Pramipexole withdrawal

[rls-ottawa]

My scenario,

I've been on pramipexole for the last 3 months with constant dose of daily one 0.25mg tablet 2 hours before the bedtime. If I decide to stop, should I taper off by 1/4 of the tablet for 2 weeks 4 times or just stop it "cold turkey"?

Thank you, all.

[Madlegs1]

Very much on how much pain you wish to experience.

Either is possible.

My own choice would be to go for your first option.

You have not been on a particularly high dose for very long, so there shouldn't be much difficulty.

There have been a lot of posts on this topic-- might be worthwhile checking them out. --- pinned posts at bottom of this page ,or use search option.

Good luck.

[SueJohnson]

It depends on your personality. Would you want to suffer more as Madlegs1 said but get it over with faster, or suffer less but take longer. As you already know the usual advice is to reduce by .125 mg every 2 weeks or so. You may need to reduce more slowly or with a smaller amount like the 1/4 tablet you mentioned. Wait until the increased symptoms from each reduction has settled before going to the next one. You will suffer. However since you have only been on it for 3 months it may not be too bad either way.

[SueJohnson]

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 including multivitamins that have iron in them 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 some advice.

[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, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.

[Aujamw]

be very careful about decreasing pramipexole I was on 3 mg and had to slowly reduce very slowly. If you try to reduce follow some of the others advice about stepping down slowly as you may have withdrawal. You are a much lower dose so may not have as many problems but best not to go cold Turkey.

[Patriciamattozzi]

call your physician. Do NOT stop taking the drug. Serious side effects similar to cocaine withdrawal.

[lollydog35]

I am on pramipexole and not finding it much help. I am trying to see a Doctor ( but it’s not easy where I live) but I believe it should be reduced gradually. From what I see on here it’s not easy to get off. Hope it goes well for you.