Mirapex

[Marvene1942]

I read people experience DAWS what is this. I am going to start weaning myself off Mirapex. The Doctor told me to take 1/2 pill every day for a week and then stop. I feel I should not do this. I also have had terrible things since taking Mirapex. I have gained 40 pounds and have been gambling terrible. I am so upset about this med. I have been on it for quite a few years. All I can say is I need suggestions. My Doctor does not know much about RSL

[Hidden]

Hi Marvene DAWS is a very serious condition caused by withdrawing from dopamine agonists (DAs).

Not everyone who withdraws from DAs gets DAWS, but there is a high risk of it in people who suffer compulsive behaviour disorders as a result of taking DAs.

This means YOU are at risk because your weight gain and gambling both indicate you have compulsive behaviour disorder.

I'm not sure what to suggest to you.

Taking 1/2 a tablet for a week then stopping sounds dangerous. I certainly wouldn't do that.

How many tablets have you been taking and more importantly what dose are they?

I really think you need medical help, but your doctor sounds useless. You need to see doctor that is more knowledgeable about RLS and about DAWS. A neurologist would be better.

Others on here may have further advice for you.

[BJamn]

Hi, before you try tomween off Mirapex you should find a new doc. DAWS is very nasty. I went through it last fall. With just a slight reduction in dose I had terrible restlessness that kept me up all night. It also moved from my legs to my arms and chest. The worst part was the dark depression that would last for days. I had to ween off from .5 mg to .25 then .125 over the course of several months. Each time I reduced I had to endure the side effects until I stabilized.

I used a bridge medication called gabapentin that was marginally helpful. I also took Ambien to help me sleep. Some people swear by using opiots for bridge medications but docs don’t like to go there. At any rate BE CAREFUL.

Good luck. Being off of Mirapex is a good thing. I now take a slow release gabapentin called Horizant and supplement that will 200 mg gabapentin capsules at noon and bedtime.

BJ

[Chicafromchitown in reply to BJamn]

Bjamn

I started taking Mirapex 8 months ago, two weeks ago I decided to stop cold turkey I was having horrible DAW, for two days I didn’t sleep at all my blood pressure was high then low, I didn’t know what was going on, never had HBP or low pressure, I was about to go to the ER, but then it dawned on me “wait Mirapex is doing this” I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ if I’ve had RLS before and stopping Mirapex agraveted more, because I was feeling like electric shock in my legs then it went up to my arms a horrible feeling not so much pain but bothersome. Is that RLS? I had to go bk to taking Mirapex I don’t want to go through that again. Even though I want to stop I am so afraid 😱 gabapentin what is this medication for? Should I try to wean myself slowly this time? I want to stop cuz DA’s are bad news!!! BUT if I have go thru what I went through again, I don’t think I can!!! Any advice? Thanks

[BJamn in reply to Chicafromchitown]

The condition you are describing is what I would call RLS. I have had it off and on for my whole life but it has gotten worse in the last few years. I’m 57 and retired in good health. Keep reading posts on this site. It has helped me tremendously. Mirapex causes augmentation. Look it up. Very bad stuff and makes rls worse. Keep reading and don’t give up hope.

[Chicafromchitown in reply to BJamn]

Did you ever tried Naproxen? last night out of desperation I took 1 500mg I did get some relief.

[Brica]

I agree with Minerva. I am embarrassed to admit I am a nurse, but stopped taking Mirapex abruptly. It was a nightmare; my husband was ready to take me to Johns Hopkins Hospital, but I went on the RLS website and found a Dr. who knew how to treat this condition. I now take iron supplements and am 90% symptom free. Iron and ferritin levels must be much higher than normal values ( my iron is 154 and ferritin 174). I also became addicted to gambling; am o.k. now since going to G.A. For the last 8 years. Have had RL since childhood off and on; apparently iron may be related to my symptoms . I am soo grateful to have found a Dr. who knows how to treat RLS and understands what I have been through. You can learn a great deal here. Good luck, Brica

[Hidden]

We need to know what your dose of Mirapex is please. I agree with what has been said, taking 1/2 pill for a week then stop is not the way to wean off Mirapex. It has to be done much slower. So if we know your dosage, members can give you better advice on the weaning, especially the members who have gone through the weaning process.

[Marvene1942]

My Pramipexole is 1MG. I am going to have my Doctor refer me to Dr. Buchfuhrer at Stanford, This is about 400 miles from our house, I do not trust my Doctor with weaning off this drug. I live in Humboldt County Ca.

[Hidden in reply to Marvene1942]

That is quite a high dose, but i have seen people who have taken much much higher. Great if you can get to see Dr. Buchfuhrer, he will get you off the Mirapex his way. You will be in safe hands, hope you dont have to wait too long to see him. Let us know how you get on.