Ropinerole to Gabapentin transition

[Daal]

I recently saw a post, I believe it may have been by Minerva, to transition from ropinirole to gabapentin. It was a week by week schedule that I thought I had saved, unfortunately I cannot locate it. Please re-post or give me its location, as I am in the process transitioning. This website has been one of the most useful RLS information help out there.

[Joolsg]

Ropinirole should be reduced by 0.25mg every 2 to 3 weeks. Start Gabapentin about 4 to 5 weeks before the last dose if Ropinirole. 3 months is the minimum time you should spend reducing the Ropinirole.Depending on how high the dose and the length of time you've been taking Ropinirole, you may have a difficult withdrawal and need opioids like tramadol or Oxycontin and cannabis to deal with the symptoms.

It's very tough but many have done it.

[SueJohnson]

You don't need to wait until you are 4 to 5 weeks before the last dose of ropinirole. You can start right away. I did and it definitely helped,

[Hidden]

I transitioned to gab from ropinirole and it really helps. Or rather in the process. I reduced 3/4 ropinirole. I find taking a time released earlier has helped reduce the standard ropinirole. I had a very difficult case. Severe severe. Start early in the day. RLS along was compulsive behavior. Because of the amt of ropinirole. I am so happy to have reduced. It takes the body time to adjust to reduction. But if I can do it, you can too. Also Magnesium was a huge huge part of this journey as well as iron. I use the CALM in packets. Powdered Magnesium. Taste great and also the capsules work well. I alternate. Magnesium depending on the amount remember can be like a laxative which is a nice feature. For those who iron upsets your stomach as it did mine. It very rough rough on the gut. I take and have off and on for years. Now have increased dose is FLORADIX liquid or pills. Made from natural ingredients. Swiss formula. Taste good too. It works wonders. Good luck all you RLS travelers. I enjoy the sharing of information. Ciao

[Suhavard]

I followed Joolsg’s plan. Started the gabapentin about 10 days after first reduction. Used tramadol and CBD oil to help, and iron and magnesium. And Trazadone at night.

[Newmomma567]

I reduced from 2mg to nothing, but it took about a year, honestly. What helped me was to reduce the amount by half every few weeks, when I felt like I could. I also got prescribed an opioid to help which made a huge difference. (If I’d had the opioid in the beginning, I think I could have reduced faster, but I didn’t. Just the gabapentin which did absolutely nothing for the severe increase in symptoms each time I reduced.) for me, the hardest transition was going from the last micro dose of ropinerole to nothing. I don’t know why- you’d think that such a small amount of the drug wouldn’t make much difference, but it really did.

Good luck. It’s not pleasant, but it is doable. Just take your Time and be kind to yourself.

[arwyn]

Hi I have been on Gabapentin for some five years now after coming off Ropinirole. I found real problems with Ropinirole - suddenly dropping off to sleep, coupled with a lack of attention at times. I read about Gabapentin and asked my doctor if he would allow me to take this medicine. I had no problems just changing drugs and had so much relief from Gabapentin which I take two x 300 mg each evening. I do hope that this helps for you s well.

[KickininAz in reply to arwyn]

I will be seeing my sleep doctor in September (earliest appointment I could get). If he agrees to switch me from 2 to 3 mg of ropinerole per day to gabapentin, are you saying that I can just switch to gabapentin and stop taking ropinerole without having to first wean myself off the ropinerole? I want to be clear when I speak with him, make sure I am saying this correctly. I have found that information from this website is often more up to date than my doctors are.

[Newmomma567 in reply to KickininAz]

No NOT switch from one to the other cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms are very uncomfortable, (and can last weeks or months after your last dose of ropinerole, depending on how long you have taken it and what dose you currently take) but if you are at a higher dose of ropinerole, it could be quite dangerous.

[Newmomma567 in reply to KickininAz]

Just re-read your comment. DEFINITELY do not stop taking 3 mg ropinerole cold turkey for gabapentin. That is quite a high dose. You must very slowly titrate down.

[KickininAz in reply to Newmomma567]

Thank you, I thought that was the way to do it, but I wanted to be sure. Was hoping I could just switch medications, as I have heard that it is very difficult to get off of ropinerole. I will wait til I see the doctor in September and hope he can help me safely get off ropinerole. Thanks, Cathy

[troopdad]

Two things to look for in both meds. Roperrple after years and increasing spending habits Spending kinda sneaks in so you have to watch the intake and spending habits I take two tablets a day. Gabberoentin is a personality changer. When I was on it I tried to run my wife off and came near to filing a malpractice suit... After interviewing friends she stopped it.thanks, Doc.