Temporary switch back to Neupro

[Nelsonmonths]

Hey! Thanks for all the information and support here. It is very helpful for me.

With Your help I was able to manage my doc to switch me from agonists to Gabapentin recently and I am fine with it now.

Agonists have worked for me for only for short time frames (a few weeks) and my doc advised me to switch between those 3 agonists in a circle when they "lose their efficiency". But the times between the switches were getting shorter and shorter... And every time when they stopped working depressive symptopms were rising up.

My RLS has also gotten worse during time. In the past I only had it at night (more unnoticable PLMs), but now have clearly noticable RLS stsrting in the evening or when getting tired, also in arms. So I think it was augmentation, but my doc is denying that. He is still convinced of agonists...

In general, I had almost no side effects with the agonists. But now I am happy with 1500mg Gabapentin because it works reliable without loss of efficiency and I don't have "emotional rollercoaster" every few weeks. But it is not so easy for me to manage my three doses in time. I have to observe time all evening. I am also thinking about switching to Pregabalin, which would be easier for me taking it in one shot.

My question is, if it would be ok to temporarily swtich back to Neupro (3mg) patches in certain situations for only one day?

Examples:

1.) Long flights during daytime, where I cannot move, maybe I am getting tired or I also have to fight with time shift/jet lag. Gabapentin in this context is hard to manage for me to get it "working" to the correct time. Also because it is not instantly working and when RLS is already present it is not helping that good. It helps more preventing it.

2.) Or when going out and drinking alcohol. Alcohol itsself is not noticably worsen my RLS. But when I am out, it is almost not possible to manage my three doses, especially when I don't know when I return home. And Gabapentin together with alcohol is also not the best combination... BTW: Is Pregabalin different with alcohol?

What Do You think about my idea with the temporary use of Neupro instead of Gabapentin?

[SueJohnson]

I am confused you say " I was able to manage my doc to switch me from agonists to Gabapentin" and then you say you are switching between 3 agonists.

If you are still on 3 agonists you need to get off them as you are augmenting as your symptoms are getting earlier. Once you are off them your 1500 mg of gabapentin will probably completely cover your symptoms. Are you taking it in 600 mg doses divided by 2 hours with the 300 mg first?

What 3 agonists are you on and how much of each? And why are you taking 3?

You have probably seen my advice on how to do get off them, but if you haven't I will be glad to give it to you.

[Nelsonmonths in reply to SueJohnson]

Sorry for this misunderstanding. I WAS on agonists in the past, not longer anymore. I was switching between the agonists in a circle as soon as they lost their efficiency. I was only taking one agonist at a time.

Now I am only on 1500mg Gabapentin, no agonist anymore. Yes I am splitting the doses divided by 2 hours, so I have 3 doses.

[SueJohnson in reply to Nelsonmonths]

Great. Then in answer to your question yes you could use the neupro patch. It will take 3 hours after applying the patch for it to work.

For going out drinking or any other time when it is inconvenient to take the 3 doses, I would ask for the equivalent amount of pregabalin which would be 250 mg which can be taken in one dose, This is what I do.

[Nelsonmonths in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank You very much!I think I will discuss switching over to Pregabalin in general with my doc.