Alternative RLS Treatment?

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My Mom has "Restless Legs Syndrome" (A disorder that renders the victim unable to lie down or sit for any length of time due to a discomfort in the extremities (Not just the legs) similar to cramping, twitching, or "pins and needles"). It is a brain chemistry disorder that she is taking Permax for right now. It is the only drug that seems to work for her, but unfortunately makes her sleepy. My question is: Does anyone know of any alternative, non-prescription treatments for RLS that have been even modestly helpful for them? Yes, I will be posting this on the prep forum as well. I should also mention the she has had a miocardial infarction and had triple-bypass surgery some years ago and takes Atenalol(sp?) and one or two other heart drugs. Thank you for any and all SERIOUS responses.

JJ

-- Jeremiah Jetson (laterthan@uthink.y2k), December 01, 1999

Answers

Quinine sulfate, the drug which used to be used for malaria and is in quinine water, is a possibility. Check with your pharmacist for availability and interactions with the other drugs your mother is taking.

-- Evelyn (equus@barn.now), December 01, 1999.

This is a calcium magnesium deficiency--especially magnesium. Is she taking these? If so, try increasing the magnesium. Best.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 01, 1999.

Be VERYcareful adding ANYTHING (particularly quinine)to the cardiac pharmacopea she is on.

chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), December 01, 1999.


Jeremiah, if you go to this forum's sister forum, TimeBomb 2000 Preparation Forum and begin your post with "Question for Dr. Bill Schencker re: RLS" I will bet this good man, who has answered myriad questions for us on this forum, will jump in with his professional advice. He also believes in natural remedies!

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), December 01, 1999.

There are some herbs that immediately come to mind that may help:

Passion Flower - Is a depressant to the motor side of the spinal cord and relieves smooth muscle spasms

Kava Kava - Is a muscle/nerve relaxant and helps diminish spinal seizures

Skullcap - Helps with spasticity and movement disorders

You can get more detailed info at:

http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindx.html

HTH

LunaC

-- LunaC (LunaC@moon.com), December 01, 1999.



Jumpy leg muscles and leg cramps (when sitting or trying to sleep) will sometimes immediately disappear with a Vitamin C supplement. This is especially true with smokers. Extra C is needed to matabolize the nicotine.

-- StanTheMan (heidrich@presys.com), December 02, 1999.

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