Am feeling a bit more secure that this is real. After a few days of vigilance, I've been able to keep the methadone to 5 mg and take around .09 mg pramipexole and have it be reasonable - not perfect, but good. I am using kratom as needed - some nights none, some 1-2 grams. I do wake up several times, but usually after complete sleep cycles. I usually wake up after one sleep cycle, then get 1-2 more cycles before I wake up, then wake up a 2-3 times in the last cycle. I sleep about 8 hours total, sometimes with a short (20 to 60 minutes) break in the middle, sometimes, not. I usually can get back to sleep without much effort. I have NO idea about the PLMS - my husband hasn't said anything and I am never aware of them. I have no PLMW at this time.
Give that 3 months ago I was taking 30-35 mg of methadone, or .50 mg of pramipexole and still not sleeping well, this really is extraordinary. For the first time in years, my brain is relatively clear and I think my memory has improved. No more noun aphasia! Well, not much
. Aging is aging, after all.
I emailed Dr. B to ask his opinion about how long he thinkgs I should take the pramipexole without a break - have not heard back yet. The longer I take it, the longer the break I'd need (I think). So, if I went 8 weeks, say, I think I'd need 14 days off. But, I really am not sure. But, shorter durations are harder to manage - the frequent changing is a pain. With very short durations, I'd only need 1-2 days break. A bit longer, likely 5-7. Also have to decide if I care to take a break from methadone. To prevent tolerance, I should. That means three rotations.
Possibilities...
6 weeks combined, 2 weeks pramipexole only, 2 weeks methadone only. Repeat
4 weeks combined, 1 week pramipexole only, 1 week methadone only. Repeat
But, methadone has such a LONG half life, a week off really may not be enough...or, maybe it's enough to help with tolerance, but not to go through complete withdrawal.
8 weeks combined, 4 weeks pramipexole, 2 weeks methadone...
NO idea...