Pramipexole - the latest.

[Lineker]

Here’s the situation: I have spent the last 30 days slowly withdrawing from Pramipexole. As I write I have now done 4 days without any Pramipexole. Here are my observations:

Psychologically, I feel much better knowing that I will never touch Pramipexole again. The biggest surprise is that I have been sleeping ok. I really don’t know why. I have been concentrating on my breathing which may be helping. At night I have been taking CoCodamol and I have just started Gabapentin - 300mgs - 3 times per day - 9am, 3pm and 9pm.

The nights have been ok, but the days have been awful: flu-like symptoms and legs shaking all day to the point where I can’t think straight. I keep telling myself this is the withdrawal and things will improve as the days pass and the Gabapentin starts to work.

Is this a reasonable expectation? Regards to everyone.

[SueJohnson]

Nausea and vomiting if that is what you mean by flu like symptoms are normal as well as legs shaking. If that is not what you mean then what are your symptoms?

[Lineker in reply to SueJohnson]

No vomiting Sue, but massive fatigue.

[SueJohnson in reply to Lineker]

That is a side effect of coming off pramipexole and gabapentin can cause fatigue too. But it should become much better as the days pass and the side effects of coming off pramipexole go away and your body gets used to the gabapentin.

If it is really bothering you, you could ask for a prescription temporarily for adderal or ritalin. Take it in the morning so it will wear off by evening.

[ChrisColumbus]

Besides the effects of coming off pramipexole, there are a long list of possible common side effects linked to gabapentin. Besides those that Sue mentions the British National Formulary adds (amongst others) such things as cough, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fever, headache and general malaise. Some of these are also common with co-codamol.

The NHS advises that "the effects are usually mild and go away by themselves, but if they persist keep taking the medicine....but talk to your doctor if the side effects bother you or do not go away".

[Lineker in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thanks for this information Chris. It really helps.

[707twitcher]

Buprenorphine has been suggested to you a couple times. Did you try that? You are experiencing DAWS (Dopamine Agonist Withdrawal Syndrome) along with possible gabapentin side effects.

[Lineker in reply to 707twitcher]

I asked for Buprenorphine but my doctor was very reluctant. So no go.

[SueJohnson]

Why are you taking the gabapentin at 9 am and 3 pm?

[Lineker in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue - because my legs are shaking and hurting all day. My doctor suggested those times.

[SueJohnson in reply to Lineker]

Ahh - OK. Once you are through the side effects of coming off pramipexole you will only need it in the evening. Don't just stop taking it in the daytime though or you will have withdrawal effects. Add 300 mg to your 9 pm dose and then take 300 mg at 7 pm.

[Lineker in reply to SueJohnson]

Let me spell this out so I get it right. Nothing during the day; 300mg at 7pm; and 600mg at 9.00. Can you confirm this Sue? I have read so much, it can get confusing.

Many thanks once more.

[SueJohnson in reply to Lineker]

Yes that's right.

[Lineker in reply to SueJohnson]

One last thing Sue - why is it better to take the Gabapentin at night, when doctors suggest 3 times throughout the day. Thanks.

[SueJohnson in reply to Lineker]

Gabapentin is normally prescribed for neuropathic pain which occurs all day long so that is what the prescribing leaflet says. It is not officially prescribed for RLS but is prescribed off label.

[Lineker in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks again Sue.

[Shellyj65]

I've went cold turkey off pramipexole 4 weeks ago. I still feel fluey in afternoons.

[Lineker in reply to Shellyj65]

Thanks. Hope you’re better soon.