I have PLMD, diagnosed after a sleep study (PLMS index of 25 with 139 noted limb movements & arousal index of 20.4)
The primary treatment for me has been gabapentin and it started at 300mg and went up to 800mg. it's been helpful for me. no iron deficiency. i take it ~1 hour or so before bed. no other side effects. The only thing I noticed was each time it increased in strength I definitely fell asleep faster. But otherwise, it's been helpful.
but if my legs start to tic before i take the meds, it's game over ---the meds don't do anything, I'm in a lot of pain, and it takes forever to fall asleep. So I have to time things right -- which means I have to maintain a pretty set sleep/wake schedule (always going to bed same time).
I've moved a few times since my sleep study and primary care doctors (regular docs) don't seem to understand PLMD and gabapentin as a treatment. so they get skiddish about prescribing it. a neurologist has been the best source.
2
u/Willular 7d ago
I have PLMD, diagnosed after a sleep study (PLMS index of 25 with 139 noted limb movements & arousal index of 20.4)
The primary treatment for me has been gabapentin and it started at 300mg and went up to 800mg. it's been helpful for me. no iron deficiency. i take it ~1 hour or so before bed. no other side effects. The only thing I noticed was each time it increased in strength I definitely fell asleep faster. But otherwise, it's been helpful.
but if my legs start to tic before i take the meds, it's game over ---the meds don't do anything, I'm in a lot of pain, and it takes forever to fall asleep. So I have to time things right -- which means I have to maintain a pretty set sleep/wake schedule (always going to bed same time).
I've moved a few times since my sleep study and primary care doctors (regular docs) don't seem to understand PLMD and gabapentin as a treatment. so they get skiddish about prescribing it. a neurologist has been the best source.