Possible way to avoid Augmentation with Ropinirole

[Mattly]

For anyone on RLS medication, augmentation is always a concern.

I've been on Ropinirole for several years and have developed a regime that has so far avoided augmentation. I can't be sure it's ALL down to the method I use, but I'll share:

I use Ropinirole in chunks of several weeks on, several weeks off. Toward the end of each "on" period, I up the dose for a few days, then stop. I don't get cold turkey. In fact I find the benefit I got from the drug usually continues for maybe a week or more, then my RLS returns, but at a low, manageable level. It stays like that (with occasional bad days) for a few weeks before I feel it starting to get consistently bad again (ie several nights in a row of bad RLS) - and that's my signal to resume dosage, and it always works when I go back.

It's not perfect as you will still have to put up with occasional bad nights, but I always know the Ropinirole is there to release me eventually.

I'll add that this is not a physician recommended regime, I came up with it through trial and error and experience.

Hopefully this may help others.

[Mattly]

...and yes, I'm aware stopping suddenly is not recommended for this drug, and obviously I'm certainly not speaking for those taking it in higher doses for Parkinsons where that may be more of an issue, but if you take a relatively small dose for RLS as I do, it seems to work.

[Madlegs1]

Fantastic bit of "citizen science". Great result in working at it yourself.

I'm sure it will be a great help to some others .

[Katerina22]

Thanks for sharing!!

[Hidden]

Thanks Matty, that's truly amazing!

Thanks for telling us. Some people might want to try it.

[Joolsg]

So pleased you’ve worked out what works for you. Thanks for sharing.

[Suberino]

Hi Mattly. I'm very interested in what you say. I've been thinking of trying that. Did you get support from your doctor? I would have to do the withdrawal stage (again - have done it cold turkey once) and would like GP support with that this time round. Thanks.

[Mattly in reply to Suberino]

Hi Suberino, my doctor is happy for me to do what works for me. I don't think he is especially knowledgeable about the condition or the drugs, but because I'm on a relatively low dose and it's not for a life threatening condition, he's OK for me to adapt how I use it. I may be lucky but I don't get cold turkey. I think it's partly because I'm never off it for that long and (maybe) residual amounts allow the body to adapt to this relatively short term on/off regime

[TheDoDahMan]

How often, during an "off" period, do you sneak in an "as needed" dose, to gain some relief if you're having a bad night? Thank you.

[Mattly in reply to TheDoDahMan]

I do have occasional doses in "off" periods if symptoms seem bad, and it gives relief, but I try to avoid it.

[Suberino]

Thanks for your reply, Mattly. I'm hoping my GP will prescribe some opiates for the withdrawal. It is torment!!! You can be glad to miss out on that joy at any rate