DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 66-year-old woman. Three years ago my RLS started bothering me to the extent that I had to take medication. I am on one Requip tablet before I go to bed. Over a period of several months, I’ve noticed that my long-term memory is failing. Is it possible that this is a side effect of Requip? If so, can you suggest another treatment for RLS that is effective, but less harmful and can be obtained without prescription?

Maybe one of your readers has a suggestion regarding this dilemma.

DEAR READER:
Requip is a dopamine agonist. It is used for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome.

Requip is associated with a long list of side effects, including confusion, depression, trouble concentrating, and memory loss. If you are experiencing memory loss because of the medication, I urge you to stop taking it and make an appointment with your physician. Discuss your symptoms and concerns that the Requip was the cause. He or she may wish to send you to a neurologist for further testing to rule out another cause, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus or dementia caused by a vitamin deficiency. If your memory loss is truly a result of the Requip, you should see results within a few days or weeks after stopping it.

To the best of my knowledge there are no other approved medications for RLS. However, some of my readers have had great success using quinine. Quinine is a common ingredient in tonic water. Eight ounces before bed should provide results. If it does not, you may wish to try my soap-under-the-sheets therapy. This only works for some RLS sufferers. (It works better for nocturnal leg cramps.)

If your RLS symptoms are truly bothersome and interrupt your sleep several times a night, I suggest you see your primary care physician. He or she may know of some other treatment options of which I am unaware.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.