Parkinson and Restless legs

[Corrina30]

Restless legs

Hi  both times I've increased my sinemet the second night after I've had aweful night with headache and restless legs , no sleep. Took my morning dose of  meds and within 10 mins legs back to normal and slept . now on full dose (125) so hopefully won't happen again but has this happened to anyone else ? Is it usual reaction ? Does it mean anything?  K3  

I have Parkinson and Restless legs on 200/50 Madapor and 1800mg Gabapentin for Restless legs which does not help and tried most other things like Pramipexole and Ropinipole nothing seems to ,could itt be the Madopar causing it .appreciate if any others face the same problem . Many Thanks John.

[Steve2]

Good afternoon Corrina30 … I’m 70 & diagnosed with Atypical Parkinson’s in June 2023. I am on Sinemet, 2 pills 3 times a day. I have trouble sleeping nearly every night. Terrible nightmares & vivid dreams. My bedclothes are all over the place when I wake up & I often hurt myself while sleeping.

My Parkinson’s nurse says my symptoms are typical of Sinemet & has just put me on
Clonazepam for this, which I haven’t taken yet.

Any questions please ask.

Best wishes
Steve2

About clonazepam

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

It’s used to control seizures or fits due to epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, panic disorder and sometimes restless legs syndrome.

It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This can relieve anxiety, stop seizures and fits or relax tense muscles.

Clonazepam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow.

Key facts

• If you’re taking clonazepam for seizures or muscle spasms, your dose will be increased gradually and it might take up to a week to work fully. For panic disorder and restless legs syndrome, clonazepam should take around 1 hour to start working.
• The most common side effect of clonazepam is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime. Do not drive or ride a bike if this happens to you.
• It’s possible to get addicted to clonazepam, but it’s not likely to be addictive if you take it for a short time (2 to 4 weeks).
• If you take clonazepam for more than 2 to 4 weeks, your dose will need to be reduced gradually before you stop taking it.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking clonazepam. There’s a risk you can sleep very deeply and you may have trouble waking up.

More in Clonazepam

• About clonazepam
• Who can and cannot take it
• How and when to take it
• Side effects
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
• Taking it with other medicines and herbal supplements
• Common questions

[Douglas]

I have been taking clonazempam for about 10 years. It has been excellent at controlling REM sleep Behaviour Disorder - one of the non-motor symptoms of PD
Regards
Doug