One of the side effect of Pramipexole is paranoia. I am frightened being in my third floor flat on my own. I know that Iam perfectly safe but still feel fear. I’ve never been a nervous person and don’t know what I’m afraid of so think it might be the medication. Because I am rational about it the doctor doesn’t think it is the Pramipexole and has prescribed me Citalopram for anxiety and suggested counselling. Neither has helped. Does anyone else have this side effect?
Lois Burke
Hello and sorry to hear of your problem.
I have never heard of paranoia being a side effect of pramipexole.
However, symptoms of psychosis are a known side effect. These usually consist of hallucinations, but I guess paranoia could be a possible side effect.
Howver, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by paranoia, people often confuse anxiety with paranoia, it is not the same however.
As you say you've never been nervous before this would seem a little odd, but not unknown.
Whether it is the pramipexole or not depends on when you started taking the pramipexole and when the paranooa started.
I can say that your Dr is ignorant about the management of RLS however. Antidepressants such as citalopram make RLS worse. It may help with your anxiety of you have any, but at the expense of your RLS. The drug can significantly affect RLS to the point of severity.
I'm not a doctor hence cannot give a defintie "diagbnosis", nor can I advise you what medicine to take.
However, overall I wpould say it would be better to stop the pramipexole, psychcosis is a known side effect and also to stop the citalopram which will make your RLS worse.
A replacement for the pramipexole would be gabapentin or pregabalin. These are now the first recommended treatments for RLS. They can also promote sleep and ease anxiety. I siuggest you therefore discuss this with your Dr.
If your Dr has any doubts about gabapentin or pregabalin for RLS and the effect of antidepressants on RLS, you can refer him/her to these links.
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/rest...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/274...
mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...
Do NOT suddenly stop taking th pramipexole. Before considering weaning off it ask for more information on how to do this.
Hello LoisTonya, I have been on Pramipexole since it was invented. How long have you been taking it? I have not noticed paranoia. I have lots of side affects, but I attribute them to lack of sleep. I have some questions:How long have you lived on the third floor?
What are you frightened about, the building falling down, someone breaking in?
You said you frightened being on your own. How long have you been on your own?
Sorry to bombard you with questions, but it will be helpful to know more about your situation.
Hello Josana,I’ve been taking Pramipexole for approximately two years.
I have no idea what I’m afraid of - that’s why I thought it could be a side effect.
My husband died 25 years ago and I’ve lived alone ever since. 3 years after he died I met Jack and we became a couple although we never lived together but spent most of our time together. He died two years ago.
My granddaughter, who is a nurse, doesn’t think my problem is caused by medication. She says I have all the symptoms of anxiety so I shall try to make an appointment with my doctor
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