Learn all about the generic drug Ropinirole here. Including what it treats, its side effects, and other important information. This is an informational website and should not be considered professional medical advice. Speak with your doctor before starting this medication. 
Ropinirole: Drug Overview
What is Ropinirole ?
Ropinirole (brand name Requip®) a medication that affects the levels of dopamine (a substance produced by the body that controls movement) in the brain.
Why is Ropinirole prescribed?
Ropinirole is prescribed, alone or in conjunction with other medications, to treat the symptoms of the neurological disease called Parkinson’s disease, which causes balance difficulties, tremors, stiffness and jerky movements. It is also prescribed to treat the condition RLS (restless leg syndrome), which causes people to have an irresistible urge to move their legs during the night, while lying down or even sitting. The syndrome also causes strange uncomfortable sensations in the legs.
What is the dosage?
Ropinirole is available in a regular tablet and an extended-release tablet, to be taken orally. For RSL, the normal dosage is to take the regular tablet once a day between one and three hours before bedtime, starting at a dosage of 0.25 mg. and increasing it gradually as needed; maximum dosage is normally not more than 4 mg. for RSL. For Parkinson’s, the dosage would start at 0.25 mg. three times a day, gradually increasing as needed. The dosage is usually not over 24 mg. daily. If using the extended-release tablets for Parkinson’s disease, the beginning dosage would be 2 mg. once to twice daily, increasing gradually. Again, maximum dosage would usually not exceed 24 mg.
Do not stop taking Ropinirole abruptly; sudden cessation of the medication can cause serious side effects such as sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, fever or tachycardia (fast heartbeat). Talk to your doctor if you feel you want to go off the medication and he or she will wean you off it over a seven-day period.
Contraindications
Do not use Ropinirole if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it. Also be sure to let your doctor know of any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, medications, animals, or dyes. You should also talk to your physician about any herbal supplements you may be taking, and let him know if you have had any of the following:
- A hard-to-control urge to gamble
- Unexpected daytime sleepiness/sleep disorder
- Psychotic disorder
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Low or high blood pressure, or postural hypotension
- Hallucinations
Be sure to mention if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medication, and talk to your doctor about your tobacco and alcohol use.
Interactions
Ropinirole may interact with the following drugs. Please let your physician know if you are taking any of these drugs before starting Ropinirole.
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine
- Antidepressants/psychiatric drugs such as risperidone, amitriptylene or trazodone
- Anti-anxiety drugs/tranquilizers
- Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Cimetadine (Tagamet®)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid®)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec®)
- Mexiletine
- Sleeping pills or sedatives
- Narcotic pain relievers such as codeine
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
- Estrogens (including birth control pills and hormone replacement)
- Anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine
- Other drugs used to treat Parkinson’s such as L-dopa
Side Effects
The following side effects are most common with this drug. Call your doctor if they become severe or persistent.
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
- Unusual sweating
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following serious side effects.
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Confusion/memory problems
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Hallucinations
- Mood changes
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Unusual urges (gambling, sexual)
- Decreased sexual ability
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Chest pain
- Changes in heart rhythm (too fast, too slow, irregular)
- Vision changes
- Symptoms of allergic reaction such as swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face; rash or hives, itching, trouble breathing.
Be cautious about driving or other dangerous activities until you are sure the medication will not make you drowsy or fall asleep suddenly. Other risks include a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness, nausea or fainting. This is likely to happen early in the treatment period.
References:
http://www.medicinenet.com/ropinirole-oral/article.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a698013.html
