I'm currently on Requip, but I would like to know if anyone has tried Mirapex, Baclofen, Horizant, or anything else for Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement? If so, what did you like or dislike about the drug? Also, this applies to what has worked or not worked for you pertaining to, muscle spasms, muscle twitching, and parkinsons disease, etc...
What drugs have you found effective in treating RLS and PLM?
Question posted by HPoole on 10 Aug 2011
Last updated on 14 June 2024 by SandraLHoutz
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
49 Answers Page 2
SandraLHoutz
20 Aug 2012
I had to stop the Requip as it started making my throat close up ... this was after 3 nights of .5 mg and then titrating up to the full 1 mg -- first day (day 4) after the full 1 mg I was nauseated all day and just rode that out, took 1 mg at bed (day 5) and my throat swelled ... so now I'm allergic to it and the sleep doc figured any of the others in the same family as well ... so now I'm left with being told to see psych and take either Restoril or Serax to knock me out :(
Inactive
19 June 2012
Tramadol at a low dose, mirapex .0125 (half a tablet) and I'm just finding out oxycodone kills it too.
55barbara
19 June 2012
Have tried requip, mirapex, gabapentin--either they didn't work for me or after a few months side effects were to difficult too deal with. Had a tooth pulled and dentist gave me vicodin. When I took the vicodin, I didn't have restless legs. Had to beg my dr for a prescription, but since I am 76 and have had rls for 25 years and it has gotten progressively worse, he gave me a prescription. I only take it at bedtime and it gives me 4 hrs of uninterrupted sleep. Only thing I have found so far.
Linn76
19 June 2012
mirapex .50 mg works well for me.
blazinhorse
24 April 2012
I have been taking Mirapex for 3 year's now & it has worked wonders for me.
I can sleep at night without all the pain.
I take 1/2 a tablet in the morning & 1 whole tablet at bedtime and I sleep like a baby.
The pill is only 0.5 mg & it works very well.
I hope this has helped answer your question about Mirapex. Goodluck!
Inactive
13 April 2012
Tramadol worked perfectly for me for years, started taking it for herniated discs and found it stopped my RLS, don't think it works for my PLM. Recently went off Tramadol & now I'm taking a low does .125mg of Mirapex & it works almost as good as the Tramadol... life savers for sure!
balbanese
2 April 2012
I have tried several things for this. As much as I don't really like it, Tramadol seems to help me a lot. 1 or 2 50mg at bedtime usually gets me through without that horrible crawling skin feeling. RLS has kept me up for days at a time, as you know it can be maddening. I know from what I read different things work for different folks, this is just what has worked for me. I hope it helps.
wd bakheet
27 March 2012
Treatment of restless legs syndrome involves identifying the cause of symptoms when possible. The treatment process is designed to reduce symptoms, including decreasing the number of nights with RLS symptoms, the severity of RLS symptoms and nighttime awakenings. Improving the quality of life is another goal in treatment. This means improving overall quality of life, decreasing daytime somnolence, and improving the quality of sleep. All of these goals are taken care of through nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies. Pharmacotherapy involves dopamine agonists or gabapentin enacarbil as first line drugs for daily restless legs syndrome; and opioids for treatment of resistant cases
An algorithm created by Mayo Clinic researchers and endorsed by the RLS Foundation, provides guidance to the treating physician and patient, including non pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.Treatment of primary RLS should not be considered until possible precipitating medical conditions are ruled out, especially venous disorders. RLS Drug therapy is not curative and has side effects such as nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension and daytime sleep attacks.
Secondary RLS may be cured if precipitating medical conditions (anemia, venous disorder) are managed effectively. Secondary conditions causing RLS include iron deficiency, varicose veins, and thyroid problems. Karl-Axel Ekbom in his 1945 doctoral thesis on RLS suspected venous disease in about 12.5% of cases. But due to the unavailability of Doppler ultrasound imaging technology (the diagnostic tool detecting abnormal blood flow in the veins, "Venous Reflux", the pathological basis for varicose veins) at that time, Ekbom may have underestimated the role of venous disease. In uncontrolled prospective series, improvement of RLS was achieved in a high percentage of patients presenting with a combination of RLS and venous disease and had sclerotherapy or other treatment for the correction of venous insufficiency.[45][46] In Nonpharmacologic treatments there are ways patients may be able to reduce the symptoms or decrease the severity of the symptoms. One thing that may worsen the symptoms is fatigue. Therefore using relaxation techniques, soaking in a warm bath or massaging the legs can all help aid in relaxation and relief of symptoms. Another technique is avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Also exercising every day and maintaining a schedule of relaxation and avoiding heavy meals before bed will all help with relief of symptoms. These techniques can be used with medication or just by themselves for those who do not want medication. For symptoms that occur in the evening patients may find that activities that alert the mind like crossword puzzles, and video games may reduce symptoms. Many patients may also benefit from RLS support groups
marjorie zych
26 Feb 2012
I have severe RLS and have tried pretty much every drug listed in these answers. I guess I am one of the very few who have had excellent luck with Mirapex. I take 0.5mg at supper time and 0.5 1/2 hour before bed and I have been doing great for months now. No side effects at all and finally no jumping legs. I have had such severe twtching/spasms and involuntary movements it was terrible and I have done sooooooooo well with the MIrapex it has been a life saver. Hope this helps you some, marjorie zych
chazz11
24 Feb 2012
I know this was posted in August,but I figured I would still reply. I have taken mirapex for restless leg syndrome and muscle spasms and this medication made me drowsy and almost got me to the point of going to sleep+then my RLS+spasms went crazy,worse than they were+would last throughout the day. Hopefully this will help you in your search for relief from these symptoms. I know how much this can effect a person in every day life,u just want a break. Good luck!
avidsport
17 Feb 2012
Hi, I can only speak for myself but in 15 years I have tried them all... flexeril, requip, clonozapam mirapex everything. The only relief I have gotten is from Lortab for my restless legs. I have severe RLS but thank God my neurologist has done the MRI, sleep studies etc. and finally believes I know what I am talking about and he has faith in me. IT WORKS. good luck
davetrindle
14 Feb 2012
I had it for years, tried everything and nothing worked until I saw a guy on YouTube demonstrate using a "TENS" machine (easy to find on amazon for $45, which stimulates the muscle with small electrical pulses, and gradually, after 15min-half hour, the legs are relaxed and not restless. It was a miracle for me.
beckytom
25 Feb 2012
I have a "Tens" unit and I love it and yes it does help me. I also take mirapax for my RLS due to the Parkinson's.
kaylady
11 Feb 2012
I have Parkinson's and have had significant improvement with Mirapex. The tremors are reduced and I regained much flexibility especially in my hands. I do not have RLS but two of my family members do and they have had success with MIrapex also. None of us have had significant side effects or hallucinations like someone mentioned.
marjorie zych
11 Feb 2012
I have and am continuing to use Mirapex with great success. I take 0.5mg 1 tablet at supper time and 1 tablet 1/2 hour before bed and I have had no problems with the RLS or side effects. Remember the way everyone responds is different but even my doctor swore by it and it has helped sooooooooo much you just can't imagine. Requip did not help me it just made me worse. Good luck marjorie
AMusselman79
1 Feb 2012
I take klonopin 1 mg at bedtime for RLS and it works awesome
Related topics
mirapex, requip, muscle spasm, parkinson's disease, chronic spasticity, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, baclofen, muscle twitching, horizant
Further information
- Mirapex uses and warnings
- Requip uses and warnings
- Baclofen uses and warnings
- Horizant uses and warnings
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