Restless legs and pins and needles feeling

[kawaii33]

If anyone can tell me how to make this heaviness in my legs, the feeling of pins and needles and the all over restlessness GO AWAY i swear I will name my first born child after you.

[FinallyFred]

You asked, "how to make this heaviness in my legs, the feeling of pins and needles and the all over restlessness GO AWAY?"   It seems fairly common with opiate withdrawal.  Not sure how many days u are out, but it should get better by day 4-5.  Wildflower's suggestion of drinking tonic water (with quinine ) seemed to help as did Hylands Restfull Legs (OTC in health food isle)  Gotta take a lot of either to help.  You might also talk to a doctor about prescribing gabapentin.  

Here's my theory.  RLS seems enevitable during acute withdrawal.  But it is also possible that if we have been taking an opiate for a long time, that RLS is being masked during our drug use and it is revealed as a symptom of something else (diabetes, etc.)., discovered once we stop our drug.  If RLS continues after the first few weeks of withdrawal, I'd see a doctor.  Fred

[doogie86]

lastnight was the 2nd night after i stopped taking hydrocodone pills i had the same problem. i was so exhausted, but i could not go to sleep because it felt like something was crawling all over my body and my arms and legs felt so heavy. i pretty much had to rock myself to sleep because the only way i could get those feelings to go away is if i was moving. hopefully tonight will be much better

[ginsa]

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. I wonder if it's the quinine in the tonic water that helps. I'll have to try that.

[Wishflower]

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for most of my life. One of the side effects of this (at least for me) is severe RLS. I tried a few Rx & OTC meds in the past that gave me little or no help.

I know that it may seem too good to be true, but what finally gave me some relief was drinking tonic water. Someone recommended it to me about a year ago and it was a blessing. I wish I had more info, but apparently, something in it targets the muscles and nerves that are causing that horrible frustration in your limbs.

I don't drink it all day, or everyday, just a small glass whenever I want my legs to give me a break. I have never experienced withdrawal; however, what you are describing sounds just like what happens to my legs, so I hope this helps you, too. Best of luck.

[ginsa]

Your over-all restlessness might be similar to the anxiety many of us have in withdrawl. I was given Vistaril in Detox for anxiety. It's an antihistamine that has a sedative effect. I don't know for sure, but maybe an OTC antihistamine like Benadryl would  help with that.

[troubleinohio]

maybe try some potassium...either in pill form or foods rich in it like bananas and fresh potatoes. I just commented on another thread about how common the heavy leg thing is during WD. i hated it so much! Drink lots of water and let time run its course, it wont last forever. May seem like it right now, but trust me it does get better!! hang in there!

[ginsa]

I have been clean for 32 days now and the heavy feeing in my leg is much better. I still feel a little wierd sometimes, but not like I'm dragging my leg around anymore. I only had the heavyness in my left leg. Actually my whole left side. I still get pins and needles a little in both feet, but that's getting better too. While I was still detoxing I took  Neurontin ( Gabapentin ) and that seemed to help. After I ran out of the Neurontin I took some Lyrica I had at home. I only took it at night hoping it would help with the RLS. I'm not sure about this, but I suspect that RLS, overall restlessness, and the heavyness/tingling are related. You need a RX to get the Neurontin, Hope this helps.

[liscamdave]

You only have to go one day to be clean...as long as you don't use that day, you are considered clean. Yes, some of the drugs may be in your system still, so that usually takes about 5 days depending on your usage..maybe less. But when we stop using, we start counting clean time from the very next day after your last dose.

[lagoryk]

i thought the heavyness was just the problem i have with my legs when i ran out for a couple days.  If u go cold turkey, just how many days do u have to go to be considered "clean"? i wonder.