Wanting to discontinue Mirapex

[gaula75]

I would like to discontinue Mirapex after using for over 20 years for RLS. I have read so many adverse side effects of this drug if taken for a long period of time. After reading some of the posts on this site, I am now very worried about doing it myself.

[Madlegs1]

If it's working well for you and you are not needing to increase dose- then leave well alone.

There are few enough remedies for rls and all seem to have side effects. So what would you do after the Mirapex.?

Keep well.

[Hidden]

I agree with Madlegs. Just because there is bad press about it on here, does not necessarily mean you will go through augmentation (I’m assuming that’s what you’re worried about). I would not put yourself through undue worry. Mirapex is a really good drug.

[ookla]

RLS is a nightmare. If you found something that works for you and improves your quality of life, for the love of g-d, stick with it for as long as humanly possible. Don't ruin your life in anticipation of other people's side effects. From the DA's, the next effective step is usually the opiates/opioids - and those are becoming increasingly more difficult to get. And they have side effects, too. Enjoy comfort while you can and savor it, don't worry about what may or may not be ahead. We all wish you another 20 years of peace and quiet. Good luck.

[involuntarydancer]

Do you think it has caused augmentation? Are your symptoms worse? If not, I agree with the others. Just worth keeping an eye out also for the compulsive behaviours such as shopping and gambling.

[Joolsg]

I agree with everyone else. If you are getting relief from RLS and you are not in Augmentation, then stay on the mirapex.

Wishing you plenty more years of relief.

[Phogan]

Coincidence .... I just this very hour posted about the side effects of Sifrol. Ring any bells?

[Madlegs1 in reply to Phogan]

Scaremongering is not helpful to the OP.

[LotteM in reply to Madlegs1]

Madlegs, your replies are usually very wise and well-thought of. But I don’t think Phogan was scaremongering, just warning. Like you did when saying not to increase the dose and implicitly warning to be aware of augmentation. Just like that, I think Phogan is making gaula aware of potential and not easily observable side effects. No more, no less.

[Madlegs1 in reply to LotteM]

Thanks Lotte- I am contrite.

My apologies to anyone offended.

[Phogan in reply to Madlegs1]

You should know me by now and realise that scaremongering is not part of my repertoire. I deal in facts only, the facts that affect me. And the side effects of Sifrol will never be bad enough to make me go off it. If it works ... my advice is to stay with it.

FYI .... No offense taken.

But I am wondering what you and your dr plan to replace it with

[Neverquitting]

Are you augmenting at all? Do you feel it has changed your personality? Is it working?

[involuntarydancer]

Hi gaula, just some additional thoughts. There are numerous suggestions on here of lifestyle changes that people have found helpful for their rls. These include supplements such as iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, l theanine, l tyrosine, taurine etc etc, dietary changes - many of us are considering veganism after it has helped calm the symptoms of Raffs who has suffered severe rls for ever so long - but there are also very strong adherents to the fodmap diet as well as other restrictive diets, then there are other things such as epsom salts baths, magnesium leg rubs, sleeping with an open window, meditation, specific body stretches etc. etc.

You could try introducing some of these and if you find your symptoms are less pronounced perhaps you could reduce your dose of mirapexin accordingly.

[Phogan in reply to involuntarydancer]

Ohhhh .... what I would give to once again be able to have a warm bath. But I doubt that I'd be able to get out of it!