Relacs Health

04/25/2026

We continued to see many of those struggling with restless legs syndrome (RLS) taken off stable low-dose opioids by their clinicians and turn to kratom, which is easily available and often unregulated in many states. Andy Berkowski, MD of Relacs Health wrote a post warning again the use of kratom for this condition.

With the indifference from the insurance-based medical system to restless legs syndrome (RLS), the lack of up-to-date knowledge of the recommended (and not recommended) treatments, and the multitude of side effects and potential risks from prescription medications, it is no wonder why many RLS patie

04/25/2026

This story in the Detroit News highlights the potential harmful effects of kratom, which is essentially an opioid-stimulant combination drug masquerading as an herbal/natural therapy. Many patients suffering with restless legs syndrome (RLS) may turn to kratom, often available without regulation at numerous corner stores and gas stations in some states, when their doctors refuse to prescribe low-dose opioids, which are one of the recommended treatments for severe RLS when first-line options have not be successful. It shows that the devil you know may be better than the devil you don't.

A mother of three from Michigan's Upper Peninsula recounts how fast she got addicted to kratom and why she thinks the substance should be banned.

03/28/2026

Just how "uncommon" are impulse control disorders from dopamine agonists in conditions like restless legs syndrome (RLS)? Andy Berkowski, MD of Relacs Health is quoted in the latest of a series of articles by the BBC's Noel Titheradge related to the devastating effects of these behaviors due to the adverse effects of these drugs on the dopaminergic system.

Warnings for dopamine agonist drugs are to be reviewed after BBC identified an error in patient leaflets.

03/07/2026

It's Daylight Saving Time (DST) tomorrow 😫. Though the tips in this video may be a little too late at this point, we were holding out hope that DST would be abolished by tomorrow. Alas, this video will be useful yet another year!

Unfortunately, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is still with us and Andy Berkowski, MD of ReLACS Health provides five recommendations to help with the Spring Forw...

02/19/2026

For those with restless legs syndrome (RLS) who are on or have been on dopamine agonists like pramipexole or ropinirole, this BBC podcast series will be something to which to listen, as it highlights the under the radar risks of impulse control disorders with these treatments that are no longer recommended as standard treatments for RLS.

Listen to the latest episodes of Shadow World on BBC Audio

02/13/2026

This educational module or "Brick" on restless legs syndrome (RLS) provides an excellent learning opportunity to those practicing medicine, and it can be understandable even to those without a medical background as well. This can be shared with clinicians who are not familiar with the condition as it provides concise, up to date information on RLS.

01/27/2026

Andy Berkowski, MD of Relacs Health appears in this latest Sleep Review article exploring the complexities of the dopamine system in restless legs syndrome (RLS)

If RLS augmentation is caused by an overactive D1 receptor, but a drug such as ecopipam blocks the D1 receptor, then patients could be restored to their baselines, theoretically.

12/23/2025

Andy Berkowski, MD of Relacs Health reviews the major stories from 2025 for the management of restless legs syndrome (RLS), and previews changes to the field for 2026.

2025 was a landmark year for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). of ReLACS Health reviews the top 5 stories from 2025 heading int...

11/04/2025

A little easier to wake up this morning than in March for Daylight Saving Time? Andy Berkowski, MD of ReLACS Health explains why.

of ReLACS Health describes why turning the clock back in the fall is easier than springing forward. Though sleep expert consensus is in favo...

11/02/2025

This is a well-written AARP article summarizing RLS and highlighting the important updated treatment approach laid out by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

​If you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night, you might have RLS. Learn how it develops, who’s at risk and how to ease your symptoms​

11/01/2025

Answer to some of the differences between buprenorphine and tramadol, which are unique opioids in the treatment of RLS.

10/11/2025

This is a well-written personal account of a therapist's experience with her own battle with restless legs syndrome (RLS). (requires Medium account to access)

PART ONE: AN INCURABLE DISEASE