Attention: Sue Johnson

[Asha1918]

I'm slowly weaning myself off Pramipexole. I started from a dose of 1.5mg, and have been decreasing the dose by 0.125mg each month. I am currently taking 0.5mg of Pramipexole, with 400mg of Gabapentin and 15-30mg codeine (combined with Paracetamol - brand name is Prodeine in Australia). Last night, I was woken up twice by aching restless legs. Any suggestions?

[Madlegs1]

You do know that you can PM Sue if you don't want anyone else to answer? 😃

[Asha1918 in reply to Madlegs1]

No I didn't. How do I do that please?

[Madlegs1 in reply to Asha1918]

Ok-- you tap on your picture top right of page--- I'm working on an android phone, so it may be different for other devices.That will take you to your profile.

At the bottom of the page you will see an icon for "conversations".

Tap on that.

You are now in private message territory.

Start typing in the name of your recipient, and their full name or options will appear.

Choose the one you want and write the message.

Send.

And wait!😅😎

[Asha1918 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thanks!

[Asha1918 in reply to Madlegs1]

What does the icon look like? I have Chats with a paper plane icon ... not Conversations..

[Madlegs1 in reply to Asha1918]

That's it👍

[Madlegs1 in reply to Madlegs1]

It's actually at the bottom of this page, without having to go through profile.

[Cameronb in reply to Madlegs1]

Odd.. authority obviously x

[Asha1918]

Thanks 😊

[SueJohnson]

I would have suggested reducing by 1/2 of a .125 tablet every 2 weeks which would accomplish the same. Perhaps that is what you meant.

Can you get your doctor to prescribe codeine rather than the OTC one you are taking. That would be stronger and more effective and it was mentioned that he prescribes opioids.

[Asha1918 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you. Should I be taking the Gabapentin now or start it later?

[SueJohnson in reply to Asha1918]

The beginning dose is usually 300 mg gabapentin. Start it 3 weeks before you are off pramipexole although it won't be fully effective until you are off it for several weeks. After that increase it by 100 mg every couple of days until you find the dose that works for you.

Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. 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.

Most of the side effects will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin ."

If you take magnesium even in a multivitamin, take it at least 3 hours before or after taking gabapentin as it will interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and if you take calcium or antacids don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

[Annieapple in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue, Does the calcium /magnesium story apply to Pregablin as well?? Thanks ☺️

[SueJohnson in reply to Annieapple]

No

[Annieapple in reply to SueJohnson]

🤸‍♀️❤️

[Asha1918]

Thank you Sue.