Requip (Ropinirole)

What is Requip?

Requip is an anti parkinsonian agent that has the same effect as dopamine, which is present in the body naturally.

What is Requip used for?

Requip is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as muscle spasms, tremors, poor muscle control, and stiffness. It can also be used for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS).

How does Requip work?

Requip works by restoring the balance of a natural substance present in the brain, called dopamine.

How to use Requip

Take Requip in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer period or in larger amount than recommended can cause health ailments.

The medicine is usually taken thrice daily. You can take it with or without food. However, taking it with food can help reduce nausea.

If you are using this medicine for the treatment of RLS, take it once daily, preferably at bed time, or as directed by the doctor.

To attain maximum benefits from the medication, take Requip regularly and at the same time each day. Do not miss any scheduled appointment to your doctor.

Requip warnings and precautions

Prior to taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are suffering from low or high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, mental illness, compulsive behaviors, or heart disease. You might need an adjustment in the dosage.

Avoid consumption of alcohol and tobacco at all costs. The drug may cause drowsiness, therefore, it is advised that you do not perform any attention requiring task after taking Requip. Do not get up too fast from a lying or sitting position, else you may fall.

It is unknown whether the drug can affect a fetus or not, hence, pregnant females should seek prior advice from the doctor regarding use of this medicine. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. It is unsure if the drug passes into breast milk or could cause harm to a nursing child, therefore, lactating women should not use this medicine without consulting their doctors. Consumption of this medicine may even result in decreased breast milk production.

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

If you have missed your Requip dose, you should take it immediately. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the missed one and get back to the routine. Do not take two doses to catch up.

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

If you have taken a Requip overdose, you should contact your doctor.

Requip interactions

Requip is known to interact with many drugs. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to inform your doctor about all the prescribed, non-prescribed medicines and herbal concoctions that you use, before taking Requip.

Requip can interact with ciprofloxacin, levodopa, fluvoxamine, omeprazole, metoclopramide, estrogens such as Prempro, Premarin, estradiol, Ogen, