Ropinerole augmentation

[pyramidhiker]

I would like some opinions on this question. I have been on a dopamine agonist for a little over 2 years. Currently on 2 mg of ropinerole before sleep. My last increase was 4-5 months ago. I have decided against anymore increases and will look to switch to Gabapentin if augmentation appears evident. My neurologist has indicated that many of her patients top out at 2 mg, so I am hopeful. She is also good about opioids if needed PRN. BTW I am 70 years and my father developed neuropathy in his 80's but absolutely hated the sedative effects of Gabapentin. He and I have similar responses to meds in general, so I am somewhat apprehensive about gabapentin. However I also struggle with insomnia and the Gabapentin may help with that. But at 70 and stairs in the home I am also worried about clumsiness and disorientation. Thank you for any help provide.

[SueJohnson]

If you are asking about gabapentin, I am 83, take 1500 mg and have stairs in my house. I'm a little off balance when I wake up but it is very controllable. And it is much better after I have coffee. You could even have it upstairs and have coffee before you come downstairs. Of course there are also banisters on stairs to hold on to, I have never fallen nor felt like I might. And if you find the side effects on gabapentin aren't tolerable you can always switch to pregabalin. Although it is basically the same drug except you don't need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other

[pyramidhiker in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue.

[DicCarlson]

Sounds like you have a knowledgeable doctor! When using stairs - always wear shoes or slippers - bare feet or stocking feet are prone to slip on wooden stairs. Never go down stairs holding something with both hands - use one to hold on to a banister.

[Mybella123 in reply to DicCarlson]

very sensible advise.i have been on everything imaginable over the 35 years or so that I have had R,L,S,I am on Buprenorphine and I wear the Neupro patch.. I am 76.not suffering too badly lately,although I have a lot of stress at the moment,