Lyrica and Restless Leg Syndrome

I think, very often, the old established medications, are the BEST medications!

I have taken Klonipin for years for my restless leg syndrome. Works well for me. I take 1 mg every night before bed

I DID take Lyrica, and I DID gain weight...like 50 lbs..in 90 days...seriously... (which of course I blamed on the Lyrica, not the cookies!!)...but, I'm pretty sure I was pre-op, at the time...

I have done the Effexor/brain zap thing...Crap!!

My "sage" advice: If you and your doc can agree, to hold off, until after your surgery, and let your body settle down/heal...and then see what happens...

Magnesium works GREAT, for me, now, and Pristiq has replaced the Effexor. No more brain zaps!

Thanks Gina for the wise (and humorous) advice! I did end up taking the Lyrica. The restless legs were affecting both my physical sleep patterns but also my mental health. I'm not going to lie - I'm only a little less than a week in and still have the restless legs but at least I get about five hours sleep a night now which is a miracle for me. I am pre-op and on the shakes (one more day - surgery is tomorrow!) so I don't know if the Lyrica is going to increase my feelings of hunger or not. Thanks again for taking time to reply to my message.

CHRIS - Sooooooooo excited, for your WLS!!! Forgot to mention that, in my earlier response...

Do you know the CAUSE of your RLS? Mine was supposedly routed in Diabetes/Neuropathy. Keep in mind, this was nearly 20 years ago, probably, as I am over 16 years post op, and the Lyrica was a few years before that. I DO know my RLS symptoms PRACTICALLY resolved, after losing probably half, of the 180 pounds I finally lost. I didn't come off insulin for probably 6 months, post op, but the RLS got notably better in WEEKS...I hope something like that can happen, for YOU!

Please update, after surgery, first chance you get !

Godspeed

I was very lucky to not have experienced this but my husband suffered greatly. Sounds like you are getting some great advice. Good luck to you and I hope you get some relief soon

Thank-you very much! My surgery date is tomorrow and I'm worried that I'll have restless legs (and it is in my arms too) at the hospital. The Lyrica doesn't seem to be helping much yet.

Congratulations on your surgery and be sure and let them know going in... since you are there for your surgery maybe they can offer you some alternatives that are weight loss surgery friendly. Please be sure and let us know how you are doing Good Luck!

I too suffer with serve RLS. I don't have my surgery date yet but I take Pramiplexole dihydro .25mg 3 @ night 2 during day. It worst great. Good luck 9n your journey