Requip (Ropinirole) for Parkinson's Disease

The Requip brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Requip is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Requip is also referred to by its drug name, ropinirole. Requip is a member of a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. Requip is believed to work by imitating the action of dopamine in the brain. Some medications are available both as generic and branded products. Although generic and branded formulations of a drug contain the same active ingredients at the same concentrations, your body may react differently to different formulations. Check with your doctor before switching between drug brands or between generic and branded drugs.

How do I take it?

Requip comes in extended-release and regular-release tablets. If you are prescribed the extended-release Requip tablet, take it once a day. If you are prescribed the regular-release Requip tablet, take it three times a day. Take Requip at the same time or times each day. Always swallow Requip whole. Do not chew, split, or crush Requip tablets. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Requip. Alcohol can increase the intensity of some side effects. Smoking makes Requip less effective. Inform your doctor if you start or stop smoking while taking Requip. Avoid driving or operating machinery while using Requip. Do not stop using Requip suddenly. If you decide to stop using Requip, form a plan with your doctor for gradually tapering off your dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Requip.

Side effects

Common side effects of Requip include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, fainting, fatigue, indigestion, viral infection, constipation, pain, increased sweating, weakness, leg swelling, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infections, confusion, hallucinations, urinary tract infections, and abnormal vision. Rarely, dopamine agonists such as Requip may contribute to the development of serious lung or heart valve problems including pleural effusion, retroperitoneal fibrosis, or cardiac valvulopathy. These conditions may or may not resolve after you stop taking the drug. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience trouble breathing, a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, rigid muscles, muscle cramps, fever, chest pain, agitation, hallucinations, impulsive or psychotic behavior, slurred speech, or seizures while taking Requip.

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Requip — RxList