Need clarification please

[BarnGir1]

As I reduce my Requip dosage, and continue my OTC meds which seem to be helping, could I stabilize enough to tolerate infrequent breakthroughs at the lower dose? Or do I need to continue to reduce dosage until I am off Requip completely? Thanks for advice and feedback.

[SueJohnson]

Your infrequent breakthroughs will become more frequent as time goes by and you will again suffer from augmentation and the longer you are on it, the more likely that your dopamine receptors will be damaged so that gabapentin or pregabalin won't work. I would get completely off it.

[BarnGir1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you. I am not sure I can take either gaba or prega and I do not want to return to the neurologist who prescribed Requip. We are in a very rural area of the US and I am trying to figure out who I should see if my hematologist does not think he is the appropriate doc for me. Even with this sketchy bit of info, any suggestions?

[SueJohnson in reply to BarnGir1]

Where do you live? What's the closest city? I may be able to suggest a doctor.

[BarnGir1 in reply to SueJohnson]

I have seen a doc in Nashville, TN at Vanderbilt for migraine headache but don't know if my GP would refer me again. Other closest city is probably Louisville, KY. Each city is at least 2 hours away and I cannot currently leave husband that long. Maybe the hematologist, in Paducah, KY about 1 hour away, could recommend someone in Paducah if he won't continue to see me. However, the neurologist referred me to him when RLS got really bad and he is the one who ordered the 3 infusions but because of COVID 19, I have not seen him recently. Have an appt. with him in late July.

[SueJohnson in reply to BarnGir1]

Dr. Arthur S. Walters [phone] in Nashville is a neurologist. He also teaches at Vanderbilt. He is an internationally recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related movement disorders and, in particular RLS). With the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group he took the leadership role in establishing universal clinical criteria for the diagnosis of RLS and validating the first rating scale for RLS severity. He does telemedicine appointments so you might not even have to drive there. You don't need a referral to see any doctor. You can just call and make an appointment yourself.

[BarnGir1 in reply to SueJohnson]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so very much.