Update on my RLS

[papparay46]

After the torture over the past month where my RLS has gone from bad to worse. I've finally seen the doctor and my blood tests all came back okay. The cutting down on Ropinirole was near impossible but I reduce it by 50% and then for several days, cut it completely. This resulted in having RLS 24 hours a day and no sleep some nights, other nights I was lucky to get between 2 to 4 hours. (Last night 2 hours).

The doctor has now prescribed Pregabalin 25mg capsules. So far they have done nothing. First night no sleep, last night 2 hours. I'm not Hopeful, but I'm hoping they'll kick in within the next few days.

[Joolsg]

Hi Papparay,

Are you increasing the 25mg pregabalin slowly? I don't think you'll see an improvement in RLS until you are on 100/150mg a day.

[papparay46 in reply to Joolsg]

I've got a 4 week prescription. If they don't work The doc will probably increase the dosage

[Neil46]

Hi Ray, Neil here. As I remember you came off 4mg Ropinirole quite quickly. That will cause the withdrawal symptoms you have experienced. Many people take a pain med to help withdrawal. sorry you have suffered harshly. I am now on pregabalin too and started at 25mg for a week. Because my RLS was less severe than yours i got a little relief immediately, but with RLS turning on and off. I increased to 50mg for another week and was able to sit and read for the first time in years. I experienced RLS on waking after that so I saw my GP again and asked to increase to 75mg per day (25mg in morning and 50mg in the evening) which I have just started. I am hoping to have total relief now; let's hope! One thing I can mention is pregabalin seems to take longer than ropinirole or pramipexol to take full effect, so be patient and work with your doc to increase the dose slowly until you find relief. If not, you may have to change track again to cope with this curse of a condition. Keep well and hang in there

Regards

Neil

[papparay46 in reply to Neil46]

Thanks Neil.

[sas4900]

I have had RLS for years. About 10 years ago I took Tramadol while being treated for a broken wrist. My RLS went silent and from that point on, I have take 300 mg. per night, and it has worked for me. I have to take it during the night to get a good night's sleep. If I miss a dose, I have break through RLS during the night. I know some folks don't like the idea of taking a synthetic narcotic but it works for me. My Dr. is ok with it as long as I don't request an increase in dosage. So far so good. I did try other drugs and they did nothing but make me ill. So Tramadol is it for me.

[mantel]

You will probably need to be on 100mg or more before you see an improvement . They take a few weeks to build up in the system too. I think you may also need an opiate like Tramadol . A combo of 100mg of each work really well for me . Tramadol works within an hour or 2 . Good luck!

[papparay46 in reply to mantel]

Thanks