Pregabalin and Pramipexol

[hausbauer]

I was following the posts answering ScattyPatty. I am fighting RLS right now with 0,044 pramipexol in the afternoon, Pregabalin 25 mg around 7 p.m. and 0,088 pramipexol 2 hours before bed. At the moment I sleep quite well, not all the days but most. What worries me is the Pregabalin (makes me very sleepy which is good)..About 2 years ago I took Pregabalin alone and nothing else (up to 125 mg) it gave me among other side effects sight problems. Which stopped when I stopped Pregabalin.

I gave it now a second try, small dose, together with the above mentioned pramipexol. I am very very sensitive to side effects and now a have serious sight problems. My question is: is there anyone who has Macular Pucker (epiretinal gliose - distorted lines in one eye) and may be thinks it could have its source in Pregablin? The eye doctor said no, but I am sure there are not studies in this respect.

I think I will stop the Pregablin and see if the eyes improve. Its a shame because it makes me fall asleep within minutes - a thing I did not know before.

[Hidden]

Hi, I have recently read somewhere that Pregabalin can cause eye problems. Gabapentin however does not.

Otherwise, I'm not clear why you're splitting your Pramipexole. If it's because you're getting symptoms during the day then you may be starting with augmentation. One tactic for dealing with this if you don't want to increase the pregabalin is to switch to an extended release dopamine agonist. There is an extended release form of Pramipexole, but more commonly used is the Neupro patch (Rotigotine).

Just a couple of ideas you could discuss with your doctor.

[hausbauer in reply to Hidden]

For a short time beginning 2019 I took 0,13 mg Pramipexol again and nothing else. I started augmentation (Rls in the afternoon and evening and sometimes arms). The neurologist said either reduction to 0,088 or splitting in 0,044 afternoon and 0,088 evening. I did the latter and added pregabalin 25 too.

This together with stretching feels quite good, but alas the eyes.

As you advised I will ask the doctor to try Gabapentin.

Thank you .

[Operabab]

Hi

I posted a few months ago that I had lost my peripheral vision and asked if anybody else had problems with this whilst on pregabalin nobody really had. However having had an MRI scan and several trips to the eye infirmary for extensive tests they have now said they have found reports to suggest that the Pregabalin could be the course. I jad reduced my does down from 200mg to just 50mg and obviously am about to come off completely. My sight hasn't got any better put obviously hopefully it will and need to eliminate the drug. My advice would be if your having problems come off and see if it improves obviously it takes time to get out of your system.

I am now facing the problem as to what to take next sleep is pretty awful again but can't risk losing my sight. Catch 22 situation

Good luck with your journey.

[hausbauer in reply to Operabab]

I am also considering stopping Pregabalin. Unfortunately my neurologist is fully booked until February. I will try another one and ask about Gabapentin as Manerva suggests. Or I will take the big (?) step to opioids, namely Targinact. Thank you and good luck to you too.

[Joolsg]

The first side effect I suffered with pregabalin was double vision. It happened every morning for about 3 months & then eased off.

Trust your instincts- I do think pregabalin causes eye problems and the fact two of you are saying it makes me think there are probably many more people who have sight issues with it.

There is a ‘Lyrica survivors’ Facebook group where people discuss the many side effects caused by pregabalin. You should also report any side effects on the yellow alert scheme run in UK or the US equivalent.

[hausbauer in reply to Joolsg]

I will look up this Facebook group. I will also see if I can get to this alert scheme from Austria.

All this is a dilemma, I am sleeping 5-6 hours (at least 4 times a week) at the moment and now … the eyes.

I know you are taking Opioids: my next option after perhaps trying Gabapentin, if it really does not affect the eyes.

I am so happy with this forum and all the advice. Thank you.