I’m considering something I’ve never heard of: applying the Neupro patch for about 12 hours. The 2 mg patch is no longer sufficient (even with gabapentin or pregabalin). But the 3 mg patch feels too “druggy” during the day.
Would it work to apply the 3 mg patch at, say, 6 pm and remove it at 6 am? It would still be druggy in the evening, but might control symptoms (along with pregabalin). I’m wondering if this would increase chances of augmentation...
I can tell you what i USED to do when using the patch. I found the full amount too much for me, but then i find ALL meds to much for me. I did use a 3mg patch but for only 6hrs, put on about 6-00 evening then took it off in the night at 12-00 and i slept well. i wasnt taking any other med with it. This routine lasted for quite a while, then i found i was getting rebound in the afternoon, it got so bad in the end i couldnt stand it any longer, and had to come off the patch all together. I never had augmentation from it. Its not a routine i would recommend for any one to try, as this was just my own experience and my own way of doing it for me. This was many yeas ago when the Neupro Patch was first allowed to be used for RLS in the UK.
Interesting idea and experience. The science on medicine effectiveness is and has to be based on strict protocol to make things comparable - to controls or other meds. But waad - we are all different, and medical research has not given much attention to that aspect until recently. And it is still rare. But WE know waad. And I strongly believe that meds may be far more efficient when we try to adjust them - amounts, timing, way of administration etc - to our personal needs and reaction that sticking to the one protocol that happened to be used in a scientific research study.
So Ellise, much appreciated that you shared your ways and experience with the Neupro. It may well help others to find their own optimal way.
hi optimist I was thinking of doing something very similar but reading what Elisse as said I don't think I will botherXXX PS: I have to wear the 3mg patch but like yourself I wanted to know about using it for so many hrs instead of the 24hrs it says on the box. Just out of devilment I might try it, just wear the 1mg patch during the day then at maybe 10.0pm put a larger patch on. You can only try it, everyone of us is different when it comes to RLS so try it I'm going to, let me know how you get on, XXXXXXXSUE
Neupro has the lowest rate of augmentation .It is not 100% known why this is but it is widely believed that this is because of the steady levels of the dopamine agonist in the body rather than the ups and down levels you get from the pill form .Therefore i would be reluctant to only use the Neupro patch for part of the day x
Thank you all for your responses. Elisse, your experience with this part-time approach seems to support what Pippins2 wrote: that the lower rate of patch augmentation may be due to the steady-state 24-hour DA levels in the body. (I realize you had rebound, and not augmentation per se, but I think of the two as related.) So after further consideration, I’ve decided not to try the part-time approach. Connie, if you do try it, keep us posted.
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