Targinact

[joepublic]

Has anyone experience of Targinact as a substitute for Ropinirole?

[Joolsg]

Quite a few people are on Targinact. I take OxyContin ( targinact without the Naloxone so cheaper).

I was on 4mg Ropinirole for about 16 years and used tramadol and cannabis during withdrawal.

I then switched to Oxycontin 25 mg over 24 hours & 150 mg pregabalin.

OxyContin works well to suppress the RLS.

I take magnesium citrate to prevent constipation (naloxone is added to Targinact to prevent constipation).

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

That sounds promising - so the Ropinirole is removed now & replaced with Oxycontin? Do you have Gabapentin too?

[Joolsg in reply to joepublic]

I reduced the Ropinirole by 0.5mg every 2-3 weeks but wish I had gone slower as I had horrendous withdrawal ( nearly didn’t make it).

I initially was told to take Tramadol but it didn’t help so they switched me to OxyContin but I developed crippling panic attacks. Dr Buchfuhrer suggested adding pregabalin or Gabapentin to stop the panic attacks. I took 900 mg Gabapentin at night and it stopped the panic attacks but the side effects were awful so I switched straight over to 150mg pregabalin.

I reduced the Pregabalin over 9 months this year as I was only taking it to stop panic attacks.

My brain clearly adjusted to the OxyContin as I no longer have panic attacks.

Please don’t reduce Ropinirole too quickly as the withdrawal can be horrendous. 0.25mg every 14 days is better.

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

OK thanks I'll speak to my doctor next week. I already take Gabapentin so hopefully won't get the panic attacks

[Joolsg in reply to joepublic]

I think I had a rare side effect- no one else seems to have them. Also raise your ferritin above 100 as it seems to help withdrawal for a lot of people. Take ferrous bisglycinate every other night.

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

OK I'll try that.

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

As the augmenation is bad, I am starting on Reltebon 5mg modified-release tablets next week - these are OxyContin under a brand name ? I assume, in parallel, I need to reduce the Ropinirole by 0.25Mg every 2 weeks until gone but maintain the Gabapentin?

[Joolsg in reply to joepublic]

Reltebon is the cheapest OxyContin in the UK- I also take that. OxyContin is extended release oxycodone so is used for severe RLS.

You still need to reduce Ropinirole slowly & maintain the Gabapentin.

I hope the withdrawal symptoms aren’t too severe.

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks Jools I will report back. Alcohol seems to drive the symptoms through the roof - is that common & only since the Gabapentin came along? Happy Xmas then if that's true.

[Joolsg in reply to joepublic]

It depends. Most people find alcohol & caffeine & sugar worsen their RLS. Some find different drinks are triggers- for example they can drink white wine but not beer. Several of us don’t have any problems.

If it makes it worse- stay off it until you’re completely off Ropinirole and then you can try reintroducing it slowly & maybe just a specific drink is the trigger.

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

Yes I noticed red wine is a major issue whereas beer isn't as bad. Good job Xmas is cancelled anyway..... 🙄

[Joolsg in reply to joepublic]

I know! And as if it couldn’t get any worse- my real Christmas Tree has a spider mite infestation. At least we have some guests for Christmas 🎄🕷

[joepublic in reply to Joolsg]

Ha ha ha - never heard of that before. Get a fake tree next year like me.

[joepublic]

Starting taking Targinact this week & dropping Ropinirole gradually. Anyone have any experience as to when I might get some relief?

Does it take a while to get into the system before becoming effective?

How long do I wait, if getting no benefit and decide to give up on it ?