Requip

Generic name: Ropinirole hydrochloride

What is Requip?

Requip is used to help relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

What is the most important information I should know about Requip?

Skin cancer (melanoma) has been reported in people taking Requip. Be sure to see your doctor regularly for screenings.

There have been some reports of symptoms getting worse during therapy for restless legs syndrome. Contact your doctor if this occurs.

A few patients—especially older ones—also develop hallucinations. Let your doctor know if this occurs. You may have to stop Requip therapy.

Use Requip with caution if you have heart disease. There is also a slight chance of developing respiratory difficulties or problems with your eyesight. If you find it hard to breathe, have any swelling, or develop problems with your vision, alert your doctor at once.

If you are taking Sinemet with Requip, you may experience jerking muscle movements. Tell your doctor. He will need to decrease your dose of Sinemet.

With other Parkinson's medications, a sudden dose reduction has been known to cause high fever, muscle stiffness, and loss of consciousness. Although this has not happened with Requip, be alert for such problems and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.

Requip may also cause darkening of your skin and eye color. Tell your doctor if you notice any change.

Who should not take Requip?

If Requip gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to continue using it.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Requip?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Parkinson's Disease

Adults: Requip is taken 3 times a day. During the first week of therapy, each dose is 0.25 milligram. During the second week, the amount rises to 0.5 milligram. In the third week, it increases to 0.75 milligram, and in the fourth week reaches 1 milligram (3 milligrams daily). If necessary, your doctor will gradually increase the dosage further, up to a maximum of 24 milligrams per day.

If you need to stop Requip therapy, the doctor will discontinue the drug gradually over a 7-day period, reducing the number of doses from 3 to 2 per day for the first 4 days, then to once a day for the remaining 3 days.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Adults: The usual starting dose is 0.25 milligrams taken 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. Depending on your response, the doctor may increase your dose in small increments up to a maximum of 4 milligrams daily.

How should I take Requip?

Take 3 doses a day, with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, combining it with food may relieve the problem. If you are also taking levodopa, its dosage may be gradually decreased when you start therapy with Requip.

What should I avoid while taking Requip?

Requip may cause drowsiness, and some people have reported falling asleep without warning during their daily activities. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you. If you find that Requip makes you sleepy or that you're suddenly falling asleep in the middle of routine activities, tell your doctor immediately.

At the start of Requip therapy and whenever the dose is increased, you face a slightly increased risk of a fainting spell or other symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, and light-headedness, particularly when you get up suddenly after sitting or reclining for a prolonged period. To avoid such symptoms, be careful to stand up slowly.

Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking this medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Requip?

If Requip is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Requip with the following: alcohol, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, certain antidepressants, ciprofloxacin, drugs that contain Levodopa, estrogen medications such as ethinyl estradiol, metoclopramide, and tranquilizers.

What are the possible side effects of Requip?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, abnormal dreaming, abnormal muscle movements, abnormal vision, amnesia, anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased muscle movements, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, eye problems, fainting, falling, fatigue, hallucinations, headache, hot flashes, increased sweating, increase/decrease in blood pressure, indigestion, joint pain, leg swelling, muscle spasms, nausea, nervousness, pain, paralysis, respiratory tract infection, runny nose, sinus inflammation, skin tingling, sore throat, stomach discomfort, swelling, toothache, tremor, urinary tract infection, viral infections, vomiting, weakness

Can I receive Requip if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Although the effects of Requip during pregnancy have not been adequately studied in humans, birth defects have occurred in animals. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Requip may inhibit production of breast milk. There is also a possibility that it will appear in breast milk and affect the nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Requip?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Requip?

Store at room temperature away from light.