Hi there!
I've read a lot about augmentation when using pramipexole and it's pretty scary.
Because of that I stopped taking pramipexole on a daily basis.
But since pramipexole does seem to give me some relief, I would like to use it sometimes, when I have a challenging day the next day.
Do you think that using pramipexole sometimes, say once a week or once every second week will cause augmentation?
Thank you!
I'd be very surprised if it did.
I had some left over after starting a new drug and did as you are suggesting. I had no problem with it.
Thank you, this is encouraging :).
Some people here take what's called a drug Holiday to prevent or defer augmentation.
What you are proposing is an excellent idea.
If you don't have relentless RLS, then go ahead. You could probably up your use to a second , separate day in the week.
What other drugs are you using.
Are you keeping a diary to pinpoint possible triggers?
Keep us informed as to how it all goes!
This is real medical citizen science.
I'm taking gabapentin (600mg) but I still have RLS every single night. It's pretty bad. I function, but I'm tired most days. I get around 4-5 hours of sleep.
I'm also taking 50mg of trazodone to help me sleep.
I *used* to take a lot of benzo sleeping pills because of RLS. They messed me up, and I'm out of those drugs. But RLS has come back big time.
I'm keeping a diary of RLS drugs, which is how I found that Pramipexole does have some effect.
I'm not keeping a food diary. I guess that's the next big thing to try out.
If you have intermittent RLS then this sounds like a good plan for avoidiing augmentation.
You may also benefit from some blood tests for iron deficiency and if necessary, iron therapy.
If you find you're having to take it more often then keep the dose very low.
Yep, I'm going to try iron supplementation. Thank you.
What is augmentation
Augmentation is a major complication caused by taking Levodopa or a dopamine agonist, i.e. pramipexole, ropinirole or rotigotine. It can take years to appear or can occur within months.
The higher the dose of the drug that's taken and the longer the time it's taken for the greater the risk of augmentation. MOST people taking these drugs get augmentation.
Most doctors don't warn people about this risk, often because they've never heard of it. Many people taking these drugs therefore have never heard of augmentation either. This often results in augmentation being mistreated and even made worse
The signs of augmentation are -
- RLS symptoms become significantly worse
- They spread from the legs to the arms and torso
- They happen earlier during the day.
- Onset of symptoms is quicker. After sitting/lying down within seconds, rather than minutes.
As a consequence chronic sleep deprivation and inability to carry out some daily activities.
The treatment is to STOP taking the drug whereas doctors tend to increase the dose.
What is augmentation
Augmentation and Pramipexole
Gralise/ gabapentin will cause augmentation?
Pramipexole tablets seem to be miracle cure but.....augmentation??
RLS - tapering off Pramipexole & using codeine
Severe RLS Augmentation on Pramipexole 
