Lyrica dose

[kelirock]

I take Sifrol 0,25mg per day which gives me partial absence of symptoms for some of the time. I was prescribed 0.25mg twice daily but after experiencing augmentation a while ago would rather stay on the once a day dose. My GP has prescribed Lyrica 200mg at night or 100mg twice daily. I don't feel this is enough. When symptoms are bad I take cannabis oil and have a couple of puffs of marijuana which works well for me. I would like to discontinue the Sifrol but would like some advice on what strength Lyrica is appropriate for treatment of RLS. Also, has anyone who takes Lyrica noticed any weight gain?

[Hidden]

Hi

The lyrica (pregabalin) can't really be expected to be completely effective if you're still suffering augmentation due to the Sifrol (pramipexole).

The minimum effective dose for pregabalin is, I believe 150mg, but some people may require up to 450mg.

Pregabalin for RLS is once a day, at night, when you most need it. Splitting the dose means that you actually have less of it in your blood stream, when you most need it. If you're getting symptoms during the day, then that's probably due to the Sifrol.

Unfortunately pregabalin does have complications which don't necessarily affect everyone. Weight gain is one of them. Eyesight problems is another.

The reason for pregabalin causing weight gain isn't, I believe, entirely understood. Possible explanations include it causing water retention and it being an appetite stimulant.

It may be that the effects of both of these can be dealt with, but it might not be easy.

Hopefully you are aware that the slower you wean off the pramipexole, the less the withdrawal effects will be. I suggest reducing it in steps of 0.0625mg (half a 0.125mg tab) every two weeks.

The cannabis/marijuana may help with sleeplessness caused by withdrawals. Some people find an opiate helpful.

[kelirock in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your response. I will cut down the dose of Sifrol as you suggest and see how it goes.

[Hidden in reply to kelirock]

You may find withdrawal very difficult, but it's well worth sticking it out.

Good luck

[kelirock in reply to Hidden]

I've been through it once before without Lyrica so this time should be a bit easier.

[Joolsg]

Lyrica won’t stop augmentation symptoms. However if you get off the Sifrol slowly, the Lyrica will then work to control the RLS. I’d wait until you get off Sifrol before you add any more Lyrica. 200mg should work well.

You may need opioids to get you through withdrawal.

[Joolsg]

Oh and yes, Lyrica increases your appetite and so you’ll find yourself eating more than usual. I put on about 10 pounds but I prefer to be free of 24/7 RLS so Ill put up with the extra weight.

[kelirock]

Thank you Joolsg for your advice. How disappointing that Lyrica won't stop augmentation symptoms, but like you, I would prefer to be off the Sifrol.