Combining Pramipexole ( miripex) and Tramadol.

[Gmc54]

I have been taking Pramipexole for about 6 years at the lowest dose. After the first year or so I got increased symptoms, (which I now know to be augmentation) and my doctor doubled the dose. Knowing how this affected others I decided only to increase the dose on certain occasions such as when going away for a few days or going to weddings etc. generally I still take the lowest dose, even though I still suffer rls, especially in the evenings and early mornings.

I was thinking of asking my doctor if I could try Tramadol, and if it works for my rls trying to alternate between Tramadol and Pramipexole. Taking each for a month, then changing to the other. I don't know if Tramadol would work for me, as I've never taken it, but I do find that when taking codeine/paracetemol for back pain that my rls is slightly lessened.

I am hoping this would stop the augmentation as the body wouldn't get so used to each medication. Has anybody else tried this? If so what are your experiences please?

[Hidden]

Hi, Tramadol works well for most people for RLS. Changing to the Tramadol for a month only, could reset the Mirapex for it to start to work so the augmentation goes away. Its called a "drug holiday" which can work for alot of people. Taking the Tramadol by its self, you will feel some withdrawals from the Mirapex. No one can really tell you what will work for you. Its a matter or trial and error on trying things out. But ask your doctor on what he/she thinks first. You might find taking the Tramadol a better option as your main med. Tramadol can cause augmentation but very rarely.

[jeanjack]

Hi, I have been on Pramipexole at the lowest dose for about the same time as you. This year I have started to get increased symptoms and have been experimenting with adding one 30/500 co-codamol tablet which seems to work well. I also experimented with just taking Tramadol after reading a post on this site but it did not do the trick. I am now going to try Pramipexole and a Tramadol to see how this compares with the added co-codamol.

Hope you find a combination that works for you.

[Fantic]

I’m in a similar situation.

5 years on codein. Worked well until lit didn’t. 30 mg initially then 60mg 2 hours before bed

5 years on Pramipexole. 0.125 mg initially then 0.25 then 0.37mg. Finally cold turkey trying to get off it. Horrific, 1 month without sleep and horrendous RLS symptoms. Would get on a cycle machine at 2.00 am to get the dealing out of my legs.

Tried Pregabalin without success.

Finally relented and back on low dose Pramipexol and codein with some success.

1/4 of 0.25mg pram and 30 mg codein

Recently tried 100mg of Tramadol and had a good couple of nights but felt sleepy the next day.

The trouble with Opioids is getting a doctor to prescribe them. You have to get a renewed prescription every time you need more as well.

Now thinking of the drug holiday thing to keep the augmentation problem under control.

My body seems to have reset and I can get by with 0.125mg of pramipexole atm with a head ache in the morning.