Gababentin or Pregablin

[Whymelord]

Hi Sue Johnson,as you know I have been taking Pregablin for a short while now and trying to come off Pramipexole.i stopped the latter for a few nights now and it's horrific but I'm determined to stop them.i see you generally recommend Gababentin rather than Pregablin, as the Pregablin isn't helping a great deal do you think maybe I should ask my GP to change my prescription, what is your opinion on which is best.

[SueJohnson]

They both work the same and I don't think you should change. I usually advise gabapentin to someone who is just starting because they can increase the amount they take in smaller amounts until they find the dose that works for them. Also, in the US, gabapentin is cheaper.

[Whymelord in reply to SueJohnson]

Thankyou Sue,I'm in N.Ireland,my GP definitely does not help.I attended an appointment at my local hospital for another reason and mentioned to the specialist about RLS and how desperate I was feeling,it was her who prescribed Pregablin otherwise I would still be given Pramipexole. My mum used to say that ,whenever you are classed as old (70s)gp's aren't as attentive as they should be,now I can see what she meant,I really appreciate your advice and information.

[rrggrr]

Whymelord ... If not already taking, you may find a better result with Gabapentin Encarbil which is more bioavailable. You can also try staggering Gabapentin dosing. And, lastly, you may increase the effectiveness of Gabapentin with medical cannabis, though probably with some diminishing returns over time b/c cannabis increases dopamine release and might cause/prolong augmentation over time.

[Birdland]

Hi. You say you have only stopped Pramipexole for a few nights. From my experience, the 4 weeks after last dose of a DA is when RLS symptoms are at their worst. You could still be expecting DA withdraw. My symptoms started improving in 5th week. It’s possible Pregablin won’t be fully effective until you complete your DA withdrawal.

[Doings]

I came off Pramipexole after 25 years. I took a few weeks cutting it down by a quarter pill every 2 weeks. So very slowly. About 3 weeks before final quarter of the Pramipexole i began Pregabalin so overlapped 3 weeks. It worked fine fir me. Good luck.