Lyrica

[MARISEGATIEN]

Hello,After 2 months, I have reatched 400mg of Lyrica and still RLS. I can't sleep. I had also test Requip and It didn't work. What is the next step?

[SueJohnson]

A low dose opioid.

I would recommend buprenorphine or methadone as they are long lasting. Most of the others last only 4 to 6 hours and need to be taken that often or you will have mini withdrawals. If you are prescribed one of the others be sure you are given enough to take them that often.

To come off lyrica reduce by 25 mg every 2 weeks to avoid withdrawal effects.

Are you off the dopamine agonist?

[Joolsg]

Low dose, long half life opioids. Buprenorphine or methadone.Hopefully you will find a knowledgeable doctor who is aware that opioids are very effective for RLS and do not cause addiction or tolerance ( Massachussetts General Hospital RLS Opioid Register).

[SueJohnson]

A month ago you were on Neupro and wanted to wait until you were on 150 mg Lyrica before starting to reduce it.

So you are either still on Neupro which means Lyrica won't work, or you haven't been off Neupro long enough for your symptoms to settle in which case Lyrica won't work.

If you were on the lowest dose of Neupro 1 month ago which is 1 mg it would take you 8 to 12 weeks to come off it and several more weeks for your symptoms to settle so of course the lyrica is not helping.

So before you do anything give it enough time to work.

[MARISEGATIEN]

I had blurred vision and I was stunned. I was off Neupro but Cannot sleep. I stop Lyrica and Return to 3mg of Neupro. I was very depressive so I Cannot to continue on Lyrica. I'm on a waiting list for a Neurologist in Canada DR Alex Desautels. I have to wait one year and half. Until this moment, I think I will stop to try anything. My doctor refuse to help me with opinoids.

[SueJohnson in reply to MARISEGATIEN]

What about dipyridamole? Where do you live in Canada? I might be able to give you the name of a doctor that will prescribe opioids.

[MARISEGATIEN in reply to SueJohnson]

I live Near Montréal, Québec. Otterburn Park

[SueJohnson in reply to MARISEGATIEN]

I'm sorry. I don't have any names of doctors in Quebec. You might want to make a post asking if any forum members have a knowledgeable doctor in Quebec.

[Birdland in reply to MARISEGATIEN]

When you stopped Neupro did you do so very quickly? If so, that could be why you got depressed. Withdrawal from dopamine agonists like Neupro can cause major depression. It’s very difficult to come off these drugs and the quicker you cut back the more difficult it can be. Tapering slowly over weeks or even months is usually recommended. It’s possible that the negative experience you had with Lyrica was actually from Neupro withdrawal.

[MARISEGATIEN in reply to Birdland]

The problème is I followed the instruction of my doctor. I'm on waiting list for Neurologist Who accept to give opinoids but it wil be only un 1 year and half.

[Abookwriter2]

Ropinerole worked for me til augmentation which will happen with all the agonists. My specialist put me on low dose opioid and for three years it works great. No increase needed. You need to be able to trust yourself with an opioid-I’ve had no issue.

[Wanttorelax]

I am trying horizant now. Not going well. They have suggested Methadone as a next step if the horizant does not work. Not sure how I feel about methadone but I am exhausted and may be at the point of trying anything.