* Generic Name: ropinirole hcl
* Brand Name: Requip
* What is ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
* What are the possible side effects of ropinirole (Requip,
Requip XL)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
* How should I take ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Requip, Requip XL)?
* What happens if I overdose (Requip, Requip XL)?
* What should I avoid while taking ropinirole (Requip, Requip
XL)?
* What other drugs will affect ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
* Where can I get more information (Requip, Requip XL)?
What is ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
Ropinirole has some of the same effects as a chemical called
dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of
dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.
Ropinirole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness,
tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Ropinirole is
also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Only immediate-release ropinirole (Requip) is approved to treat either
Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) is
approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms.
Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these
conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.
Ropinirole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Some people taking ropinirole have fallen asleep during normal daytime
activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your
doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this
occurs.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly (even after feeling
alert);
* worsening or no improvement in your symptoms;
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* unusual changes in mood or behavior;
* tremors, twitching uncontrollable muscle movements; or
* hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real).
Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely
in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
* drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
* headache, confusion, hallucinations;
* increased blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or
ears, nosebleed, irregular heartbeats);
* nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
* flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches);
* sudden muscle movements;
* increased sweating; or
* swelling in your legs or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ropinirole
(Requip, Requip XL)?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
and all medicines you use.
Requip Patient Information including How Should I Take
RxList
Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep
Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More
Sleep Disorders Slideshow
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ropinirole
(Requip, Requip XL)?
You should not use ropinirole if you are allergic to it.
To make sure ropinirole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* high or low blood pressure;
* kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
* heart disease, heart rhythm problems;
* a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy, or other conditions that
may cause daytime sleepiness; or
* if you smoke.
People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin
cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what
skin symptoms to watch for.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether ropinirole passes into breast milk or if it
could affect the nursing baby. Ropinirole may slow breast milk
production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Ropinirole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
If you are taking immediate-release ropinirole (Requip) you should not
take extended-release ropinirole (Requip XL) at the same time.
The dose and timing of ropinirole in treating Parkinson's disease is
different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the
directions on your prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have
any questions about the kind of ropinirole you receive at the pharmacy.
Ropinirole can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the
same time each day.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Requip XL).
Swallow it whole.
Call your doctor if you see part of the ropinirole tablet in your
stool. This is a sign that your body may not have absorbed all of
the medicine.
If you are taking this medicine for RLS, tell your doctor if your
symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual
in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.
It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep
using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms
do not improve.
Do not stop using ropinirole suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about
tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Requip Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
RxList
Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep
Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More
Sleep Disorders Slideshow
What happens if I miss a dose (Requip, Requip XL)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Requip, Requip XL)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Dizziness may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of ropinirole.
What other drugs will affect ropinirole (Requip, Requip XL)?
Taking ropinirole with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic
medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
seizures.
Other drugs may interact with ropinirole, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Requip, Requip XL)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ropinirole.
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