@lk8 Hi lk8, Yes, Nidra--well the Noctrix Co that made Nidra--was sold to ResMed last month (June 2026) for 340 million dollars! ResMed makes C-PAP equipment, I understand. I hope the high standards of service I've experienced continues under the new ownership.

I hope this isn't a duplicate question I've asked you before, lk8, but do you see a RLS specialist? Since you live in Florida, I wonder if you have your RLS treated by a Mayo doctor--a RLS specialist?

My doctor does telemedicine (via the internet) also in Florida (he only does telemedicine, has no physical office--and, he is not affiliated with Mayo). He is a fabulous RLS expert. He literally co-wrote the latest RLS Guideline. He only does private pay, however--does not deal with insurance--whether or not that would be an option for you. He does not overcharge, IMO, and is more available when managing care of someone experiencing RLS difficulties than a "traditional" insurance-based doctor would be. I mention him to you because you live in Florida. He is only licensed in Florida, Michigan and Ohio. And, I mention because you are not doing well. He also specializes in "not doing well."

I totally credit my successful RLS management to the fact I sought out a RLS specialist, instead of acquiescing when my primary doc tried to push Requip (aka ropinirole) on me.

You have read about augmentation, haven't you? The RLS Foundation website has very good descriptions, if you haven't.

Although the combination of medication and Nidra has been so successful for me, the medication I take was well established in my treatment plan before I got my Nidra and this medication was the right one for me. In comparison, it doesn't sound to me like your medication is doing a lot for you right now.

I'm speaking from my own experience--and I know many on this forum respond differently to different medications--so what helped me might not help others--but I wonder if your need a medication "adjustment" before your Nidra--so the Nidra can work the best for you...

I don't know if --because our symptoms are so similar--if you took buprenorphine like I do (as Suboxone) if that would do more for you. I never took Requip, so I don't know how someone weans off that and transitions to a better drug, but from what I read on this forum, it can be a process (but one that is certainly do-able) That's why I wonder if you have expert RLS care.

Because--> on the combination of Nidra and my medication I had so many symptom-free nights, I tried to decrease the amount of medication I take and my symptoms returned. Not as bad or frequent, but certainly not as wonderful as "no symptoms." So, I went back to the higher dose. This is why I think you might do better with your medication changed (or tweaked or something) before the Nidra. For me, Nidra couldn't do the job without adequate/appropriate medication.

I do know I have great sympathy for you because my own symptoms have been so horrible--so yours must be as well. I know you are not having an easy time of it.

My doctor told me that someone (maybe at Duke?) was studying people with painful RLS as kind of a separate category and there was some thought that we have an endorphin shortage and that opiates or opioids are more effective treatment for RLS sufferers with a painful presentation. Buprenorphine is an opioid used mainly for drug addictions, like methadone but with less side effects. When used for RLS, the dose is much smaller than for a recovering addict.

The Requip you are taking has something to do with dopamine, not endorphins. This is all conjecture, at this point, but taking buprenorphine has helped several on our forum along with me.

I look forward to when RLS is better understood and universally treated with the success I've experienced. I hope sharing my experience gives some help to you, lk8. Please stay in touch.