The Tramadol is very effective for nerve related pain and it really mutes my symptoms. I also have symptoms of RLS that preceded the PN symptoms. I've heard good things about the relief drugs like Mirapex can offer and I'm willing to try it. At times I can't differentiate between what's PN and what's RLS symptoms. So maybe this will help me identify the differences a bit more clearly if there are two different things going on.

Neurontin made me suicidal. It was really terrible. Within a few days of discontinuing it I felt myself again. This happened *while* I was taking Effexor for anxiety and depression. So that was *not* a good sign.

I don't think my pain is bad enough to ask for the fentanyl patch. Although I'm not sure what the criteria would be. I supposed if Tramadol at 100 mgs a pop wasn't working that would be a good option.

I have found that at times when I have breakthrough symptoms that three aspirin usually smothers the pain. The only time this happens is when I'm almost asleep and get woke up or startled awake. Maybe something to do with a sudden increase in BP or perhaps a surge in adrenalin? That and 37.5 mgs of Tramadol was no longer enough. She switched me from the "Ultracet" (contains Tylenol) to plain Tramadol. She was concerned that when I had to double up on the Ultracet dose that I was getting too much Tylenol. That and there's no point in me taking Tylenol as it doesn't do squat for the PN pain.

When I read stories like yours I'm grateful for having only the level of PN and pain that I currently experience. I don't think I'm strong enough to endure what you have.

What was your experience with Mirapex? Did you have problems with being tired or weight gain? Anything I should know straight from the horses mouth, so to speak? I'll be staying at the lowest starting dose unless it has no effect. Even a reduction of 50% in the symptoms would be a big deal to me.