Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

[Theonlypetied]

Hello everyone. Several weeks ago I started taking Pregabalin whilst weaning off Pramipexole. I’m now on 150mg of Pregab. 3 weeks ago, I took my last Pram! Yayyyyyy!!!!! Since then, the RLS has almost completely gone, which is a lovely result. However, my night time PLMD is quite bad. Sleep deprivation is horrid. Trying to work and do life is such hard work. Does anyone know if Pragab treats PLMD as well or is it only effective against RLS? Should I be asking my GP for higher doses of Pregab or is it too soon? Thanks all x

[SueJohnson]

That is terrific about your RLS ! So pleased for you. Yes pregabalin treats PLMD too. And you can raise the pregabalin by 25 mg every 2 days until it is controlled.

[Theonlypetied in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue. Just got to persuade whatever Doctor picks up my email request for smaller tabs to raise Pregab incrementally.

[Amrob]

Yes pregabalin is also used for PLMD. I have used it with some success for several years. 312mg is the mean effective dose so you have some room to increase. I'd suggest increasing by 25mg slowly as there can be night to night variation with PLMD.

[Theonlypetied in reply to Amrob]

Thank you Amrob.

[CsiguZ]

As far as I know gabapentin enacarbil is the best for PLMD, unfortunately this is not available in my country.

[SueJohnson in reply to CsiguZ]

It is not really necessary for PLMD which occurs mostly at night and horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is a 24 hour a day medicine. Gabapentin and pregabalin would be a better choice

[Tanker1]

My primary problem is PLM. I think I am fortunate that my PLM has a strong circadian rhythm with peak symptoms from 9:00 pm-2:00 am. This allows me to target that time with the meds. I have increased my pregabalin to 350 mg and even that doesn't always work. I've experimented with different times for the dose and find that taking 300 mg about 2 hours before I try to sleep + 50 mg just before bedtime seems relatively effective. I also have access to Kratom and cannabis (both are legal here) which helps on the worst nights. Massage and stretching are useful as is some good aerobic exercise each day. My symptoms are highly variable from night to night and I have yet to figure out the cause but I know it is not the usual suspects (caffeine, alcohol).

PS: I switched to pregabalin from gabapentin and pregabalin seems more effective and is easier to take as I don't have to worry about taking the 600 mg, 2 hours apart.

[Theonlypetied in reply to Tanker1]

thank you. An interesting perspective there. Gonna give that some thought.

[wantokporo]

If pregabalin or gabapentin is mostly helping, look into high glutamate foods and cut them out of your diet; also prepared Foods.

[pennygates]

So pleased for you to hear that you have managed to come off Pramipexole. That's a great achievement. I wish you luck and good managent in the future.