Drug Name

Requip (Ropinirole)

Drug 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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Requip helps relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Caused by a deficit of dopamine (one of the brain's chief chemical messengers), this disorder is marked by progressive muscle stiffness, tremor, and fatigue. Requip works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movement.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/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.

Possible 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.

More Information

If you have any questions about Neurontin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Neurontin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.