What is Requip XL?
Requip has similar effects to a natural chemical in the body called dopamine.Parkinson's is associated with low levels of dopamine.Requip XL treats symptoms of Parkinson's (stiffness and tremors) as well as muscle spasms. This medication is also used for Restless Legs Syndrome.Only Requip XL immediate-release (Requip) has been approved for treating Parkinson symptoms or RLS. This medicine (Requip Extended Release) is only approved to treat Parkinson symptoms.Parkinson's disease and RLS are separate disorders. You will not get the other condition if you have one.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Requip XL.
Side effects of Requip XL
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue..Requip XL can cause some people to fall asleep while doing normal activities during the day, such as driving, working, talking, or eating. Inform your doctor of any daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.Requip XL may cause you to have intense sexual urges or unusual gambling urges. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
Requip XL can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Extreme drowsiness or falling asleep quickly (even when feeling alert);
- If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you may be experiencing a worsening of your symptoms.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Tremors are uncontrollable, twitching muscle movements.
- Hallucinations are a form of hallucination (seeing and hearing things that are not real).
Older adults may experience more side effects, such as confusion or hallucinations.
Requip XL can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- Headache, confusion, hallucinations;
- Increased blood pressure (headache, pounding in the neck or ears, bleeding from your nose, irregular heartbeats);
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
- Flu symptoms (fever and body aches);
- Sudden muscle movements;
- Increased sweating
- Swelling in the legs or feet.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
ropinirole, pramipexole, benztropine, carbidopa/levodopa , Requip, levodopa, and Mirapex
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication.Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you may have, allergies and medications that you take.
Before you take this drug
Requip XL should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Requip XL will be safe for you:
- High or low blood pressure
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Heart disease problems with heart rhythm
- A sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy or other conditions that may cause excessive sleepiness during the day;
- If you smoke.
A higher risk may exist for people with Parkinson's. Speak to your doctor to learn more about the risk of skin cancer and how to recognize it.Requip XL is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.It is unknown if ropinirole can pass into breast milk or if this could have an effect on the nursing infant. Ropinirole can slow down breast milk production. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.Requip XL should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Requip XL?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it longer.You should not take Requip XL (RequipXL) if you are also taking the immediate-release version of this medicine.When treating Parkinson's, the dosage and timing of ropinirole are different than when treating RLS. Please follow the instructions on your prescription label. If you have questions about the ropinirole that you received at the pharmacy, ask your pharmacist.Requip XL may be taken with or after food. Take your medicine every day at the same time.Requip XL (Extended-Release Tablet) should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Swallow the entire tablet.If you notice a piece of Requip XL in your stool, call your doctor. This could be a sign that you have not absorbed the entire dose of medicine.Tell your doctor if symptoms worsen, occur earlier in the day or in the evening than usual, or you experience restless symptoms.Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms.Requip XL should not be stopped abruptly, as you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.Store away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dosage if your next dose is scheduled soon. Do not increase your dose to make up for the missed one.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. Slowly get up, and be sure to keep your balance. You may be unable to think clearly or react quickly if you are dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have experienced the effects of Requip XL.Alcohol can enhance certain side effects caused by ropinirole.
Interaction with other drug
Take Requip XL along with other sleep-inducing drugs to increase this effect. Before taking sleeping pills, narcotic medications, muscle relaxers, or medicines for depression or seizures, ask your doctor.Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with ropinirole. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
