Q: I hope you can give me some advice on how to tell my doctor that the current meds he has me on are making me gain weight and not helping my RLS. I am taking Mirapex 0.05 mg. It used to help, but I not sure if it is because I started Adkins two weeks ago with no luck. I am bloated in my feet and hands. I quit taking my Synthroid Zocor and ultram/gapapentin. I hate being so fat. I’ve tried that internal flush, and it seemed to work, but by the next day I was as big around as I am tall. I'm 4'10” and weigh 144. I have high cholesterol. My legs used to only hurt at night. Now they hurt all the time. I drink a lot of water. I am going to make an appointment with my doctor, but I do not want to upset him and tell him I feel the meds he has me on have made me gain weight. Before taking the Synthroid and Zocor, I weighed 138, still too much for my height. I am 44 years old. Can you give me some advice and tell me what other meds I can suggest to my doctor. Also is there anything close to Mirapex that is not so costly.
Mary
A: Mirapex is a drug that stimulates dopamine production in the brain. It is also associated with increased addictive behaviors, such as gambling and alcohol abuse. As I have shown in published research, the Atkins diet increases inflammation, which may explain the increase the restless leg syndrome pain. I would recommend following a strict Zone Diet and adding 5-7.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day.