Requip

Requip (ropinirole) is a dopaminergic drug that mimics the actions of dopamine, a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the body. Parkinson's disease is linked to low dopamine levels in the brain.

Uses of Requip

This drug is used to treat Parkinson's disease alone or in combination with other treatments. It can help one move more freely and reduce tremors, stiffness, delayed movement, and unsteadiness. It may help reduce the frequency of episodes in which the patient cannot move ("on-off syndrome").

Ropinirole also treats Restless legs syndrome (RLS). It may help patients sleep better by reducing the need to move their legs and the unpleasant/uncomfortable emotions they have in their legs. Requip alternatives include other medications for Parkinson's disease, such as Amantadine and Levodopa.

Possible side effects

Get immediate medical attention if one develops hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or neck.

Some people who use ropinirole have fallen asleep while working, eating, talking, or driving throughout the day. While using this medication, a patient may experience heightened sexual desires, odd gambling desires, or other strong desires.

The patient should report to a doctor immediately if they develop any of these symptoms:

• Unexpected changes in behavior or mood;
• Severe sleepiness, falling asleep unexpectedly (even when aware); 
• Symptoms are becoming worse or aren't getting better; or
• A feeling of dizziness, as if one is about to pass out;

Common side effects

• Flu symptoms (fever, chills, and body pains);
• Jerky muscular movements;
• Excessive perspiration; or
• Swelling of the legs or feet
• Sleepiness, weakness, and dizziness;
• Dizziness, headaches, and hallucinations;
• High blood pressure (painful headaches, pounding in the neck or ears, nosebleeds, irregular heartbeats);
• Bloating, nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach

How to use the medicine

If the patient is taking this medicine for Parkinson's disease, It should be taken by mouth three times a day, with or without food, as prescribed by the doctor. It's possible that taking this medicine with meals can help one feel better.

The patient's doctor progressively increases the dose of ropinirole to decrease the danger of adverse effects (such as low blood pressure or sleepiness) when they first start taking it. If the patient is taking this medicine for RLS, they should take it once a day, with or without food, 1-3 hours before bedtime, or as prescribed by their doctor.

Precautions

If the patient is allergic to ropinirole or has any other allergies, they should inform their doctor or pharmacist before taking it. 

Doctor or pharmacist should be notified if the patient has ever had mental/mood disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, confusion, hallucinations, psychoses,) heart problems (including the irregular heartbeat),  kidney problems, difficulty walking, liver problems, high or low blood pressure, or a sleep disorder  (e.g.,  narcolepsy, sleep apnea).

This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. One may become dizzy or sleepy if one consumes alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, operate equipment, or engage in any other activity that requires attention until one can do so safely. 

The drug's adverse effects, particularly mental/mood disturbances (such as hallucinations), nausea, and vomiting, may be more severe in older individuals.

During pregnancy, this medication should only be taken when necessary. Consult a doctor about the dangers and advantages.

Interactions

Antipsychotics, for example, may interact with this medication (e.g., metoclopramide, thiothixene, chlorpromazine, haloperidol)

Other medicines may interfere with eliminating ropinirole from the patient's body, causing ropinirole to act differently. Rifampin, cimetidine, mexiletine, fluvoxamine, and omeprazole are just a few examples.

Inform a doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking any other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers (such as hydrocodone, codeine), marijuana (cannabis), alcohol, sleep, as well as anti-anxiety medicines (such as lorazepam, zolpidem, and alprazolam), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine), and antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine).

Storage

Store at room temp, clear from direct sunlight or moisture. Keep away from the restroom and out of reach from youngsters and pets.

Disposal

Unless otherwise advised, do not flush or spill medications down a toilet or a drain. Properly dispose of this product once it reaches the end of its useful life or is no longer required.

Kiwi Drug is the best place to purchase Requip (ropinirole HCl) and other popular medicines, pharmaceuticals, and basic healthcare goods at the lowest possible rates. Kiwi Drug's expert staff delivers world-class customer support to package and ship the medicines promptly to patients all over the world.