Requip
Ropinirole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Requip
Parkinson's disease caused by a deficit of dopamine which is one of the brain's chief chemical messenger. Parkinson's disease is marked by progressive muscle stiffness (known as bradykinesia), tremor, and fatigue. Requip works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movements and help to relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Therapeutic Uses of Requip
Requip is used in the treatment of signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is also used in treatment of RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome).
Direction of use of Requip
Take Requip as your doctor tells you to take. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than directed. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not stop this medication suddenly as stopping this drug suddenly may cause 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 and you should not stop taking it if you do not get any result within few weeks of starting treatment with Requip.
If You Miss a Dose of Requip
If you miss a dose of Requip, you should take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Requip at a time.
How to Store Requip
Requip should be stored at room temperature. Store it away fro heat, moisture and direct light in a tightly closed container. Never store it in your bathroom and keep Requip out of reach of children.
More Information About Requip
Requip is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If you do not get any improvement in your symptoms or they become worse you should consult your doctor. If you have any questions about Requip, consult with your doctor, or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Requip
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of any heart disease like heart arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms), hallucinations, mental confusion, difficulty walking due to weakness, any allergy, kidney problems, liver disease, low blood pressure etc.
- Requip may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, you should get up slowly. Use caution when performing tasks requiring mental alertness such as driving, using machinery that require constant attention or monitoring. Limit alcohol use because it may intensify the drowsiness, lightheadedness and dizziness effects of this drug.
- Requip should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy (preferably avoided during pregnancy). Discuss the risks and benefits of using Requip during pregnancy, with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. But consult your doctor before breast feeding.
Possible Adverse Effects of Requip
- Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping or insomnia, constipation, unusual weakness, stomach upset and stomach pain, headache or dry mouth may occur commonly with Requip. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
- To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water or you can use saliva substitute.
- Report promptly to your doctor or other health care provider if you experience hallucinations, difficulty moving or walking, difficulty breathing.
- Report promptly, although unlikely if you get any side effects like confusion, restlessness, leg or foot swelling, fainting, twitching, chest pain, unusually fast or slow heartbeat.
- Very unlikely but report promptly if you experience any 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 other health care provider.