Targinact

[Quiltingmum]

I have had RLS for over 20 years and have tried most medications, the latest being Pregabalin, which was good but is now not working so well. I therefore asked my GP if I could try Targinact as I read this is now licensed for RLS. He has agreed and I just need to taper Pregabalin. Can anyone here give their experience of Targinact, which is Oxycodone and Nalaxone (spelling) and a dose that worked? Also how long does it take to wean Pregabalin 300mg?

Thanks for any help.

[SueJohnson]

Reduce by 25 mg every 2 weeks.

[Joolsg]

I was on Oxycontin ( without the naloxone) and pregabalin for 5 years.Sadly, it didn't help my severe RLS.

However, it does work for many.

The main problem seems to be mini opioid withdrawals as Oxycontin is supposed to last 12 hours, which is why it's prescribed in 2 doses 12 hours apart. But, it only lasts 4 or 5 hours for many of us. Mini opioid withdrawals cause RLS.

If that happens, you could ask for the lowest 5mg dose and take it every 4 or 6 hours.

I actually started pregabalin after Oxycontin because I developed opioid panic attacks. Pregabalin stopped them.

When I switched to Buprenorphine, I reduced the pregabalin very slowly over a very long time period, but I think reducing by 25mg every 2 weeks is probably easier.

[Walmer3463 in reply to Joolsg]

I am taking 5mg Targin (Oxycontin with naloxone) twice a day and it is controlling my RLS. However I am experiencing anxiety especially at night and this is leading to serious insomnia. Do you think I might be better off if I switched to Buprenorphine.

[Joolsg in reply to Walmer3463]

No, if Targinact is working for RLS, keep taking it, but add something for the anxiety.Opioid induced anxiety is a side effect of Buprenorphine as well.

If you didn't have anxiety before starting targinact, you're probably experiencing it as a side effect.

You can add a small dose of pregabalin or trazodone to control the anxiety.

I take 25mg of pregabalin at night and it stops all the panic attacks and anxiety caused by Buprenorphine.

[familynash5]

You are right to ask because it seems to me this is a really complex area and different for everyone. For me Targinact was a miracle cure, until it wasn’t, and I was dependent on this opioid. This may have been worsened by taking dopamine agonists for years beforehand. Targinact gradually became less effective and my dosage had to increase. I realised I had a problem and wanted to come off it. The withdrawal after 10 years took many months and was extremely nasty so while I wish you well I feel obliged to tell you it’s not the answer for everyone. A ferritin infusion and no alcohol has been more effective for me. People on this forum can explain it better than me and hopefully get you the advice you seek. Good luck.