Why it is Prescribed
Ropinirole is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance), including shaking of parts of the body, stiffness, slowed movements, and problems with balance. Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down). Ropinirole is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. It works by acting in place of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control movement.
How it Works
Ropinirole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. When ropinirole is used to treat Parkinson's disease, it ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Ropinirole is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance), including shaking of parts of the body, stiffness, slowed movements, and problems with balance. Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down). Ropinirole is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. It works by acting in place of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control movement.
How it Works
Ropinirole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. When ropinirole is used to treat Parkinson's disease, it is usually taken three times a day. When ropinirole is used to treat restless legs syndrome, it is usually taken once a day, 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. Ropinirole may be taken with or without food, but taking ropinirole with food may help to prevent nausea that may be caused by the medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ropinirole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of ropinirole and gradually increase your dose. If you are taking ropinirole to treat Parkinson's disease, your doctor will ...
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Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
hallucinations
sweating
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Precautions
Before taking ropinirole,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ropinirole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ropinirole tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants ('mood elevators'); antipsychotics (medications for mental illness); cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and norfloxacin (Noroxin); fluvoxamine (Luvox); levodopa (in Sinemet, in Stalevo); medications for anxiety and seizures; medications that contain estrogen such as hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives (birth control pill, patches, rings, or injections); medications that cause drowsiness; metoclopramide (Reglan); mexiletine (Mexitil); sedatives; sleeping pills; and ...
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Possible Side Effects
Ropinirole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
drowsiness
weakness
headache
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
