Ropinirole

Generic Name : Ropinirole

TradeName : PARKIROP, ROPITOR

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : 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. So Ropinirole is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Ropinirole is also used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS); a condition that causes discomfort in the legs.

When it is to be taken : When Ropinirole is used to treat Parkinson's disease; it is usually taken three times a day. When it is used to treat restless legs syndrome, it is usually taken once a day, 1–3 hours before bedtime.

How it should be taken : Ropinirole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. 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.

Special Instruction :
1. Take Ropinirole exactly as your doctor has directed you to. Do not take more or less of it or to take it more or less often than as instructed.
2. Continue to take Ropinirole even if you feel well.
3. Do not stop taking Ropinirole without consulting your doctor as it may cause your condition to worsen.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
5. Keep all appointments with your doctor, as your dose may need to be adjusted frequently.
6. Do not let anyone else take your medication

Side Effects :
1. Ropinirole may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, headache, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, sweating, confusion, anxiety, abnormal body movements, slowed or decreased movements, numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs frequent or urgent need to urinate, difficulty urinating or pain when urinating, runny nose, sore throat, and other cold symptoms. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
2. Symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), fainting, slow or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, double vision or other problems with vision need to be reported to the doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Ropinirole may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or sweating when you get up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. To avoid this problem, get out of the chair or bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
2. Ropinirole may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
3. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ropinirole, inform your doctor.
4. Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medication. Inform your doctor if you use tobacco products.
5. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication. Tell your doctor if you regularly drink alcoholic drinks.
6. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, like antidepressants ('mood elevators'); antipsychotics (medications for mental illness); cimetidine, fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin; fluvoxamine; levodopa; 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 ; mexiletine ; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
7. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an urge to gamble that was difficult to control and if you have had a sleep disorder other than restless legs syndrome; or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and excess heat and moisture.