What is Ropinirole?
Ropinirole can have similar effects as the chemical dopamine, which is found naturally within your body. Dopamine levels that are low in the brain can be associated with Parkinson's disease.Ropinirole is a medication used to treat the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson's illness (stiffness or tremors, as well as muscle spasms and a lack of muscle control). Ropinirole can also be used to help treat the syndrome of restless legs (RLS).It is the only ropinirole that has immediate release (Requip) that is approved for treating Parkinson's manifestations or RLS. Extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) is approved for treating Parkinson's symptoms.
Parkinson's disease and RLS are two distinct disorders. If you suffer from one of these disorders, it doesn't mean that you are suffering from the other.Ropinirole can also be employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Ropinirole
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
A few people who are taking ropinirole may have fallen asleep during routine activities during the day, such as eating, working, speaking, or driving. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any issues with morning sleepiness or tiredness.
There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, unusual urges to bet, or any other intense cravings when you are taking ropinirole. Consult your physician in the event of this.
Ropinirole may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you experience:
- Excessive drowsiness, crashing to sleep abruptly (even when feeling awake);
- The symptoms are getting worse, or there is no improvement in your symptoms.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you've passed out;
- Unexpected shifts in mood or changes in behavior or mood;
- Shakes, uncontrollable muscle movements;
- Hallucinations (seeing and hearing objects that aren't real)
Confusion or hallucinations could be more common in older people.
Common side effects of ropinirole include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- Headache, confusion, hallucinations;
- Elevated blood pressure (severe headache, pounding of your ears or neck, nasal bleeding, or unsteady heart beats);
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
- Flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches);
- Sudden muscle movements;
- More sweating, more sweating
- Swelling in your feet or legs.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all the instructions on the label of your medication and on the label of your package. Be sure to inform your health professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use the drug ropinirole if there is an allergy to it.
To ensure that ropinirole is safe for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:
- Blood pressure, blood pressure, or lower blood pressure;
- Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
- The heart; heart rhythm disorders;
- An insomnia disorder like narcolepsy or any other condition that can cause sleepiness during the day
- If you smoke.
Patients with Parkinson's disease might have a higher chance of developing skin cancer (melanoma). Discuss with your physician this risk and also the skin signs to be looking for.
It isn't known if the drug ropinirole can harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
It isn't known if ropinirole is absorbed into breast milk or if it can affect nursing infants. Ropinirole can slow down the production of breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Ropinirole is not permitted for use by anyone less than 18 years old.
How to take Ropinirole?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription. The doctor could alter your dosage. Be sure to not take this medicine in greater or lesser quantities or for longer than the recommended time.If you're taking immediate-release ropinirole (Requip), you shouldn't take extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) at the same time and in the same dose.
The dosage and time frame of ropinirole for treating Parkinson's disease differ from the dosage and timing for treating RLS. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions regarding the type of ropinirole that you get from the pharmacy.Ropinirole may be taken either with or without food. The medicine should be taken daily at the same time throughout the day.Don't crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet (Requip XL). Take it in completely.
Consult your physician if you notice a small amount of the tablet containing ropinirole in your stool. This indicates that your body might not have fully absorbed the medication.If you're taking this medication to treat RLS, inform your doctor if the symptoms become more severe, especially if they manifest in the morning, earlier than normal at night, or if you notice unrestful symptoms in your arms or hands.It may take some weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Continue to take the medication as prescribed and notify your doctor if you feel your symptoms don't improve.
Do not stop taking ropinirole abruptly, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow the instructions of your physician about the process of tapering your dose.Keep at room temperature and free of heat, moisture, and light. Make sure the bottle is tightly shut when not in use.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the missed dose as quickly as you can remember. Do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Do not take additional medication to compensate for missing doses.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting posture, as you might get dizzy. Take your time getting up and steadying yourself to avoid falling. The dizziness can affect your ability to think or react. Avoid operating machinery or driving until you understand the effects of ropinirole.
Alcohol consumption can trigger the adverse effects of ropinirole.
Interaction with Other Drugs
When you take ropinirole in conjunction with other medications that cause sleepiness, it could increase the severity of this effect. Consult your physician before taking any sleeping pills, narcotic drugs, muscle relaxers, or medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other medications can be incompatible with ropinirole, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about the medicines you are taking now and any medication that you decide to stop or modify your use of.
