Recently diagnosed - pregablin dosage

[warmslime]

Hi everyone - I'm a newbie too. I've had RLS problems since I was a child but I've had periods without it. However, I've had symptoms every night for the last year or so. I'm getting the unpleasant sensation acutely in my feet ankles and calf musicles. I'm also getting it mildly in my arms, wrists and hands. I also have insomnia and quite often only sleep 3-4 hours per night (sometimes less).

I'd always thought my main problem was insomnia but my GP is now taking my RLS seriously. I was given Zopiclone for a couple of weeks while the GP researched what drugs to give me. It was amazing and I slept brilliantly for two weeks but it started to wear off and the doctor said that it was not a long term solution because of tolerance and dependency issues (which I'm pretty succeptible to so fair enough).

Yesterday I was prescribed 100mg Pregablin. I took one tablet about an hour before bed and although I felt a bit sleepy and relaxed, i couldn't sleep and RLS kicked in majorly. I decided to take another 100mg tablet (knowing that the maximum dose is 300-600mg). I fell asleep and my legs felt relatively normal.

I'm reading through posts and finding it great to see other people with the same problem as me. I thought I was the only one!

If anyone has any tips on Pregablin dosages or what time of evening to take it, that would be really helpful.

Take care all

Jack

[Pam34]

Hi Jack

I’ve just started Pregabalin, if you see my posts you will be able to follow my journey.

I’m currently on 150mg. Started at 50, then 100 and I’ve been on 150mg for about a month. I take my dose about 8.30 and find that if I’m not in bed for about 10 my legs will remind me! However once in bed I sleep like a baby.

I do find that what I eat also can trigger my RLS, for instance last week I had a late Chinese and paid the price. So look out for food triggers.

Also, I guess you’ve probably read about ferritin levels on here. Get that checked and don’t accept normal from your doctor. Normal for RLS sufferers needs to be above 100.

I’m feeling really positive about Pregabalin at the moment, I probably bang on about it a bit much but after the horrendous time I had with ropinirole, this feels so good. I hope it lasts. I think some people find it better taken with a low dose opioid like Tramadol but give this at least a month in your system to see if it’s working on its own. There is usually a settling in period to any long term drug.

And someone may correct me but I thought the maximum dose for Pregabalin was 300mg? Anyway I would keep it as low as you can and don’t be disheartened and tempted to increase it if it doesn’t work straight away.

Good luck, Pam

[warmslime in reply to Pam34]

Thanks so much Pam34! I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. Yes I think I got given confusing info from the pharmacist re maximum dose. I think 600mg is for people with neuropathic pain - not RLS...

I'm going to try again with the 100mg tonight, will definitely keep an eye on what I eat and drink too.

Also, why not shout about your pregablin experience if it's working well for you!

Take care

Jack

[Hidden]

Hi Jack - Sorry - I can't be any help there as I have never taken it... best luck with this though - Welcome to the forum!

[Nosleepatall]

Diet makes a huge difference for me, anytime I have dairy or any artificial suger, my RLS starts almost Immediately!

Kathy