I'm a computer programmer so I have to sit at a desk most of the day. Requip works well to mask my RLS symptoms, but lately I've been catching myself nodding off at work. I'll literally start to momentarily doze off and will wake up as my head starts to dive for the keyboard. I just started a new job about a month ago, and I'm worried that I might be giving the impression that I'm bored with the work.
I've noticed that the drowsiness is the most dramatic about an hour after taking a dose of Requip – right about the time it starts to take affect and calm my legs. It's a catch 22 – I'm miserable and squirmy if I don't take Requip, but half asleep if I do!
This week I'm experimenting with half-dosages of Requip. I cut each 1 mg pill down the middle using a sharp knife, and then take one half every 2 hours instead of one whole pill every 4 hours. I've noticed that the drowsiness is much less pronounced this way, because I'm not loading up my system with as much dopamine at a time.
It means that I have to keep much closer tabs on my Requip intake though, because if I miss one of the half doses then I'm really miserable with not as much Requip in my system. But I'm hoping it helps me stay more alert during the day. I've set up recurring Outlook meeting invitations at 2 hour intervals to help remind me to take my meds on time.
As of day 2 things are going very well, and I'll let you know how it goes in a week or so.
Increasing my dosage of REQUIP
I'm so glad I ran across this website. I have a double whammy. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. I've suffered with the miserable symptoms of RLS for about 2 years now. The last few months, my RLS has progressed to start bothering me earlier in the day. Usually right around noon the burning, crawling, twitching and occasional jumping starts in. I've been reluctant to increase my Requip dosage or the frequency I take it (currently 1mg at bedtime) because I already take a plethera of meds for my MS. I am at wits end with the symptoms so tomorrow I will start taking my Requip 3 times daily and see how that works for me. When I first started taking it I would nod off within 30 minutes. Now it has no effect on me at all so I guess I have built up somewhat of a tolerance to it. I'll see what going to 1mg 3 times daily does. I'm also going to start taking a good multi-vitamen tomorrow as well. I'm not able to exercise alot due to the MS. The heat wipes me out quick.
Does anyone have any other suggestions I might try since I'm not able to exercise?