Ropinirole is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the restless leg syndrome.
What is Ropinirole?
Ropinirole acts by compensating for the lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine, a substance naturally present in the brain, where it participates in the control of movements.
How should Ropinirole be taken?
Ropinirole is commercially available in the form of tablets, even in prolonged release formulations. It must be taken with food. In the case of Parkinson's disease, in general, the dosage is three tablets a day or a programmed release tablet per day.
In case of restless legs syndrome, dosage is instead one tablet per day to be taken from 1 to 3 hours before going to sleep. Your doctor may initially prescribe a low dose of ropinirole and then gradually increase it to gain control of the symptoms.
Side effects associated with Ropinirole
The possible adverse effects associated with ropinirole may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decrease in appetite
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache
- Sweats or hot flashes
- Confusion
- Poor memory or concentration
- Anxiety
- Sudden and uncontrolled movements
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Reduced sensitivity to touch
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Difficult or painful urination
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Back pain, muscles or joint pain
- Pain, burning, numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Swelling in hands, arms, feet, ankles or calves
- Dry mouth
You should immediately contact a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- Chest pains
- Slowed, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vision problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ropinirole
The drug can cause drowsiness and falling asleep suddenly. This effect may be enhanced by alcohol consumption. Moreover, you can trigger dizziness when standing up quickly and if you have compulsive behaviors. In addition, the effectiveness of the active ingredient can be reduced by tobacco.
Prior to beginning treatment with ropinirole it is recommended to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, cimetidine, antibiotics, fluvoxatina, hormone replacement therapy, hormonal contraceptives, insulin, lansoprazole, levodopa, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants, drugs that make you sleepy, metoclopramide, mexiletine, modafinil, omeprazole, sedatives, tranquilizers and drugs for insomnia
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from sleep problems, pressure, psychiatric, renal, cardiac or hepatic disorders
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
