The Looong Road

[Catlady4921]

I am completely off Ropinerole and have also weaned myself off Fluoxetine but am struggling with Sinemet. When I finally stopped the antidepressant the RLS through the day reduced quite dramatically which really surprised and delighted me , it hasn’t stopped or reduced the evening and night sadly. Although I have reduced the Sinemet from 4 to 2 tablets , the temptation to get some sleep is overwhelming . My GP has prescribed Pregabalin but I am not convinced it is doing anything for me and he has refused to offer any other help . The doctor at the pain clinic knows nothing about this disease and suggested cold water swimming and changing to a Keto diet . Can anyone help me through this final stage ?

[Elffindoe]

Hi, well done for getting of the DA and the AD!

Getting off the sinemet may be the last stretch, so keep going.

You DO need a replacement and pregabalin is recommended.

You may still be suffering DA withdrawals and also if you're reducing the sinemet.

Please NOTE then that

Pregabalin may not be fully effective until all withdrawals have passed.

You may have to take it for at least 3 weeks for it to work. It's no quick fix like the DAs.

You also have to have a sufficient dose.

Starting dose 50 to 75 mg depending on age. Typical minimal effective dose is 150mg. Maximum is 450mg.

Dose is increased in steps of 50mg until it works.

You must not think pregabalin isn't going to work until you've been taking it at least 6 weeks.

[Catlady4921 in reply to Elffindoe]

Thanks Elffindoe , I will keep going .

[tealsea]

I got off of Prozac when my doctor said it’s a known contributor to RLS. Whew!

[Catlady4921 in reply to tealsea]

Well done 😃

[Sillylily]

Wonderful! It is such a difficult thing to do. Good for you.

I did want to let you know that Dr. Buchfuhrer prescribed Sinemet for me. 1 tablet once or twice per week on really bad nights. I rarely take it anymore but it helped in the early stage of getting off of Mirapex. Not sure if that will help you or not. I wish you strength and peaceful sleep.

[Catlady4921 in reply to Sillylily]

Thank you, it does help I am already feeling better and even sleeping better although evenings are still challenging. It’s great that you take the time to reply . Your words and thoughts are wonderful . Well done to you for getting off Mirapex . Good luck and best wishes .

[DicCarlson]

Good for you! The Keto diet for RLS recommendation is laudable if you can get into it - it's pretty strict. It's close cousin is Paleo Diet. Good websites if you want to try...

ruled.me/

marksdailyapple.com/

[Catlady4921 in reply to DicCarlson]

Thank you so much , it’s new to me so the link is invaluable . I don’t know how I would have survived without all the advice and support. You are all wonderfully brilliant 😊