Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ropinirole is employed either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other medications to alleviate the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). These symptoms may include shaking in various parts of the body, stiffness, slowed movements, and difficulties with balance. Additionally, ropinirole is used to address restless legs syndrome.
Belonging to the class of medications known as dopamine agonists, Ropinirole functions by mimicking the action of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain crucial for regulating movement.
Uses and Dosage
To take this medication, follow your doctor’s instructions. You can take it with or without food, usually once daily.
Taking it with food might reduce the risk of nausea. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew them, as this can release the entire dose at once, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may advise you to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize the risk of side effects. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions meticulously.
Use this medication consistently to derive the maximum benefit. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember. If you miss several doses and need to restart, your doctor may guide you on how to gradually increase your dose back to the previous level.
Do not discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor, as some conditions may worsen when it is abruptly stopped. Sudden cessation may also lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness. To minimize withdrawal, your doctor may taper your dose slowly, especially if you’ve been using ropinirole for an extended period or in high doses. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Inform your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- heartburn or gas
- diarrhea
- constipation
- decrease in appetite
- weight loss
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- tiredness
- weakness
- headache
- sweating or flushing
- confusion
- difficulty remembering or concentrating
- anxiety
- uncontrolled, sudden body movements
- shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
- decreased sensitivity (response) to touch
- frequent or urgent need to urinate
- difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- hallucinations
- feeling unusually suspicious of others
- confusion
- aggressive or unfriendly behavior
- having strange thoughts or beliefs that have no basis in reality
- agitation
- fainting
- chest pain
- slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- shortness of breath
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- double vision or other changes in vision
Caution
- Before taking ropinirole, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as the product may contain inactive ingredients that could lead to allergic reactions or other complications.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication, particularly if you have a history of heart disease, high or low blood pressure, sleep disorders, mental/mood disorders, or liver problems.
- This drug may induce dizziness or drowsiness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana can exacerbate these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can perform them safely.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations), nausea, and vomiting.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is uncertain whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Requip XL is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Requip XL tablet:
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
FAQ
How long does it take Requip XL to begin working?
You may notice an improvement after taking your first dose. However, it can take up to 1 week for Requip to have its full effect.
Is it safe to take Requip XL for a long time?
Many people take Requip safely for many months or years. Requip may be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease for several years, taken either on its own or with other Parkinson’s medicines such as co-careldopa or co-beneldopa.
