Restless legs - ideas on how to cope?

Symptoms and treatments
1

I was diagnosed with MS in late 2010, and one of my most noticeable symptoms is restless legs (and arms). I was prescribed Amantadine for a number of years which really helped, but came off it to start a family.

Recently my legs and arms are really restless in the evenings and when I wake to feed my youngest through the night and it’s so frustrating! I’m still breastfeeding, so am not currently able to take any medication (though am already looking at DMT options for as soon as I can), and was wondering whether anyone has any ideas as to things which can help ease RLS? Someone suggested a banana a day (which I have) and perhaps it’s helping, but sadly not enough.

I was taking Amantadine before children, but I’m told that it isn’t prescribed for RLS any longer as it doesn’t help everyone (though it definitely helped me, I’m sure) - is anything else prescribed these days for when I’m ready to start medication again?

Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions, and for reading this far!

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I suffered a lot during my pregnancies (not ms related & undiagnosed) Quinine found in tonic waters was recommended to me by my midwife :blush:

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Magnesium did the trick for me and no more restless legs. It’s a beneficial mineral and worth trying before going down the drug route.

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Thank you - I’ll try it!

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I have been prescribed Sativex (a cannibidiol spray), it really works and has stopped my legs from persistent jerking in the evening. I can now get to sleep!

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Hi, I have dreadful RLS, what sort of magnesium do you use please. Dave

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I take a combination of Citrate/Malate from Healthspan, which is supposed to be more absorbable, although any chemist will be able to advise.

Opti-Magnesium® (healthspan.co.uk)

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Many thanks, I’ll give it a try. Dave

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I recently. Bought a therapulse device for restless legs which drives me mad at night you Velcro it to your leg it is chargeable about 2 hours for it to work for about 15 mins I have used it when my foot leg was jerking and it seemed to stop it and I could sleep but haven’t had it long it has good reviews find it by googling. Good luck

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Consider speaking to your GP about Baclofen.

I find a plant based, dairy free diet helps, but that’s just me.

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Join RLS-UK help forum at HealthUnlocked. Avoid dopamine agonists( Ropinirole, Pramipexole and Neupro) as they worsen RLS severity. As the RLS is probably caused by spinal lesions- iron infusions probably won’t help. First line treatment now is pregabalin or gabapentin taken at night only. Have a look at RLS-UK website.

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Hi Caroline,

I haven’t been disgnosed as of yet, but have been suffering with pins and needles and restless legs for a while now, a friend of mine suggested a weighted blanket. It was delivered 2 days ago and I can’t explain how much it has helped. Could just be a coincidence but its worth a try. I got an 8kg one off amazon.

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