I’ve been on requip for 15 years- I take 2mg in morning and 2 mg at night. I don’t like it I think it is causing augmentation and I wake up nauseated. I would love to get off but have heard horror stories about withdrawal!
Getting off may make my restless leg and Parkinson’s worse! I don’t know what to do?
Hello and sorry to hear about your predicament.
If you think you have augmentation check the pinned post to see if it matches your experience.
In summary, augmentation is when
1. RLS symptoms get worse i.e. the sensations and urge to move.
2. The symptoms also spread from the legs to other parts of the body.
3. The symptoms start earlier in the day.
4. The symptoms start more quickly after staying still.
As you seem to realise, the usual way of dealing with augmentation is to reduce and stop the Requip.
It is difficult to wean off taking a Dopamine Agonist, such as Requip, but it can be done.
However, as you know, the Requip is relieving your PD as well, so if you were to wean off it, not only would you get withdrawal symptoms, your PD symptoms may get worse as well.
Normally, for someone with RLS only, there are alternative medications to a dopamine agonist which can be used, but they won't work for PD.
I have recently read a theory that one of the factors leading to augmentation is the speed at which a dopamine agonist gets absorbed and that this can be reduced by using a slower release formulation Dopamine Agonist.
Neupro patches (Rotigotine) and Extended Release Pramipexole are slow release so it might be worthwhile discussing switching to one of these with your doctor.
It's worth a try, because you won't have to withdraw from the Requip if you switch to another dopamine agonist and you'll still have something for your PD.
Here is a link to a study of augmentation and E R Pramipexole.
sciencedirect.com/science/a...
Here is a link to an article about E R Pramipexole and PD
So sorry that you are in such a difficult situation. If I were you I would email Dr.Buchfuhrer for some advice.I would imagine that he has experience of treating people with both RLS and Parkinson's. Wishing you loads of luck.x
X
Battling restless legs.
Restless Legs tonight
Restless Legs Syndrome 
Restless legs getting worse
help with restless legs meds. 
