I had RLS many years ago and they gave me Neurontin. After couple of years RLS seemed to go away. I was put on Morphine after that and RLS disappeared. Starting July 2008 I had to get off opiates (life threatening Respiratory disease) and that is when RLS, PN, TN and some other neurological disorders started.

My Neurologist gave me two or three different meds to try and only Mirapex worked. Before Mirapex I could not sleep unless I was "drugged". Now ... .5mg of Mirapex a day and I can sleep through the night. Is it bad for me? Who knows. I have been on as many as 25 prescriptions for Respiratory issues, Urological problems, Acid Reflux, VCD, CCHS, Chronic Pain, Carpal Tunnel (spine damage), what else?? Sorry, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) ... oh yeah, RLS ... COPD ... high blood pressure ...

So my meds help me, but as you are wisely pointing out, side effects start adding up. I am down to only 17 prescriptions and I want to be off of them, but as my Pulmonologist told me, the side effects of not being able to breathe outweigh all other side effects. I am not so sure anymore.

Good article and very thought provoking -- Thanks again