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Description
Indications
Pramipexole is utilized either alone or in combination with other medications to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a nervous system disorder characterized by difficulties in movement, muscle control, and balance.
Pramipexole is also employed to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition that induces discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move them, particularly at night or when sitting or lying down. Pramipexole belongs to a class of medications known as dopamine agonists, which work by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain crucial for controlling movement.
Uses and Dosage
Pramipexole is available as both a regular tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet for oral administration.
When used for Parkinson’s disease, the regular tablet is typically taken three times a day, while the extended-release tablet is taken once daily. For restless legs syndrome, the regular tablet is usually taken once a day, 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Pramipexole extended-release tablets are not indicated for restless legs syndrome treatment.
While pramipexole can be taken with or without food, taking it with food may help prevent nausea. Take pramipexole exactly as prescribed, and do not alter the dosage or frequency without consulting your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or split them. Your doctor will initiate treatment with a low dose of pramipexole and gradually increase it. Dose adjustments are typically made no more frequently than once every 4 to 7 days. It may take several weeks to reach an effective dose.
For restless legs syndrome, be aware that your symptoms may worsen or occur at different times as treatment progresses. Contact your doctor if your symptoms deteriorate or if they change timing.
While pramipexole can alleviate symptoms, it does not cure Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome. Continue taking pramipexole even if you feel well, and do not discontinue it without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to various withdrawal symptoms, such as fever, confusion, muscle stiffness, and psychological effects. If you need to stop pramipexole for any reason, consult your doctor for a gradual dose reduction plan.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- weakness
- dizziness
- loss of balance, falling
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- difficulty remembering
- abnormal dreams
- heartburn
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- swollen, stiff, or painful joints
- pain in back, arms or legs
- frequent urination or urgent need to urinate
- difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hallucinations, confusion, aggressive behavior, agitation, abnormal thoughts
- changes in vision
- abnormal body movements and motions that you cannot control
- changes in the way you sit or stand that you cannot control, such as your neck bending forward, bending forward at the waist, or tilting sideways when you sit, stand or walk,
- dark, red or cola-colored urine
- muscle tenderness
- muscle stiffness or aching
- muscle weakness
Caution
- Before taking pramipexole, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
- Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, mental/mood disorders, or sleep disorders.
- Older adults may be at a higher risk of experiencing dizziness and hallucinations while using this medication.
- Pramipexole may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery, until you know how the medication affects you. Limit alcohol consumption, as it can enhance dizziness or drowsiness. If you use marijuana, discuss it with your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, use pramipexole only when necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- The medication may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant, as well as potentially affecting milk production. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using pramipexole. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Mirapex ER is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Mirapex ER extended-release tablet:
- 0.375 mg
- 0.75 mg
- 1.5 mg
- 3 mg
- 3.75 mg
- 4.5 mg
- pramipexole extended-release tablet:
- 0.375 mg
- 0.75 mg
- 1.5 mg
- 3 mg
FAQ
How long does it take for Mirapex ER to work?
Most of the medication from the immediate-release tablet gets absorbed into the body about 2 hours after you take it. The extended-release tablets release the medication slowly into the body, so they generally take a little longer to start working.
What time of day should I take Mirapex ER?
For Parkinson’s disease, the extended-release tablets are taken once per day and can be taken at any time of the day. But if it’s making you sleepy, take the tablet only at night.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/pramipexole/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/pramipexole-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20065603?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-153659/mirapex-er-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697029.html
- https://www.drugs.com/dosage/mirapex-er.html
