Pros and Cons of Mirapex/Requip?

I received such wonderful input when I asked about Ambien, I thought I'd try again with Mirapex and/or Requip!

I would like to hear what people think of MIrapex and/or Requip.

Have you ever used it? How did it work for you?

Have you been offered MIrapex/Requip, but refused to take it? Why?

If you have taken Mirapex/Requip, and no longer take it, how long did you take it? Why did you stop?

Has anyone taken Mirapex/Requip long term?

Any input would be appreciated, but PLEASE, be polite to all posters, even if they don't agree with your point of view. I don't want this to become an argument about whether a person should take sleep aid medication or not.

Tried low-dose Mirapex for 10 days and it caused bad insomnia every night. YMMV.

Have been taking 0.5 Mg Mirapex for several years now for RLS.
Was taking something else for the RLS before they switched me to the Mirapex.
Started off at 0.25 Mg but it was increased to 0.5 Mg when I was having some daytime RLS.
0.5 Mg is still considered a very low dose.

No side effects that I am aware of.

Went to Sleep Doctor a couple of months ago to get a new prescription (insurance requires a new prescription at least once yearly).

Asked if there was anything better & was told Mirpex is still what they give to all of their RLS patients.

My husband's sleep study reported moderate-severe PLMs and the sleep dr recommended meds. When we reviewed the data with our Primary Dr, he was of the opinion that much of the leg movements might be connected with his sleep disturbances. He suggested we wait until he adjusted to cpap therapy and see if the PLMs subsided. They did and with the addition of a new mattress he sleeps quietly now.

I think kteague said her computer is down right now, otherwise I'm sure she'd have a lot to say on this topic. I think she experienced severe augmentation as a side effect of this class of drugs. I don't want to speak for her, but I'm pretty dang sure she'd agree with me that if there's any chance you can replete your iron and avoid taking these drugs, that's the way to go. But I'll let her speak for herself when she returns! She knows a lot more about this topic than I do. (Miralax is my specialty. )

Apnea in itself can be the lone cause of periodic limb movements not to be confused with restless leg syndrome
My doctor tried to put me on Requip after the titration study showed PLM's.
I always have copies made of any test I have done before going to an appointment so I can ask questions.
I told him I did not think that I really needed the Requip and he kind of got a little defensive about me challenging that opinion.
I pointed out that the first study that identified me having Apnea showed ZERO PLM's.
I also pointed out that having a mask thrown on me for the first time ever resulted in a sensation throughout the night of being smothered.
I asked him if he were feeling like he was being smothered would he kick a little?
I won the argument. I didn't have to take Requip.