Has anyone recovered from DAWS? How long did it take?
Please be succinct, because I've become so stupid, I can barely comprehend anything more than a few sentences.
Please let me know if there is light at the end of this tunnel.
I took my final dose of ropinerole 6 weeks ago after tapering for 6 months.
Liz
Yes. It can take several months. You have been severely sleep deprived for months.
Finding the right doctor and the right treatment from now on can make all the difference.
Most of us have been through dopamine agonist withdrawal. The majority will recover.
What treatment are you now on? Have you raised your serum ferritin above 100ųg, preferably 200ųg/L?
Yes, Iron is high following 2 infusions. I'm on .5 mg suboxone for relief of RLS. It's the deep depression that I'm having trouble with. I also have flu like symptoms, nausea, fatigue and headache. And I feel anxious when I am away from home. I feel disconnected from life. I'm afraid my business is going to fail because I am no longer invested in it.
6 weeks is no time at all.Also, Buprenorphine can cause anxiety. I started it and it instantly stopped ALL my RLS, but 4 weeks later I developed opioid induced anxiety/panic.
I added a small dose of pregabalin, a sedating med, and it resolvd the anxiety.
So, allow yourself at least 4 to 5 months to recover from years on Ropinirole. Your brain has had years of dopamine, the pleasure chemical, and that's been suddenly stripped away.
Your brain needs time to adjust.
Try to accept it and allow your brain.and body to heal slowly.
The nausea is also common.on Buprenorphine. I took medical cannabis for 10 days and it totally resolved it.
If the depression doesn't lift by adding a small dose of pregabalin, discuss with your doctor and ask for trazodone. Many find it helps their mood and improves sleep.
Short answer: YES (not me, I never took DAs), plenty have, it takes time, you'll get there!
Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of help, support and understanding here.
Congratulations on getting off the ropinirole. I know it wasn't easy.
Since you are in the US you can also get Wellbutrin if needed for depression. It is the best one for depression although trazodone also helps anxiety.
Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise.
Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, C, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.
Hi. I had DAWS when I stopped Pramipexole. It was bad - but it did end. It will not last - hang in there. It will take a few months. It will DEFINITELY end. Don't take your emotions seriously - remind yourself that this is DAWS, not you, and it will end.
Good luck to you Liz. DAWS was one of the worst experiences of my life. It took me a very long time to improve. I have never returned to my normal self but then again I was on an extremely high dose of a DA. Most people DO recover. Gary gave some good advice. Remind yourself that it is the DAWS and it will get better. Try to stay busy. Best wishes
my DAWS started slowly improving after two months (after 12 years on Pramipexole ). I tried one of the recommended antidepressants (trazadone or bupropion), but that worsened my RLS. But you might try one - my experience with the RLS symptoms is apparently unusual. In any event, you should start seeing some improvement any day now.
If the suboxone has your RLS symptoms under control, you might try reducing the dose slowly to see if that improves the nausea, etc. You can cut the suboxone strips or tablets if that is how you are taking it. Go slow and find the minimal dose that works for you.
hi there. Nothing new to add but basically to confirm all others have said.
DA withdrawal can take weeks/months. It can be hell. BUT ITS WORTH IT!
transitioning from your last DA to a suitable dose of an alternative can take weeks. It can be hell. BUT ITS WORTH IT!
Getting the effects of DAs from your system can take weeks. It’s frustrating. BUT ITS WORTH IT!
I am now on Pregabalin for over a year. It’s not as good for me as Pram was in the beginning but it didn’t last. So despite Pregab not being so good, ITS WORTH IT!
Hand in there friend!
Help with DA augmentation recovery
Device called \"roll recovery\"
Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome: DAWS
This is a MUST READ if you are considering quitting dopamine drugs!
Withdrawal from Mirapexin. 
