Tonic Water Eases Cramps, but Not without Risk

I have suffered from burning feet, leg cramps and joint discomfort for years. Last year I was prescribed quinine sulfate which for me was a wonder drug. Now this drug, which has been used for 60 years, has been removed by the FDA. Qunine water does not seem to help. any suggestions?

I have been taking quinine capsules for about a year. They worked wonders on my leg cramps. What can I use instead, now that you can't get them anymore. I hate tonic water. What about magnesium?

Many years ago my doctor prescribed quinine for my leg cramps. When I took it I developed a high fever and the Doctor tried everything to find the cause. Finally, I asked my Pharmacist to look in the PDR. Sure enough, there at the bottom of possible reactions was high fever.

Later I read that loss of potassium would cause leg cramps. I got a prescription (not OTC which didn't help) and only have leg cramps when I'm losing fluid and potassium as a result.

For a non chemical alternative find a vibrating pillow and sit on the side of the bed with your feet on the pillow for about five minutes. Don't know why this works but it sure beats walking in circles until the cramp eases.

I have had sever leg muscle cramps for years. Dr. originally told me to drink tonic water-- no help. Prescribed quinine tablets, approx. 200mg-- worked OK, not perfect. Went to 324mg(Qualaguin) when it became the only available pill. Worked perfectly. No leg cramps. Now, Qualaquin is gone and Dr. says try tonic water again. If 200mg was OK and 324 perfect, how is 13-15mg going to help me?

I am now 83 years old, a retired registered nurse. I have used a glass or two of tonic water, with some lime jcc in it, for MANY years. This was at the suggestion of an old time physician. I have NEVER had any bad side effects, and I no longer have leg cramps. THe small amount of quinine in tonic water is more than likely less harmful than the junk you find in soda drinks!!

I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. One of the early symptoms was leg and foot cramps, often screamers, which occurred early in the morning, usually. The tonic water was by my bed at all times, just in case, as it would provide quick relief. Mustard will help also, if nothing else is available.

I started treating the cramps with additional calcium, magnesium and zinc, and that helped, but it wasn't until I went on the Gluten free diet that I found reliable relief.

I discovered the Celiac by finally becoming anemic due to improper absorption of iron. I still take the calcium supplements, and iron, but your reader should be checked for the possiblity of celiac, as it reduces normal absorption of a lot of necessary minerals.

I am 62 years old and healthier than in years, and thanks for the columns, they are great.

Thanks to you all for your comments regarding leg cramps. For some reason I have suddenly been getting severe cramps on my inner thighs. Sitting in a tub of hot water was the only cure (I thought). I will try tonic water and hold off on the Qualaquin prescription for now. Oddly, I feel better knowing there are others with this kind of problem although I would not wish it on anyone.

For cramps of the calf muscle, step on an ice cube with your bare foot. This will cause the cramp to disappear almost immediately with no lingering feeling of a knot in the muscle. I first discovered this by walking onto a cold floor barefoot. The ice cube is an upgrade to the coldness of the floor.

Hello--my question is about tonic water. I started drinking it after a friend suggested it for my severe muscle spasms. I've been drinking it up until a week ago or so, when I started coming down with a Urinary Tract Infection. It occured to me, that maybe it might be hard on the kidneys for some people--cause my symptoms might be kidney related to. Has anyone heard of this? I'm running a high fever intermittantly. I go to the Dr. tomorrow. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

I see that one case of tonic water poisoning is cited in this web site. Is there a study and more than one occurrence of this happening anywhere else. Tonic water is on sale in almost every store so it seems that the cases of poisoning must be overstated. I noticed that many boys that play football get leg cramps and I was wondering if tonic water could help, especially in the short periods when they play. Please let me know because I found that tonic water does help in my leg cramps at night and I have had a glass every night for years now. Thanks

Tonic water has helped my leg cramps. Had the cramping during the night. Devil of a time getting out of bed. Since I have been on tonic water not a cramp in sight. Have no idea if this related, but since I started tonic water I am so uptight can't relax. Feel like a cat on a hot tin roof. No sleep, can't sit still. Anyone else with this problem?

