RSL - Pregabalin as a supplement to pramipexole?

[J296]

After receiving lots of helpful advice from people on this forum, went to see my GP yesterday. I'm 65 and have suffered from RSL for 9 years. My condition has slowly worsened. I currently take 0.7mg of pramipexole, supplemented by amitriptyline (10mg) and quinine sulphate (200mg) each day.

I explained my worries about amitriptyline and general concerns. My GP has now agreed to take me off amitriptyline and quinine sulphate and has prescribed 50mg of pregabalin to be used as a daily supplement to the pramipexole. He did warn me that I could feel worse before I start feeling the benefits of pregabalin. And last night certainly confirmed that. I had a shocking night's sleep with severe rsl symptoms and muscle ache. As I write this now at 9.00am, the muscle ache is just starting to ease.

Has anyone had experience of taking pregabalin as a supplement to pramipexole? Would be grateful for any advice on this

[Hidden]

Did you wean off the amitriptyline or just stop it cold turkey..? Just stopping it, MIGHT be why you are having problems. Pregabalin can take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit from it.

[J296 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Elisse. Yes I did just stop so that may not have helped. Last night was a bit better so will see things go.

[involuntarydancer]

John, I’m sorry to say that I don’t think pregabalin will help you hugely while you are suffering from augmentation thanks to the pramipexole (mirapexin).

You have done the right thing to get off amitriptyline and you might want to wait til your system gets used to doing without that for a little while and then look to reducing mirapexin. In the meantime, the only drugs that will help appreciably are the opioids - tramadol or OxyContin - but you will need them more when you start to reduce mirapexin and it is inadvisable to take them for long periods if you intend to discontinue them ultimately. The longer you take them the harder it is to get off them. You could try Kratom which can be ordered from holland but unfortunately is illegal in the uk. It would most likely help with your current symptoms notwithstanding the augmentation.

Pregabalin May ultimately help you but most likely not until after you have washed all mirapexin out of your system.

[J296 in reply to involuntarydancer]

Thank you. Will see how things go and let you know

[involuntarydancer in reply to J296]

Best of luck. Hope it turns out to be the sudden cessation of amitryptiline and everything settles down a bit now. Those all nighters where the rls really ramps up are pure torture.

[involuntarydancer in reply to J296]

Btw 50mg of pregabalin is quite a low dose. I don't think I respond to pregabalin at all until I get to 75 mg - although I am not hugely sensitive to meds.

[Pippins2]

John you recently asked about any recommend doctors in Manchester. I have come across one highly recommended by another sufferer although I can't personally vouch for him.He is Dr C Murphy based at Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester x

[J296 in reply to Pippins2]

Thank you. Much appreciated. Will ask my doctor for a referral

[Lonely7]

Hello J296

I am 80 years old & have been on Pramipexole Dihydro .5mg. for some time now. I am taking appro six daily and supplimenting it with 25mg. Sinemet. All of which gradually looses its effectiveness and gives lots of side effects. Yesterday I visited my Neurologist and he wants to start me on Gapapetin 100 mg. I am scared stiff of it because I tried it once about a year or more ago and I had a very bad time. I had to quit it on go back on the Mirapex. I have talked to both my doctor and pharmacist about the very best way to ease on to it. Both have presented me with a plan for this which are basically the same and I am supposed to start tonight. It is now past my bedtime and I have not taken it yet. I am so hesitant because I do not want to go through what I went through before. If you would read my original post on this site you will see all the details of my "My Life In Hell" i.e. my experience with RLS for many years. Let me know how you make out.

Lonely7