HELP!! Just changed GP practices and went for a new patient appointment this afternoon. Explained I had RLS, was originally on Ropinirole, but discontinued in 2017 due to augmentation. At the time I had a very receptive and understanding GP who agreed to prescribe Targinact 15mg. Been on it ever since and it's been a life saver. Fast forward to this afternoon and new GP refused flat out to prescribe it, without offering an alternative. I was completely side swiped and walked out feeling completely shell shocked.
Can anyone recommend a Neurologist who will prescribe Targinact for RLS, preferably in the South West (based in Devon). I am now trying to re-register with my original GP practice, but want to be armed with a specialist's letter just in case I encounter problems again!
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I think today is 'Negligent and Difficult' doctor day.
Targinact is licensed for secondary treatment in UK. GP is refusing to follow NICE guidance.
I suggest you consult Switalskis law firm.
They are currently very interested in bringing a negligence case against UK GPs for refusing to treat RLS patients properly. Particularly if GP doesn't follow NICE guidance.
Kimberley.Bradfield@switalskis.com
A GP refusing to fill a prescription for a med that works and that you've been taking for years will have to explain IN Detail why.
If he thinks it will cause addiction - refer him to NICE guidance and Dr Winkelman's opioid study.
And either change GP surgery asap or take legal action.
If you need to see a specialist- try Dr Robin Fackrell at Bath ( not too far away). There are very few knowledgeable specialists
Thanks so much Joolsg! Have to say I was so surprised at his reaction I didn't know what to do or say. I feel absolutely sick to my stomach at the thought of being refused access to Targinact, particularly as it's worked for me for nearly 8 years!
I have already started the registration process at my old GP practice and will hopefully get to speak to the original prescribing GP asap. I will also get in touch with Switalskis and Dr Fackrell.
You never fail to be a fountain of knowledge! I am normally lurking in the background, reading posts and keeping abreast of up to date info.
Today has been a VERY bad day.There are only around 3 doctors in the whole UK who I think know more than the basics.
But even one or two of those have disappointed me recently!
How can any 'expert' not know about DAWS or depression associated with DA withdrawal???
And UK neurologists are STILL insisting on prescribing Neupro. There isn't a single person on this site who switched to Neupro and DIDN'T experience augmentation again very quickly. So why do they keep telling patients it doesn't cause augmentation at low dose? It does.
I get so frustrated.
We need a taskforce of 4 or 6 UK specialists to spend 2 months working alongside Dr Berkowski or Dr Winkelman in the USA so they can learn from experienced specialists.
Meanwhile every day in the UK, hundreds of unwitting patients are starting Ropinirole/Pramipexole etc. And within 5 years half of them will he augmented. And the cycle of gambling/suffering/ignorance continues.
Perhaps a group negligence case is the way forward in order to force 'the powers that be' to sit up and actually listen to sufferers! You're right, it is utterly scandalous.
I'm still reeling about the GP's reaction today! I explained to him that I had suffered augmentation on DAs and did not want to revisit them. All he talked about was titrating off Targinact with no suggestion as to what the alternatives would be. I didn't feel listened too at all. I've had a brilliant experience on Targinact so don't know what the issue is. I was wholly unprepared for his viewpoint so wasn't prepared with evidence. Lesson learnt...always go armed with as much information as you can access!
Indeed. Knowledge is power. Many GPs have opioid bias. They were taught ALL cause addiction and tolerance. But that's not true and you have proved that!Maybe he will change his view when advised that Targinact is licensed? So no chance of him losing his GP licence.
He may also change mind when he reads thd Massachusetts Opioid study.
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Does anyone have any direct experience of Targinact?
Targinact 
RLS, Augmentation and Finding a Neurologist in the SW of England
Still no to the Targinact. !!! 
RLS AND OPIATES
