Pragabalin

[BLUES60]

I have no plan to go on any other drugs, I'm just trying to get off pregabalin at the moment, to be honest I've had some bad times with prescribed drugs, doctors seem to have no other option but to ply you with drugs no matter what the consequences may be! Even though its hell, it's not much better with the drugs anyway, so I don't really know which way to go, any ideas would be gratefully appreciated!!

[Doversoul]

what dose of pregabalin have you been prescribed daily, and are you exceeding that amount ?

[Esme2007]

Hi I’m in the same situation. I hate taking any drugs . I have to take paroxetine for anxiety and exemestane for breast cancer . But the pregabalin I’m not sure about . I was so desperate to take something to stop the awful feelings but now a few weeks on keep thinking is it the right decision.

I took 100 mg last night and kept the RLS at bay .

I have reordered my prescription for it online ( our gp s in the area have joined together in a partnership and everything has changed ) but I haven’t had an e mail confirming yet so I will run out in a few days . I’ve tried to call but no luck .

My mum is terminally ill in hospital and nearing the end and I just forgot to order . Does anyone have any advice with regards to the best way to take the remaining tablets . Should I take 50 mg a night and then stretch them out ? What affect will this have in me ? I’m dreading it . Thank goodness for this sight xx xx

[involuntarydancer in reply to Esme2007]

That’s an awful situation to be in. In your shoes I would probably reduce the pregabalin to try to spread it out but not by too much - if your pills are 25mg then I would be inclined only to reduce by one pill per night for now but it does sort of depend on how long you think it’ll be before you get a replacement script. In general it is best to reduce pregabalin slowly rather than taking large leaps down but it is one of those drugs that affects people very differently and some can reduce rapidly with very little impact

For breakthrough symptoms you could take solpadeine which can be helpful.

[Esme2007 in reply to involuntarydancer]

Thank you . I have now sorted out my script and I will have it in time . So grateful to you all for advice x

[BLUES60 in reply to Esme2007]

Can't stand it any longer gone back to 200mg the will reduce 25mg every 2 weeks, thanks for the advice!

[Sampsie]

Hi Blues60,

If you are going to stop the Pregabalin, I'd suggest coming off it in a controlled way so that you allow your body time to adjust. If you aren't following medical advice, then I'd suggest reducing your dose by 25mg every 7-10 days depending on how long you've been on it. The longer you have, the slower you reduce. I get that you want to stop taking it, but it's kinder to yourself to do it cautiously.

You may find once you stop having the effects of a drug for the RLS, you won't be able to cope with the RLS symptoms, and will need to do something to help. I hope that isn't the case for you. If you do and you don't have a prescription drug to replace it, you could try a low dose of paracetamol/codeine or the equivalent for your country if you're not in the UK. I came off to nothing and found it unbearable but everyone is different.

All the best.

[Joolsg]

I had heard horror stories about pregabalin withdrawal and couldn’t face another traumatic experience after getting off Ropinirole so I reduced from 150mg over 9 months. I reduced by 6.25mg every 10-14 days and didn’t get any side effects. I’ve been off for a week and had a slight anxiety attack that only lasted about 10mins yesterday. But that’s it.

I always think it’s best to reduce as slowly as you can.

[Munroist]

My experience is similar to Joolsg. I came off slowly which for me was 75mg steps with at least one or two weeks between each to be sure how I felt and understood the change. At one point I paused for 2 months at an intermediate level while other things were going on in my life and I felt i wanted the support. I felt some of the symptoms return gradually and some occasional anxiety but allowed these to settle and now I'm living with them without any issue. I don't think I felt an obvious withdrawal symptoms. At the end I definitely felt an increase in clarity and awareness although I'd never struggled too much when going on the drug either, and I'm glad overall I came off it. I know it's an option if I need it but for now the balance is better without.