Targinact working

[joepublic]

I have been on Targinact for 2 weeks in conjunction with Gabapentin & Ropinirole - it's been transformational , with no more standing up swaying during the evening plus I am sleeping much better now. I would say 95% gone. I hope it's not temporary as that was my experience with Ropinirole years back.

Next step is to back off Ropinirole. (slowly)

I can't believe that I can actually sit & watch TV for 2 hours before bed. Downside is that I can't have a glass of wine as it's a no no to alcohol.

[LotteM]

I am so happy for you! What a relief to feel restful again a large part of the day, isn't it.

My advice is to let it settle first for -say- about a month, to see whether your current dose continues to suffice. And then start reducing the ropinirole. Slowly. Good luck!

[joepublic in reply to LotteM]

Thanks for that - it's such a relief. I will gradually knock out the Ropinirole as advised.

[joepublic]

Now started to reduce the Ropinirole by 0.25 every 2 weeks - already started to get some activity in the body mid-afternoon so must be getting a withdrawal reaction as the overall effect of the Targatin is not as good as it was initially.

[LotteM in reply to joepublic]

Hi Joe, good start. Go slow. Even consider to break the 0.25mg ropinirole pills in half. But you are expected to experience increased symptoms due to the withdrawal or before that even because the augmentation flared up and the targin couldn't cover that completely. While you are withdrawing, especially the first days after a dose reduction, you may want to temporarily increase the dose of targin. Do you have leeway from your doctor to do so? But even then you may not be able to cover completely the increased symptoms due to the withdrawal.

You van do this. Keep in touch and let us know how you are faring. You may be in for a tough time and support from the forum has proven to be at least mentally helpful. Incidentally, how much ropinirole were you on and are you taking now? And how much targin?

[joepublic in reply to LotteM]

I'm on 5 MG Targin daily so can't change dosage without getting GP involved - Ropinirole was 2 MG daily now 1.75 MG.

[LotteM in reply to joepublic]

5 mg targin is not a lot. You may have to educate your gp a bit more about withdrawal from ropinirole or DAs in general.

And I am happy to see that your dose of ropinirole is reasonable, not the 6-12mg we sometimes encounter here. Good luck. You'll make it.

[joepublic in reply to LotteM]

Thanks 5 MG of Targin was like throwing a switch on RLS so hopeful that the withdrawal from Ropinirole will return that efficacy.

[LotteM in reply to joepublic]

I hope so and like to say think so. It will take a while though.

Initial withdrawal effects currently not too bad?

Note: do look up the NICE guidelines that Manerva posts repeatedly. They may prove helpful in case you temporarily would like a bit more Targinact. Also hunt doen the 2018 Mayo Clinic Proceedings paper on opioids for RLS.

[joepublic in reply to LotteM]

OK thanks - withdrawal effects are currently twitching / jerking sensations & mild (ish) augmentation feelings for about 3 hours in the evenings.

[LotteM in reply to joepublic]

I hope they settle soon!

[joepublic in reply to LotteM]

So Do I !