% from my RLS. I take one 50 mg. every night around 5 p.m. and it's like a miracle, my RLS is completely abated. I cannot get any rest without this miracle drug. I thank God for this drug."

• Lynn
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 27, 2023

"I was prescribed Tramadol after my double bypass surgery 18 years ago. For the first time in my life, I was able to get a restful night's sleep. Previous to that, I suffered terribly with Restless Leg Syndrome. Months after my surgery, my heart specialist took me off Tramadol, claiming it was a medication he could no longer prescribe because it was on the opiate list (or some government list). My RLS returned, and I was once again unable to get a good night's sleep. Well, I am now back on Tramadol 50 mg/once in the evening, and am sleeping well again!"

• Sandy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2018

"I was diagnosed 5 years ago with RLS but suffered long before diagnosis. I just did not know what RLS was at the time. I had surgery on my wrist and was prescribed Percocet for my pain. I hated feeling out of touch with reality and it made me nauseous. I went back to the surgeon and asked if he could prescribe me something lighter. He then prescribed me tramadol 50mg. Not only did it relieve my post-op pain but it calmed my legs enough to fall a sleep quick. I was amazed at this discovery but my doctor refuses to prescribe it for RLS. So sad that junkies had to ruin it for the rest of us since now it’s a scheduled drug."

• LongT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2013

"I've been on everything to control my restless legs syndrome- most recently switched from 2mg of ropinirole (Requip) to 50mg tramadol. So far so good - the Requip had worked well for the restless legs syndrome, but left me feeling nauseous and just kind of icky all the time, and I never felt clear-headed the next day. So far, I've awakened feeling much more refreshed with the tramadol, but I don't believe the 50mg dose will be adequate, as I've woken up each night around 3 am with symptoms. For the past few nights I've dosed at 100mg and have slept great. Good stuff."

• Palam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

"I have had RLS as long as I can remember I am 54yrs old . Tried all the normal drugs ,creams ,gels etc . Recently had knee replacement surgery got slow release tramadol and no RLS, I stopped tramadol for a bit and RLS came back so am now on it, still for pain in knee but its greatly helping with RLS . It doesn't matter if its addictive it's better than living with the awful life of severe RLS in my opinion"

• DRB
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 5, 2012

"I have been suffering from restless legs syndrome for over 15yrs. I was originally given tramadol for back pain, which didn't help me at all, but in the process I found I fully relieved my RLS symptoms. I have been taking it for over 10yrs. I have stopped during pregnancy and when taking my migraine medicines, and substitute a low dose narcotic. In the beginning I do remember some 'high' like feelings when I started Tramadol but during my breaks from it I haven't experienced the withdrawals everyone is talking about. My RLS symptoms are quite severe and not medicated it will bring me to tears. The horrible achiness and cramping makes me want to scream! Have tried Quinine and Requip in the past with bad sided effects."

• KDano
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2019

"First, to reviewers who are telling others to not take Tramadol for RLS, each person's reaction to drugs is different, so please stop. I, too, have discovered that Tramadol stops my RLS symptoms. I have the genetically caused version and have struggled off and on my whole life. I did catch a break from my teens to late 20s, but it came back and grew worse. I also have osteoarthritis in my knees and it seems when that hurts and/or my legs get cold, the RLS kicks up, but it is not limited to these triggers. I was given Tramadol after knee surgery and I discovered it relieved my RLS. (I also discovered it helps ease/stop my chronic neuropathic cough.) On Requip & Mirapex, I keep suffering from augmentation over time and it spreads to my torso, arms and even my face and happens during the day at work. Tramadol makes it stop so that I can work once it kicks in. With the crackdown on opiates, I am terrified my dr won't renew my rx each time I go in for it. What do I do then?"