RLS and Parkinson disease - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Bigheart · 06-26-2003, 12:00 PM

hello: I am a long time sufferer of Restless leg syndrome, i have had it all my life,this is one of the most miserable conditions i have ever had, not meaning to be rude, but have read that thare may be a connection between RLS and Parkinson disease. i am takeing a drug tha is used to treat Parkinsons.what i would like to know is in what ways thay are simular i have no pain just the uncontroable need to move my legs and arms, it is like something moving around in my arms and legs it is a veary unconfortbal feeling. sometimes i feel as if i will go crazy if it does not stop does parkinson victums have the same feeling or is it a different feeling.thank you

simtusie · 06-26-2003, 01:33 PM

take ccare

[This message has been edited by simtusie (edited 06-26-2003).]

simtusie · 06-26-2003, 01:34 PM

Hi there big heart. I have never been dx'd with rls or anything, and I don't know of a connection, BUT... I have certainly felt those sensations in my legs. I agree, it does drive you crazy- it is horrible, and when you are sitting in a plane- there's not much you can ddo about it.
I know I am not much help here, but at least you know you are not alone! Take care- Simtusie

Bruce · 06-26-2003, 04:54 PM

Sorry to hear you are having a bad time. To quote Dr. Leiberman, director of the NPF, the answer to your question is yes and no. RLS, like pd, is caused by a defficiency i dopamine. RLS is found in pd patients and patients without pd.

People with RLS have been known to respond to the pd drug Sinemet. If you are not taking Sinemet, ask your doctor if he will prescribe it. If you are taking Sinemet, perhaps you need an adjustment in the dose.

With the symptoms you describe and after 25 years, you are not likely to have pd. You are probably not getting much sleep, and if your doctor can't treat you, don't give up. See a movement disorder specialist.

Bruce

Able Lena · 08-03-2003, 04:27 PM

Sinemet should be used for RLS with caution. In some people, it makes the RLS worse, because of a problem called augumentaion. There are other drugs in the dopamine-agonist class which don't seems to cause augumentaion. Your doctor can help you decide which is best for you.

Also, make sure that you know if you are taking any meds in the dopamine-antagonist class (including most antidepressants). They make RLS worse.

Finally, have your blood ferratin levels checked. It should be >50mcg.

Lena