I have a question: my mom has been suffering with a form of vertigo for almost two years now. She has been consuming between 8 and 10 glasses of tonic water a day. Originally she started drinking tonic water to help ease her leg cramps, which it has. However I am wondering if this much consumption could be causing other symptoms. Some Dr's also think she may have vesticular neuritis. Any suggestions anyone?

This note is for Bob Puckett: my husband had a horrible pain in his inner thigh and finally went to the doctor... nothing was found regarding the thigh, but they did find prostate cancer and completely removed it all in time. Please check with your doctor for a prostate checkup asap... just to be sure. My husband has never had another pain in his thigh.

In 1966 while in Army I drank 4-5 gin and tonics in town. The next morning I could barely get out of bunk or stand up. Extreme weakness . Finally made it to latrine where my urine looked like Coca Cola. Went on sick call where they discovered fever of 104. Urine specimen at clinic was dark brown. Dr. questioned whether I had ate or drank anything unusual. Told him my first experience with gin/tonic. He told me tonic was good for you. Gradually got better in a couple of days. Five years later while at a wedding reception the bartender hits the wrong button and gives me tonic and scotch. Drank one mouthful, realized what happened and threw it away. Later got weak, sick and had fever for a short while.

Hi, I've had leg cramps for years and my Dr. told me to start drinking tonic water. I've been drinking it for about a month and half now, it is working, but now my nose is starting to bleed every day. This is the only thing I can think of (tonic water) that is making me have nosebleeds. I'd like to know if any other people may be experiencing the same thing. Thank you, Wyoma

I tried tonic water for cramps. It worked, but as I didn't like the other ingredients in most waters, I found Q Tonic Water online. It is carried in some liquor stores. Very expensive by comparison, but I am more comfortable with the ingredients, and it works. I also drink a few ounces in the evening which has totally alleviated cramps.

I've had severe muscle spasms in my upper abdominal area. Once, it happened when I was at work, and my coworkers called an ambulance--I finally agreed to them calling 911 cause I was worried maybe it was my heart--but the ER determined it was not--just severe muscle spasms. The next day, one of my coworkers suggested tonic water--and it has really helped! So far, no adverse reactions.

I have been experiencing cramps in my arches for the last year (on and off). I usually use a messager to relieve the cramp. I think it is back referrred. I have managed my back for 20 years. This past week my cramp was in my left calf muscle. It seiezed quickly one day at school. I do not hydrate as much in the morning due to bathroom availability. I do hydrate plenty from 2- 10pm. Today my mother suggested tonic water. I just took it and then google side effects. It mentioned platelets concerns. I did have ITP in 1981 and my platelets went down to 17,000. The doctor determined it to be viral and it never returned since then. Does the above information send up any flags? I am 55 years old at this time. Thank you for your time, Greg.

I have suffered with cramps for too long. I mentioned this to my doctor on my last visit, and she told me to purchase seltzer water with quinine. I had never heard this, but I did as she said. The tonic water took care of the cramps almost immediately. It was over within 3 minutes or less. Now I don't go anywhere without my TONIC WATER w/quinine. Were I used to get cramps even when driving -- it just doesn't happen anymore because I keep a bottle in my car. It doesn't even happen to be cold. I have had no side affects what soever. I thank God for that Dr. telling me after I suffered all these years. IT WORKS!!!

I suffer from burning feet, leg cramps which soap does not help and tendonitis in the left ankle. What is there to help me?

I suffer from restless leg syndrome, also in my arms from the elbow down. I was up surfing the internet trying to find something that would explain what it was, when I found tonic water was used for the symptoms. I bout three bottles the next day. I didnt even have to get through the first bottle, when my symptoms quit, and have been gon for over a year now. i truley believe this is a wonderful natural cure. I hate taking meds for stuff you can try to treat yourself.

I have diabetes and fibromyalgia. I have been suffering from joint pain and muscles cramps for years.

I decided to try quinine tonic water on the recommendation of a friend. The taste was horrible and then I remebered something my athletic daughter relied on, gatorade. I now mix 2 oz. of tonic water with 2 oz. of my favorite flavor of gatorade and it lessens the nasty taste plus I get the added bonus of potassium and electrolytes. It works for me. Maybe it will work for others too!

