Lyrica and Restless Leg Syndrome

Hi Everyone: I've suffered with restless leg syndrome for over twenty years now but it use to only occur every once and awhile. For the past two or three weeks it has been an every night occurrence and has even moved to my right arm/hand. My doctor just prescribed Lyrica and I'm a little nervous to be on it as I read online that one side effect in weight gain - YIKES! Does anyone else have any experience with being on Lyrica. I'm four days away from surgery and don't want to be dealing with restless leg syndrome along with recovering from surgery.

Lyrica is not something I would take, unless there was no alternative as it has lots of side effects.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative, I have found taking 1000mg of magnesium a day has "cured" leg cramps and restless leg syndrome for me. Maybe it's worth a try before going on heavy duty pharmaceuticals?

I tried the magnesium route and it worked for a couple of months but now doesn't help. The restless legs and has also moved into my arms and as a result I'm getting anywhere from 1 1/2 to 4 hours of sleep every night. I really hate to take the Lyrica. I was on Effexor (for hot flashes) for years and weaning off of them was really hard and uncomfortable.

Coming off Effexor was horrible for me too. Nobody can describe brain zaps!

Have you had your magnesium and potassium checked? It's important to know why you are getting the symptoms, rather than just treating them. If it's affecting all your limbs, there has to be a reason.

Good question . . . I'll have to double check with my doctor. I had really extensive blood work done in the summer but can't remember exactly what they tested for and of course I don't have a copy of the results.

And yes, I try to explain the brain zaps to people and I think they are thinking "that doesn't sound that bad" Wait until you have to live with then 24 hours a day. I'm pretty proud of myself that I'm off of Effexor and so I'm going to to congratulate you too because it wasn't an easy road that's for sure!

When did you try the magnesium route, pre or post bariatric surgery? Perhaps you need more, taken in multiple doses during the day, due to absorption issues after RNY. And do you drink much soda, coffee, tea, or alcohol? I've read they can impair magnesium absorption.

I am still pre surgery (four more days!) and I did try taking the magnesium in the morning and at night for a few weeks (maybe 6) and it just wasn't helping. I'm completely off soda, coffee, tea and alcohol as per my doctors instruction because of surgery. Thanks for all the suggestions though . . . I really hate to take the Lyrica but feel like I'm at a point of desperation. I would only get 1 1/2 hours of sleep sometime and then have to go into work. It wasn't good.

I agree. Magnesium is excellent for restless legs as well as for a better sleep. Word of warning though, if you take too much you will have the runs. Just reduce the dosage til you find the dose that works for you.

I have used Sinemet for years for restless leg syndrome,with very good results. It is a drug used for Parkinson's disease and works very well. There is a generic that is very cheap,carbodoba/levodopa.

I would ask for that instead of Lyrica.

Thank-you very much. The Lyrica didn't work very well (only took it once though). I'll talk to my Doctor.