Can someone help.

[Pollyzzzzz]

I have suffered with rls for about 12 years. It has progressively worsened. At the moment I am taking Ropinirole 4mg (I started with .25mg and. It was gradually increased to 4mg) I have recently come across "augmentation" and I am sure that I am suffering with that. If I do come off my present medication what medication should I try next ? My GP is not very familiar with rls. Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks Lorraine

[Hidden]

It probably is augmentation you are having after increasing the dose. To come off the Ropinerole it will need a strong pain med to help with the withdrawals you will have. Most people take Tramadol for the withdrawals and you have to wean down very slowly, many on here have done the same. If the Tramadol suits you then you can stay on that med after you have got right off the Ropinerole and got through the withdrawals. Just do not let your doctor give you another dopamine med otherwise you will just go back to augmentation.

Other med options are available, look at rlshelp.org or rls-uk.org

[Madlegs1 in reply to Hidden]

As , I'm sure you've seen , augmentation is probably the most common topic to arise with rls- especially as the vast majority of doctors remain ignorant of the correct protocols for this ailment.

All that Elisse has said- and check out the posts from the last few weeks - search " augmentation " under the ' more' drop down at top of page.

[Pollyzzzzz in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you Madlegs1

[Pollyzzzzz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Elisse

[Pollyzzzzz in reply to Hidden]

Hi Elisse. Why is it that I need a strong pain medication. Is it really that bad to come off ?

[Hidden in reply to Pollyzzzzz]

Hi Polly, yes it can be quite bad when coming off a dopamine med, as in you will suffer some bad nights with not much sleep. The strong pain med will help some. I have known people say it was fine for them. But most do suffer i am afraid. But take heart, you will get through it and people on here will support you when you feel like having a rant.

[Kaarina Administrator]

You may be interested to take a look at the following:

sleepreviewmag.com/2015/02/...

and rls-uk.org where you will find a video on Augmentation

[Pollyzzzzz in reply to Kaarina]

Thank you Kaarina. Will follow up on all three of the replies. Thank you all once again.