GENERIC NAME: ROPINIROLE - ORAL (row-PIN-uh-roll)
BRAND NAME(S): Requip
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It helps replace the brain chemical called dopamine, which is low in Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping this drug suddenly may cause you to experience unwanted side effects. Dosing is based on your condition and this drug's side effects. It may take a few weeks for this medication to take effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, constipation, unusual weakness, stomach upset and pain, headache or dry mouth may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Report promptly: hallucinations, difficulty moving or walking, difficulty breathing. Unlikely but report promptly: confusion, restlessness, leg or foot swelling, fainting, twitching, chest pain, unusually fast or slow heartbeat. Very unlikely but report promptly: muscle pain, vision problems, fever, severe muscle stiffness, sudden irresistible urge to sleep. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have a history of: heart disease or heart arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms), hallucinations, mental confusion, difficulty walking, any allergies, kidney problems, liver disease, low blood pressure. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Use caution when performing tasks requiring mental alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol use because it may intensify the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Restless Leg Syndrome - Read about restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes, symptoms and treatments. RLS is more noticeable while sleeping and is associated with caffeine, alcohol and pregnancy.
- Parkinson's Disease - Learn about Parkinson's Disease - symptoms, causes and treatment for this neurological brain disorder that affects the central nervous system on MedicineNet.com
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