Restless leg syndrome and insomnia - Restless Leg Syndrome Message Board

joanbobbitt · 02-28-2001, 04:19 PM

I have had RLS and insomnia since childhood but only diagnosed by neruologist for last 6 months. Have taken ( in order) Ambien, Klonapin, Sinemet, Requip, and Mirapex. Requip and Mirapex have helped involuntary movement of legs tremendously but insomnia continues. Now on Miapex 0125 and last night was horrible. It's back!!! I have discontinued antihistmines, changed from calcium channel blockers for HBP which has helped alot. I am tempted just to increase Mirapex but dont if this should taken as one dose on what. i take early (5-6) and go to bed about 9-10) Help!!!!

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joanbobbitt · 03-01-2001, 12:45 PM

Thanks for the info. Have you found it necessary to increase the Valium? I guess I have a fear of addiction to benezodiazepines and got off the Ambien and onto Klonopin because it had gotten so the Ambien didn't work at the recommended dosage (also my insurance will only pay for 14 Ambien every 28 days) Since I have had insomnia most of my life, I know how difficult it can be if you become dependent on pills to sleep. However, I thought when the RLS was controlled, I'd sleep like a baby and this just didn't happen. As a matter of fact, I understand that Mirapex can cause insomnia. I still work (at 66) and feel I must sleep in order to be able to continue working, which I do for alot of reasons. Thanks for any ideas, Joan

joanbobbitt · 03-01-2001, 04:59 PM

Thanks so much, I'm learning alot. However, I do find that different sites (have you heard of Dr Frank Elaty?) can contradict each other. I was especially interested in the opinion that Ambien may not be as addicting as others (benzos). My primary physician orignally prescribed this. stating as you mentioned, "you are just going to have to take something the rest of your life, or suffer the hell you have been suffering without it." Thanks Again, Joan

PJ Gorden · 03-21-2001, 04:03 PM

I have rls and have been on all of the anti-depressents, anti-anxiety, and am currently getting off Restoril, which is an additive sleeping pill. I have had insomnia all my life. I am also a CPA and a grad student, I need my sleep. The ONLY thing that has ever worked for me, and I am 46 is the following:

NO caffeine, heavy sugar, heavy carbs, or chocolate within 4-6 hours of going to sleep.
Work out in the morning or afternoon. If I workout after 6 pm, my legs hurt all night.

I do stretch before going to bed. Stretch out the legs with various stretching exercises. Do not get the heart rate up, easy stretches. The one that helps the most is to stand in front of a blank wall, hands at shoulder level, and do pushups with calves tight until the muscles release. I usually can do about 30 at a time, then I put a arthristis gel on my calves I get from my chiropractor to finish relaxing the legs. 5 out of 7 nights it works for me. At least it is drug free. Try drinking some herbal sleepytime tea as well.

Pj

dreamer · 03-28-2001, 07:54 PM

Hi there
I've had insomna for about 15 years now pretty bad at times
and I also have RLS (thanks mom)lol
I take baths for mine and it helps alot
also tightening and losing your muscles
as you lay there works (sometimes)

chow