I am having terrible leg
cramps that wake me up at night. drinking tonic water
did help some, not much any
more...is the quinine dangerous...my acidic levels
are low, and am dehydrated,
I drink a lot of water, and
immediately urinate the water.
I am diabetic, but no other
medical problems

I am in terrible pain with horrible inner thigh cramps coming every night now. I'm alone and scared.

I've told my Dr. several times how bad it is but he seems to act like it's a "ouchie" when in fact, I am nearly passing out with pain. It's not easy to "get" another Dr. here. Most do not take new patients. I am at a loss as to what I can do.

If there is anyone out there who could help me, even just to talk, please help me. I am so afraid I am going to die of something like a blood clot or heart attack and my 2 little dogs will be left alone. I can't take this pain as it's unlike anything I ever felt.
my email is sootee.sweep@shaw.ca

Like so many of the previous entrants, I have been experiencing severe inner/upper thigh cramps in the nighttime hours to the point I cannot move to a different position in search of relief. I will give the tonic water a try. Thanks for all your input and here's hoping everyone gets relief. It's a real bummer problem.

I have suffered with leg cramps for years. Just saw House on TV, and they mentioned the quinine in tonic water. I love gin and tonics, so I immediately opened the fridge and got out my tonic water and poured a glass. Then I found this website. Will keep drinking and see if things improve.

Is there any relation to stomach bloating in women due to too much use of tonic water, i.e. vodka and tonic?

I have had severe leg cramps after back surgery. My family doctor prescribed quinine sulfate. When you could no longer get it via prescription, I tried a pharmacy that mixed it. They then pulled it. I now get it from Canada Pharmacy, no problem, and it still works great. I have absolutely no leg cramps when I take it every night.

I used to suffer from muscle leg cramps, both in the morning and at night, while still in bed. The immediate relief would be for me to step on the floor my heel a little bit elevated, pressing the toes moderately on the floor until the pain is gone and the stiffness of the muscle, softened. I do a little massage on the muscle, followed by a warm bath, and I would be okay for the rest of the day. Now, just the little massage and the warm bath are my morning rituals, as I have not suffered from said cramps for over two years.

Best to ramp up walking and activity, stretching before AND AFTER to avoid leg cramps and improve overall circulation. Who knows what other drugs and syndromes may be avoided? And those who wondered why tonic water is still on the market didn't read that quinine is less than 3%. For those having issues, quit drinking mass quantities of tonic water and keep to one or two glasses a day (probably in the evening). Those who suffer the rare reaction should stop altogether, of course. Some commercial 'tonic drinks' also contain sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, etc, so don't overdo it, esp those with diabetes. And yes, too much tonic AND VODKA can cause swelling of the liver and other adverse reactions...

I had been bothered by Restless Leg Syndrome on and of for about two years. After reading articles to find help/causes, I started the suggestion of drinking a glass of tonic water every evening before bedtime. It has helped amazingly!!! What a relief!
But, I now wonder if there will be any side effects from drinking tonic water daily . Will definitely have to find more information about it. I hate the thought of having to stop drinking it because it has helped me greatly.
These articles were an eye opener.

I have started to have foot and leg cramps in the past 2 weeks. I've never had them before. I would always have the thigh cramps. What causes these types of cramps? They hurt so bad.

I have had leg cramps for years, sometimes so bad that I wake up crying and a day or so later even have bruises. seems like I hardly get them now if I drink 1 or 2 tonic waters a week.

For years I had had severe leg cramps. I had to give up swimming, because every time I stretched my right leg it became cramped. When it was cramped my calf muscle was flattened against the bone that put me out of bed crawling on the floor praying for it to go away. About two weeks ago while browsing the net for treatment, I found Hyland's Leg Cramps. I started taking 4 pills every day, 2 in the morning before going to work, and 2 before bedtime. 95% of my leg cramps are gone. Thank you Hyland's and I hope they will work for you.

I have had Severe Cramps in my Calfs, Thighs and Feet. When I get the Foot Cramps, My Big Toe stands straight up. I try this without the Cramps and I can't force my Big Toe to go straight up.
My Question is if I drink Tonic Water Before Bedtime Each Night, Will this cause other Problems?

