Requip
Generic Name:
Ropinirole
Brand Names:
Requip, Requip XL
Requip Description:
Requip is prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to treat symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease. Requip is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists, which work by mimicking the action of dopamine in the brain controlling tremors, rigidity, and other Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Requip may also be prescribed to treat patients with Restless Legs Syndrome.
Requip Side Effects:
The following side effects have been associated with Requip:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Falling
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Edema
- Uncontrollable body movements
For more information, see our Requip side effects page.
Requip Uses:
Requip may be prescribed to treat tremors, rigidity, and symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease. Patients affected by Parkinson’s disease do not produce enough dopamine. Requip mimics the brain’s production of dopamine, the essential chemical for smooth, voluntary movement.
Requip may also be prescribed to treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder that affects sensation and movement in the legs. Patients affected by RLS have uncomfortable, irresistible feelings of wanting to move their legs.
Requip Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking Requip.
Before beginning treatment with Requip, patients should consult their doctor if they are taking any of the following medications:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Cimetidine
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Fluvoxamine
- Birch control
- Insulin
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Levodopa
- Anxiety medications
- Seizure medications
- Metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Mexiletine
- Modafanil
- Nafcillin
- Omeprazole
- Sedatives
- Sleeping pills
- Tranquilizers
Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with Requip:
- Dyskinesia
- Hallucinations
- Heart problems
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Mental illness
- Postural hypotension
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Lung problems
- Sleep disorders
Requip Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Requip dosages may vary among patients and conditions. Patients should take Requip exactly as prescribed by their doctor.
Requip is distributed as a regular or extended release tablet with doses ranging from .25 mg to 12 mg.
Patients should take their dose of Requip with food to avoid nausea.
Do not suddenly stop taking Requip. Patients should gradually decrease their dose over a period of seven days.
Missing a Dose of Requip
If you miss a dose of Requip, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not double a dose to make up for your missed dose.
Requip Overdose
Patients who think they have overdosed on Requip should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of Requip overdose may include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Cough
- Agitation
- Palpitations
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
Requip FDA Approval:
September 19, 1997
Requip Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls or Black Box warnings for Requip.
Other Warnings
There is a risk of falling asleep during daily activities while being treated with Requip. Patients treated with Requip should exercise extreme caution until they know how Requip will affect them, especially before driving or doing any task that requires them to be alert.
Patients using Requip may develop compulsive behaviors or have problems with impulse control. Pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive eating, and compulsive shopping habits have developed in patients treated with Requip.
Elderly patients may have hallucinations while being treated with Requip.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk for developing melanoma. If you are being treated with Requip, have you doctor check your skin regularly.
Some patients treated with Requip have developed fibrotic changes (scarring or thickening) in their lungs and heart valves. It is unknown if Requip is the primary cause for these conditions.
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