Information re Pregabalin please?

[Seaview20]

Hi All. After a lot of dickering I have finally taken the step of trying Pregabalin to help with my RLS. Luckily I have found it really effective. My RLS is not troubling me and I am sleeping better. Accordingly I have asked my G.P to add it to my repeat prescriptions (I only have one other med and there is no conflict). I am taking 150mg of Pregabalin. My GP has refused saying that due to the nature of the drug it cannot be added to repeat prescriptions. Is everyone else in the UK in this position please? It feels unreasonable now that I have finally found something that helps me without horrific side effects. I am 65. Thanks

[231005]

I have been taking pregabalin for several years now and have never had any difficulty getting it on my repeat prescription.

[Seaview20 in reply to 231005]

Thank you

[SueJohnson]

Your profile doesn't say where you live, but I assume you live in the UK? I don't live in the UK but no one on the forum has ever mentioned this. That's ridiculous! How do you get your medicine. Do you have to call him/her up each time to have him give you a new prescription?

Sounds like you need to switch doctors.

[Seaview20 in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue. Yes, in the UK. I have to ask by email each time I need it, justify why I still need it and accept that I may not be given it.

[Joolsg]

It depends on your GP practice and the rules of your local drugs formularly.There is a crazy postcode lottery in the UK where different rules apply.

You clearly live in an area where pregabalin cannot be put on 'repeat prescription.'

Pregabalin is a controlled drug everywhere and we have to 'double sign' for it.

However, it IS allowed on 'repeat' prescription in other areas, BUT we are only allowed a one month supply.

Your GP will continue to prescribe it for you, but without the convenience of ticking the repeat prescription box.

You just have to ensure you get regular FTF or phone appointments to request your regular monthly prescription.

And refer to NHS and NICE cks guidance in your monthly letters to justify why its an accepted drug to treat RLS.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/rest...

[SueJohnson in reply to Joolsg]

There are certain days I am glad I live in the US. I get a 90 day supply by mail order and my doctor allows 1 refill so that is for 180 days and it is a controlled substance here too.

[Seaview20 in reply to SueJohnson]

Not so sure about envying you the U.S at the moment! But would like that medical provision and am grateful for your advice as always.

[Purpleyam in reply to SueJohnson]

Same here in Canada, I get a 90 script for Gabapentin and Tramadol, and easily refill by phone to GP.

[Seaview20 in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks, that is helpful.

[Simkin]

I am on gabapentin & my GP was happy to put it on repeat prescription.

[Jeremy1963]

Hello. I live in Kent UK. I have been on 300 mg Pregabalin for RLS for 1 year. I go Online every month and request a repeat prescription. It is put on a Batch at the Pharmacy by my Doc, which means I will have to speak to the Doc on the phone every few months for him to continue the Pregabalin. I was originally put on Gabapentin for a few months which did not work for me. The reason they put you on Gabapentin first to see if it works is because Pregabalin is much more expensive than the much cheaper Gabapentin! NHS Policy!

I Augmented suddenly after an OK year on Ropinirole. I was then off work 3 months last year struggling with RLS/Gabapentin. Switched to Pregabalin. AOK! Back to work in a month with Pregabalin. I had several Appts with a Neurologist. There are many people on this Site who know Way More about RLS than a Neurologist. I catch Up on this Site every day. Amazing People.! BUT. RLS is a Terrible Global Condition that even though it’s now Officially called Willis Ekbom Disease to try and Encourage Clever Intelligent Medical Research People to Look Into what causes it, Very Little gets done. No idea why, or if it now is then why so long? Very strange. I definately felt the Neurologist didn’t know much abt RLS. She was Uncomfortable talking about it cos she, like most people, don’t really know what fundamentally causes RLS! An MRI scan, blood test and Pregabalin was all that happened.

I know my RLS can get worse whenever I’m stressed. Sometimes get it a bit in the evenings. Only really my right leg. I had Drop Foot that side. Occasionally my left leg has RLS. I do Foot/Leg/Ankle Exercises and Stretches which has helped over time build up my muscles and responses. Prevents Edema and Neuropathy too. Try it? I do it laying in bed for 5 mins before I get up every morning. I believe it helps a lot.

Keep on writing/replying on this Site. Amazing Information! I’m sure it’s a Life Saver for Many People Everywhere! Never Give Up. It seems to me RLS is different for everybody, you have to find out for yourself what works best for you. Trial and Error, over time. And over Time what works now may well change, so be prepared to keep on it with learning new things about RLS! Reading this Site helps with that. My Heart Goes Out to All who are Suffering RLS. Best Wishes. Jezza. 62 yr old Male. ( I put my Gender because some people think RLS might affect Male and Female differently! Who Knows?!)

[Rangers52]

I was on pregabalin and had no issues getting it on repeat

[Islay9]

I’m on 450mg of Pregabalin and get it on repeat with no controlled drug issues. (I’m in Scotland though)

[Drls]

I get pregabalin on my repeat prescription but have to speak to my doctor each month to get buprenorphine which can be difficult - it doesn’t sound like your gp is taking your RLS symptoms seriously - I wonder if people who are epileptic need to ring in every month for pregabalin ??? Probably not

[VJ29]

I have to request my Pregabalin monthly from gp with double signature at the pharmacy I’m in West Yorkshire uk

[Twitchyfeet]

Hi! I’ve recently been prescribed pregablin and my doc seems happy to prescribe on repeat prescription. X