Have been diagnosed with "spinal stenosis" and have been having a lot of problems with leg cramps and was wondering if they are related?

A few weeks ago I had terrible leg (calf and thigh) cramps in the middle of the night-called the dr about it, he ran some lab work which was fine and subsequently told me to try tonic water--I thought he had lost his mind! Glad to find the info about it here! :)

I was just looking up stuff on tonic water and came across this site. I had a co-worker tell me to try tonic water for my restless leg. and I have only been drinking it for 3 days and in those 3 days I have notice a different in my legs, but i am getting a rash on my arms. Will this clear up or do i need to stop drinking the tonic water?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: STOP DRINKING TONIC WATER! SOME PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO IT; OTHERS HAVE SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS.

My leg cramps take my breath and I have started drinking tonic water. WOW. I am not having any cramps now. I have only been drinking it two days .I would really like to know how much you should drink a day.

I was having problems with my knees cramping at night and a friend recommended tonic water with quinine. I've tried it two nights now and had trouble going to sleep. Is that a side effect?

I have used quinin 325 mg capsules off and on for years, I'm 75 and still kicking.

I am now 80 years old and for
50 I took a quinine pill every night and had no cramps; now I can't get them so I drink 8 oz.of tonic water with quinine each night and no cramps;vis that too much or too less? What would be too much? Thank you for an answer.

I have been having leg cramps & had a scrip from the Dr for Qunine pills, but with the new prescription plan they wouldn't pay for them anymore & my Dr (a Dr of internal meds), said for me to drink Tonic Water with quinine, & i haven't heard from him to stop. thank you jeri

I used to have severe leg cramps 2-3 times per night. Sometimes these were in my thighs but more often in calves or arches. I tried hydration, calcium and magnesium with no effect.

Finally I asked a pharmacist what OTC drugs were available. He told me that Dr.s used to prescribe quinine but they had taken them off the market as unsafe. I immediately purchased a supply of Tonic Water and began drinking 8-12 oz each evening at bedtime.

The leg cramps disappeared immediately. At one point I ran out of Tonic Water and was fine the first night but the cramps returned on the second night. I resumed the Tonic Water and have been cramp free for the last 2 months. When compared to the excruciating pain, lack of sleep and risk of a fall while trying to walk them out, I'll take my chances with a nightly beverage.

actually i have questions. since i stopped all alcohol consumption for the past 4 mos i have really enjoyed diet tonic water with fresh lime juice, club soda also, seltzer water. my concern is that i have about 3 half liters per week and wonder if there is any danger to this. all other eating habits are good and general health is good. unless i find out it is life threatening over time, well so is alcoholism! and if anyone can explain what the significance of phenyketonurics in beverages are, i would appreciate it.

My family drinks tonic water when we get the flu. I really helps me feel better. It is because of the quinine in the tonic water.

my husband is on cholesterol and sugar pills plus other pills, but they gave him muscle cramps until my sister told him about drinking diet tonic water with quinine and my husband no longer wakes from a dead sleep to walk off miserable leg cramps. after reading this site i will also give my neighbor this til for burning feet and the ice cube idea--what a simple solution to a miserable situation--ill let ya know how the ice and tonic water works for him! i am glad i found this site! thanks everyone for sharing

With regards to the topic I really have no experience with Quinine. However with the leg cramps many are dealing with I have found a method and recommended to several with no known bad side effects. I have yet to hear of anyone it was not effective with.
A brown paper sack with white Vinegar poured on it. Stand or place your bare feet on the soaked paper bag. The results are frequently within seconds and it has been a remedy that worked no matter when or why the cramps occurred. There is no source to quote on the technique and as far as I know it is just a home remedy passed down and by word of mouth. I hope you may benefit from this suggestion.

I started using tonic water/quinine, After having back surgery in 1996 I was told to use about 1/3 cup daily for leg and foot cramps. I have been using it ever since. I heard that this is what might have damaged my kidney. My right kidney has shrunk and only works about 5%. Do you have any information on this?

