off Neupro at last but sleepy on Pregabalin

[BPN28]

I’m finally off the Neupro patches with the help of 30-60mg codeine each night as I weaned off them.

I’m now slow increasing pregabalin. I’m currently taking 100mg as well as 15- 30mg codeine as the pregabalin alone isn’t covering my symptoms. I’m extremely sleepy/groggy in the mornings and find it very hard to wake up. This makes me reluctant to increase the pregabalin dosage. Can anyone advise me please?

[SueJohnson]

That's great that you are off Neupro! So pleased for you.

I suggest you switch to gabapentin. Pregabalin is much more likely to make you sleepy then gabapentin.

Although they are basically the same drug except you need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other. Multiply the pregabalin amount by 6 to get the correct dose. If you 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. If you take magnesium, even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of the gabapentin as it reduces the absorption of the gabapentin. If you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

The usual effective dose is 1200 mg to 1800 mg according to the Mayo Updated Algorithm on RLS.

It won't be fully effective until you have been on pregabalin and gabapentin for 3 weeks and your withdrawal symptoms have reduced.

[BPN28 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue

[Jeremy1963]

In my opinion it’s not the Pregabalin? I take 300mg a night. Great stuff. Side effects wear off eventually. Been on it a year. Best thing I’ve tried. It’s used to treat Insomnia!

I augmented on DA’s after a year. Criminal Medical Negligence to now be Prescribed these for RLS. Jeremy UK.