Switching from pramipexole to gabapentin - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,319 members16,384 posts

Switching from pramipexole to gabapentin

LULI018 profile image
6 Replies

Dear all,

I have been taking pramipexole once a day (0.18) for over 3 years to treat severe (daily) RLS. However, I would like to switch to gabapentin if possible. Could anybody tell me what the best way is to do this? Can I combine the 2 medications in the beginning until the gabapentin starts working? I really couldn't bear being without pain relief. Thanks in advance!

Written by
LULI018 profile image
LULI018
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

First off check if you are on the slow release pramipexole. The slow release ones usually have ER or XL after their name. If so you need to switch to the regular pramipexole because the slow releases ones can't be cut.

To come off pramipexole reduce by half of a .088 [.125] tablet) (ask for a prescription of these if needed)every 2 weeks or so. You will have increased symptoms. You may need to reduce more slowly or with a smaller amount or you may be able to reduce more quickly. Wait until the increased symptoms from each reduction has settled before going to the next one. You will suffer and may need a low dose opioid temporarily to help out with the symptoms especially as you near the end. Some have used kratom or cannabis temporarily to help. But in the long run, you will be glad you came off it.

Dopamine agonists like ropinirole and pramipexole and the Neupro patch (Rotigotine)are no longer the first line treatment for RLS. Gabapentin or pregabalin is. (Pregabalin is more expensive than gabapentin in the US.) The beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin (75 mg pregabalin) [If you are over 65 and susceptible to falls beginning dose is 100 mg (50 mg pregabalin.)] Start it 3 weeks before you are off pramipexole although it won't be fully effective until you are off it for several weeks. After that increase it by 100 mg (25 mg pregabalin) every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you. Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. (You don't need to split the doses with pregabalin) Most of the side effects will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. If you take magnesium even in a multivitamin, take it at least 3 hours before or after taking gabapentin (it is OK with pregabalin) as it will interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and if you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason (not sure about pregabalin). According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin (200 to 300 mg pregabalin)."

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so what was it? This is the first thing that should be done for RLS. Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not ask your doctor for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including in a multivitamin 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before and fast after midnight. Have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. If your ferritin is less than 100 or your transferrin saturation is less than 20% ask for an iron infusion to quickly bring it up as this will help your withdrawal. If you can't get an infusion, let us know and we can advise you further.

Check out the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS which will tell you everything you want to know including about its treatment and refer your doctor to it if needed as many doctors do not know much about RLS or are not up-to-date on it as yours obviously isn't or s/he would never have prescribed a dopamine agonist at Https://mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, foods high in glutamate, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), collagen supplements, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennell, low oxalate diet, a low-inflammatory 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, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak (epsom salts), vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, playing and listening to music, creative hobbies, meditation and yoga.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any I may be able to provide a safe alternative.

LULI018 profile image
LULI018 in reply toSueJohnson

Thank you very much indeed !

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

Sadly, gabapentin won't stop the severe RLS withdrawals as you reduce Pramipexole.There are only a few people on here that have avoided a hellish withdrawal, and they have used methadone or Buprenorphine.

So, start the withdrawal, as set out by SueJohnson, but at each reduction, the RLS will worsen severely. So ask your doctor for an opioid, like codeine 30mg, tramadol 50mg or oxycodone 10mg. Take the opioid for 3 to 4 days to settle the withdrawals.

Then repeat at the next reduction.

Don't let the severe RLS and pain stop you reducing Pramipexole.

Once you are off Pramipexole completely, your RLS will settle and then gabapentin will start to work around a month after the last dose of Pramipexole.

Take gabapentin at night only.

LULI018 profile image
LULI018 in reply toJoolsg

Thank you!! 🙏🙏

Hi just to say im currently moving from prami to pregabalin, suffered really bad withdrawals by not being advised properly by my gp. The folks on here know what they are on about, follow their advice and you will feel better from it. Just bear with it. Good luck

LULI018 profile image
LULI018 in reply to

Thank you! :-)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

switching from pramipexole to gabapentin

I have taken pramipexole for rls for over 10 years. Sometimes it really helped and sometimes not so...
Noreo profile image

Switching from Pregablin to Gabapentin

Hi, I'm thinking of changing to try gabapentin because I'm not sure if my body has got used to...
Davidbaldbloke profile image

Switching from Gabapentin to Pregabalin

Dear all After months on Gabapentin 1200mg, which was working for my RLS/PLMA, it suddenly became...
magarlick profile image

transition from pramipexole to gabapentin

My GP initially prescribed me pramipexole which I have been taking for the last two months (one 88...

SWITCHING FROM GABAPENTIN TO PREGABALIN

I am currently taking Gabapentin 1200 mg. (600 mg 4 hours before bed and 600 mg 2 hours before...
BAB97TIE profile image

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.