I just changed over to evista from actinol which is used for osteperosis. Evista did cause these terrible leg cramps and hot water seemed to help but someone mentioned leg cramp pills which is quinine. It helped a bit so rather than take the pills I took quinine water every day which really did help. I am in A Fib and went to see my Cardiologist and it was suggested I tell him about the quinine water and when I did he was stunned and I was to stop immediately as it was a choice, cramps or death. I never knew that quinine water was lethal but in my case being on coumadin it was not a wise choice on my part to use it without asking my Cardiologist first.
This is wonderful site and I appreciate hearing the different situations. I hope my experience can help others.

Is tonic water hard on the kidneys?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT CAN BE. KIDNEY DAMAGE IS ONE OF THE SEVERAL SIDE EFFECTS OF QUININE THAT LED FDA TO BAN IT FOR MUSCLE CRAMPS.

My dad, who is 65, has been having problems with his legs and unexplainable itch for the last couple of months. He feels like he's going crazy and he's taking me with him because I don't know what to do to help him. He has been to the doctor and prescribed Elavil for the RLS and has tried several meds for the itch but nothing is working. He was told by a friend to drink tonic water for the RLS. I'm afraid he will drink more than he should as he's the type of person who thinks if one dose will help two is better. Is it possible to drink too much? Should he just be drinking it before he goes to bed

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: 1 OR 2 GLASSES IN THE AFTERNOON OR EVENING SHOULD BE ALL HE'D NEED IF IT WORKS FOR HIM. TONIC WATER PROBABLY DOES NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE WITH RLS.

Hi All,
I am a person with heart disease, have had 2 h/a and have over 8 stents. I have tons of other medical not "made up health issues". About 4 yrs ago I started getting muscle spasms, generally in my legs but also in abdomen, back, arms etc. The worse ones are in the legs. The spasm would go from foot to top of inner thigh and nothing released the pain. I power walked my house, held a pack of frozen vegetables to the areas, drank water, sat on floor pulling back on toes (stretching), nothing worked.

Had to go to ER more than once. Dr. gave me quinine sulfate, worked wonders. They took that off the market. Now I take gualaquin 324 mg every night. It works great. Over the past 2 years or so, I started having an irregular heartbeat. My heart would skip beats & go into a lull, then beat rapidly for a while. It felt like a trip hammer sounds. I've had to have at least 7 procedures on my heart done. Now I wonder how much was due to taking this meds?

I called pharmacy today and he told me that I should never have been given quinine at all as people have died from the damage it does to the heart. Now I'll have to find something that will work in getting rid of the spasms. I'll check back often and will post only facts that I get from doc's. Good Luck!! btw I'm in my 40's, health issues hit early on. Take Care. Brenda

WOW-SO MUCH...I have dealt with leg cramps, heel pain, arch lifters and leg pains to the point of screaming. I have been placed on diets, mineral and vitamins. Tried tonic, quinine, now qualaquin. been given vitamins til i was told I was too healthy. One dr decided vibration therapy would help, another warm water.

Massage was considered and finally used in the form of air -bags on the legs which left me screaming. Potassium and then water pills and anti-inflamatories and on and on. For a person who hates taking anything I found qualaquin 324 a life saver. now its gone unless I want to go out of the country to get it. after a month I'm back to sleeping little, yelling allot as i hit the floor to eliminate a cramp that has no logical reason to be there in the first place.

So if all this plus didn't do the job how do we replace a drug that does work because we can no longer get it decided by people who are not in the pain we are...

I had terrible leg cramps and inner thigh pain that woke me up in the middle of the night causing me to cry, scream,and several times I fainted. When I woke I was exhausted. My doctor told me to walk more. I did-it didn't stop. A few years later I moved down south and went to a doctor. He put me on a baby aspirin 1x daily for circulation problems.

I have not had any leg or inner thigh pain since.
I have been free of that devastating pain for 3 years now. Check with your doctor about your circulation. I have never used tonic water.

I had had leg cramps for 12 years and seceral times monthly. When I started drinking tonic water recommended by my doctor, for the first times, they had stopped for months.

I now have only the beginning of leg cramps once every two or thre months. Immedately, I drink the diet tonic water and the cramps are gone within minutes. For the past several months, using Hyland's pills for leg cramps are much better. Those that disolve under the tongue are at my bedside and I no longer have to get up, put on slippers and get to the kitchen. Also, \i continue to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.

