Transitioning from Ropinerole & Gabapentin to Pregabalin

[Jackiep1216]

Hi, I just went to the new designated Quality Care Center at UPMC in Pittsburgh. The Dr. put me on 25mg of Pregabalin 3xs a day. 25mg at 5:00pm, 9:00pm at 12:00 am. I am in week 3 and I am averaging about 3- 4 hrs of sleep because my RLS kicks in. It kicks in around 10 pm as well. Is this from withdrawal from the ropinerole which I am reducing slowly ? Am I taking the Pregabalin at the right times at the right dose for RLS?

[SueJohnson]

It could certainly be from the withdrawal from ropinirole. In any case the pregabalin won't help much while you are still on ropinirole. Who is your new doctor?

[Jackiep1216 in reply to SueJohnson]

Dr. Avinash Aggarwal.

[SueJohnson in reply to Jackiep1216]

Then you are in excellent hands

[Jackiep1216]

I like her! I traveled 5 hrs to see her. It's just wanted this groups' expertise! 😊

[Joolsg]

As you reduce Ropinirole, the RLS dramatically increases in severity and the pregabalin doesn't stop the withdrawal symptoms. You'll have many sleepless nights.

Have a look at the withdrawal schedule on the RLS-UK website, under 'Useful resources' & it sets out what to expect.

You will have a tough time, BUT it's worth it. Symptoms start to settle about a month after the last dose of Ropinirole.

rls-uk.org/useful-resources

The pregabalin starts to kick in slowly once completely off Ropinirole.

[Jackiep1216 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you guys!

[LotteM]

Just wondering… Why did your doctor prescribe the pregabalin in doses divided over the day, and not concentrated in the evening? What did she tell you to expect from this change of medicines? Good to hear you are withdrawing sliwly from the ropinerole. Slow down further if it is too tough, or ask for additional (weak) opioid-like med like tramadol temporarily / as needed for the withdrawal period. You will be better afterwards. Hold on 💪🏻

[Jackiep1216 in reply to LotteM]

Thank you. My RLS has been starting these days around 6:00 and then around 10:00. I think she staggered them because of that, but I'm not sure. They definitely aren't helping right now though that is why I posed the question.