Mirapex (Pramipexole)

What is Mirapex?

Mirapex (pramipexole) is a dopamine agonist that has the same effect as dopamine which occurs naturally in the body.

What is Mirapex used for?

Mirapex is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It can improve patient’s ability to move and decrease shakiness, stiffness, slowed movement and unsteadiness. The medicine is also used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) that causes an unusual urge to move the legs.

How does Mirapex work?

Mirapex works by restoring the balance of a particular natural substance, called dopamine, in the brain.

How to use Mirapex

Mirapex should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in smaller / larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The dosage depends on whether the drug is being taken to treat Parkinson’s disease or Restless Legs Syndrome. Therefore, it is advisable to take Mirapex as prescribed and follow the instructions written on the prescription label. The medication can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help decrease nausea. Do not break, crush or chew an extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Mirapex warnings and precautions

Do not use Mirapex if you are allergic to pramipexole. You may feel drowsy or you may even fall asleep after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if such things happen to you after taking Mirapex dose. It is better to avoid performing activities that require alertness, for example driving, while taking this medication.

Prior to taking Mirapex, tell your doctor if you have low blood pressure, kidney disease, dyskinesia (tremors) or uncontrolled muscle movements. While using Mirapex, avoid drinking alcohol or getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position. Stand up slowly in order to prevent a fall.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Mirapex dose?

If you have missed your Mirapex dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Mirapex overdose?

If you have taken a Mirapex overdose you should seek medical attention immediately.

Mirapex interactions

Before taking Mirapex, consult your doctor if you take cimetidine (Tagamet), amantadine (Symmetrel), ranitidine (Zantac), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), triamterene (Dyrenium), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), quinine(Qualaquin), verapamil (Covera, Calan, Isoptin); medicines to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide (Reglan, Metozolv) or promethazine (Phenergan, Pentazine, Anergan, Antinaus); or medicines used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), thiothixene (Navane),chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), thioridazine (Mellaril), etc.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use, especially those that make you sleepy. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Mirapex side effects

Mirapex side effects include hives, fever, extreme drowsiness, falling asleep even after feeling alert, hallucinations, fainting, nausea, increased sweating, muscle pain, weakness or tenderness, loss of appetite, fatigue, rapid weight loss, chest discomfort, breathing trouble, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, dry cough, dark-colored urine; uncontrollable movements of eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms or legs; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Mirapex, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Dizziness, dry mouth, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, spinning sensation, headache, blurred vision, insomnia, amnesia, thinking problems, impotence, decreased sex drive, trouble having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Mirapex.