Ropinirole withdrawal

[Daisysparkle]

Hello. I have already received some really good advice on here 😊. I’m on 0.75mg ropinirole and have now been taking 300mg gabapentin for 3 week. I usually take the ropinirole at 9pm and gabapentin around 11pm. I wake about 5am with restless legs, sometimes take paracetamol and have a walk then I might get a little more sleep. Also I get augmentation in the evening. I’m desperate to get off Ropinirole. I’m going to drop 0.25mg ropinirole to start but what time shall I take the gabpentin and can I take anything else if I struggle. Also. I’m back at the drs next week. Do I just keep to 300mg until I’m completely off ropinirole 🤔

[SueJohnson]

Take the gabapentin 1-2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. If you later 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)

If you take magnesium even in a multivitamin or magnesium-rich foods, 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 nor calcium-rich foods within 2 hours for the same reason

Ask for a low dose opioid temporarily to help come off ropinirole. Emphasize to your doctor the temporary part. Or kratom or cannabis.

[Daisysparkle in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you. My dr has prescribed 15mg codeine to take with ropinirole but I haven’t taken any since started on gabapentin. I’m not looking forward to weaning off ropinirole but I know i need to.

[SueJohnson in reply to Daisysparkle]

15 mg is below the starting dose but it should help when you start reducing. I would save it for then. You can also get OTC Cocodamol with contains 30 mg codeine combined with 500 mg of acetaminophen which you may need since codeine usually only lasts 4 hours.

[Joolsg]

Read the withdrawal schedule in 'useful resources' on RLS-UK website so you are aware of what to expect when you drop the last 0.25mg Ropinirole pill. Show your GP.

Take 2 to 3 weeks off work/all social occasions for after last dose of Ropinirole.

It will be very, very severe.

If you struggle, ask your GP for a stronger opioid. 15mg codeine is the weakest opioid and that's a very small dose. Ask for 50mg tramadol or 10mg oxycodone. You will need them for the 2 week withdrawal when your RLS will become extremely severe and you'll get little to no sleep.

The gabapentin won't help much until you're through the withdrawals completely.

You are doing really well. You are almost there. The RLS will be so much better once you're completely off Ropinirole and the withdrawals settle after 2 to 3 weeks.

Good luck.

[Symbionforlife]

You have taken excellent steps to wean yourself off Ropinarole and prepare for the last leg of the journey. My experience allowed me to take the last step using 900 g Gabapentin; 300 mg early around 8:00PM and 600 mg at 10:00 PM along with gentle iron. Everyone agrees that you may have a difficult week during this transformation, but then it's like a light switch to peace! You are almost there, best success.

[Carlettejaque]

Keep to the 300mg of Gabapentin until you see the doctor. It can take up to 3 months for Gaba to work . I would advise that you take it for 3 months before reducing other medications. Good luck.

[SueJohnson in reply to Carlettejaque]

I think you meant weeks

[Carlettejaque in reply to SueJohnson]

No, it can take up to 3 months to completely work.

[SueJohnson in reply to Carlettejaque]

Where do you see that?

It may take that long if one took DAs and are still suffering from withdrawal symptoms which can prevent gabapentin from working. And it definitely would take that long while one is on a DA.

[Carlettejaque]

The doctors told me that when I first took them. I could also tell how they were working. The only other treatment I was on is steroids. But I'm not taking it for RLS. I take 800mg at 7am 900mg at 2pm and 800mg at 9pm. I have a neurological.conditiom that causes every inch of my skin to feel like it's covered in prickles, thorns and pins. Gaba stops it.

I also have Erythromelalgia in my feet. The Gaba doesn't touch that. Nothing does.