Requip (Ropinirole)

Description

Requip is a medication that treats muscular disorders. Its main component is ropinirole hydrochloride. It is a dopamine agonist.

Uses

Requip is used in the treatment of diseases of the muscles. This medication decreases the severity of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Lower levels of dopamine in the brain are linked to the presence of Parkinson’s disease in individuals. Requip mimics the effect of dopamine in the brain. The ropinirole binds to the dopamine receptors, activating them in the same manner as dopamine. This reduces some of the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s disease. Requip can lessen the tremors of the disease. It can also aid movement in individuals with this disorder. It helps to reduce unsteadiness and stiffness. It allows the individual to make faster movements. This medication also diminishes the incidences where the person with Parkinson’s disease is unable to move.

Requip also helps with restless leg syndrome. The medication aids with sleep as it reduces the compulsion that individuals have to move their legs. It also diminishes any discomfort or unpleasant sensations in the leg.

Contact your physician to find out what other benefits this medication may have for you.

Dosage

You should always adhere to the prescription provided by the physician. Requip is not to be taken in doses that are smaller or larger than has been indicated.

This medication should be consumed orally.

The dosage of Requip should be gradually increased every week. The initial dosage for this medication should begin at 0.25 mg a day. It should be taken three times a day.

The individual doses for Requip should not exceed 8 mg. The total dosage for this medication should not exceed 24 mg a day.

In case you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as your remember. If your next scheduled dose is due soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

In the event of an overdose, contact your local emergency medical services immediately.

Side Effects

The most common side effects that may be experienced when taking Requip are:

 Disorientation
 Lightheadedness, particularly when moving from a seated position to a standing position
 Sleepiness
 Tumbling
 Auditory or visual hallucinations
 Enlargement of the legs
 Contortion of limbs
 Fatigue
 Increase in severity of Parkinson’s disease

The less common adverse effects that may be experienced with this medication are:

 Discomfort in the stomach
 Presence of blood in urine
 Vision problems
 Anxiety
 Loss of consciousness
 Discomfort in the chest
 Change in blood pressure
 Discomfort in the body
 Problems with memory

In the event that you experience any of these adverse effects, inform your doctor immediately.

Contraindications

 Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or wish to begin breastfeeding and have been prescribed this medication.

 Requip may cause individuals to fall asleep without warning. Do not operate heavy machinery or drive if you experience these symptoms.

 This medication may cause an increase in impulsiveness of certain individuals. Inform your physician if this happens to you.

 Inform your physician if you have a history of heart disease, kidney disease, erratic blood pressure, or narcolepsy.