I have M.S. and severe muscle aches I also take medication for M.S. Would tonic water be safe for me?

I get leg cramps if I don't drink water with meals - soft drinks, even tea can bring them on - I use OTC Leg Cramp pills and they help but I wonder about taking them before I go to bed to prevent leg cramps - what would be the risk long term?

I play a lot of golf usually during Spring, Summer and early Fall. For many years my toes would start to curl the only solution was to stand up on my tippy toes for a few seconds and the cramp would go away. However during golf season when I perspire a lot the toe cramping is just the start of it next come the calve muscles then the groin. The pain is almost unbearable. A fellow golfer mentioned tonic water. That day I starting drinking it and the cramping has almost completely gone away.

I am 55 years old in good health, considered thin for my height (6') and so far I haven't experienced any side effects. I am drinking about 1 small bottle (8oz.) per day.

I got kneed right into my thigh during a basketball game, and now there's a cramp on my inner thigh (not the part that got hit). Does tonic water help in this case?? I've been told to use a hot patch, mix tonic water with Gatorade, and eat lots and lots of bananas because of the potassium it gives.

In lieu of tonic water try coconut water!!! It is the best stuff for leg cramps. It is hard to find; I have found it at Fresh Markets in Nashville, TN. 11 oz. is like eating 4 bananas of potassium. It is all natural. I use the zico brand, and it comes in different flavors too.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THANKS FOR THE SUGGESTION. KEEP IN MIND THAT COCONUT WATER IN EXCESS MIGHT BE CONSTIPATING.

I worked at a pharmaceutical wholesaler during the time quinine was taken off the market. Here's the truth:

Quinine is just as safe as it's always been, nothing has changed.

What happened was, Quinine was never a brand medication that a pharmaceutical company had a patent on. It was sold pretty cheap as a generic. Well one of the pharmaceutical manufacturers saw an opportunity: they did trials with it and got the patent on it, so they'd be the only one allowed to manufacturer it, and they'd be able to charge a much higher price because it would now be considered a high priced brand medication, no longer a generic.

So all this stuff about safety risks...really the only thing that's changed is who makes it and how much they charge. It's still available as qualaquin but they got approval for treating malaria only.

I have been told by a vascular surgeon to drink tonic water 8oz before bedtime. I have been suffering from leg pain for 5 years and I'm only 44 now. The pain is constant, all the time, not more during exercise, not less during rest.

I am an office worker, so sitting at my desk is difficult when the symptoms are high. I have avoided Restless Leg Syndrome because of the descriptions of a "creepy-crawly" feeling whereas my feeling is not that, it's definitely painful. I have been to physical therapy and orthopedic doctors and saw a neurologist to investigate spine trouble with an MRI.

My family Doctor doesn't have any idea. The vascular surgeon just gave me a Rx for Requip, which is for RLS. My next appt with him is not until Oct.14th.

If too much tonic water is bad for kidneys, is there anything else to try? How soon after drinking does symptoms get better for most people? Like the January 8th response says, tonic water does not work for everybody. It may not be working for me. :-( (It tastes horrible anyway. I don't know how that British gentleman who did the commercials for Schwepps could stand it so much!)

My night time muscle cramping has been getting more severe over the years. I am only 40. There are nights my legs seize up every half hour and I spend the night pacing the floors, crying, and full of horrible anxiety. I have nights I wake up screaming with seizing inner thigh cramps that make me delirious and incoherent with pain.

I was not sleeping and was barely functioning in my daily life. Most doctor's did not give my complaints the attention I believe they deserved. They gave me medications that made me feel worse and did not work. I had gotten to the point I was depressed and suicidal. I finally got a Dr to prescribe Quinine Sulfate. I knew and know what the risks are. I take one right before bed and have gone an entire month now without cramping when I could not even go a night. I have not had any side effects and feel better than I have in a year. The doctor's who say the risks do not outweigh the benefits were not living in the waking hell I was in every day.

Had it continued I believe I would have put myself of my misery anyway. I am not going to stop taking it and even got my insurance to cover it, but I think I may try every other day and throw some tonic water in in between and see how I do. I am not afraid of the risks. The sleep is worth it.

Try swallowing a table spoon of mustard in the mornings when you get up.