Neupro patch stopped working

[banjololapoppy]

I have been on a 2mg Neupro patch for the last few years, I have had good success with it and it has given me great relief in the past. In the last few weeks they have stopped working and I now find I have to take an opiate every night to get any sleep I can.I am thinking of trying Buprenorphine .... my question is do I need to wean off the patches before I can take Buprenorphine? I would like to stop taking the patches as they just don't work anymore

Appreciate your replies.

[Madlegs1]

Check out any changes in your life--- diet, body care products etc.

Something changed in your life. I find a simple thing like changing a brand can really mess me up.

Good luck.

[SueJohnson]

If they are not working, you are probably augmenting. and do need to come off the patch. Ask for 1 mg patches so you can cut them in quarters so you can reduce by 25 mg every couple of weeks. You may need to reduce more slowly or by a smaller amount. Wait until the symptoms from each reduction settle before reducing any further. You don't need to wean off the patches before taking Buprenorphine. Have you had your ferritin checked? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. When you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements 48 hours before the test, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not , post them here and we can give you advice.

[SueJohnson]

Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not uptodate on it as yours obviously isn't or s/he would never have prescribed a dopamine agonist at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[SueJohnson]

Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music and yoga. Are you taking any medicines or OTC supplements? Many can make RLS worse. If you list them here I can tell you if they make RLS worse and may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[Joolsg]

Sue has set out everything you need to consider. Were you on Ropinirole or Pramipexole before the patch?You should reduce the patch and get down to about 1mg before starting Buprenorphine and use Buprenorphine to get you through the withdrawal from the patch.

If you stay on the patch while on Buprenorphine, the patch will cause augmentation ( increase in severity of symptoms) & they usually break through even if you're on an opioid.

[Simkin]

I found neupro patches a wonder drug for me but sadly like pramipexole and any other RLS drug they eventually stop working.I just wish I had an answer.

[Jetto]

if you have been taking opioids over 6 days or so you may have so withdrawal. If the new drug has any opioid's in it you should not take both.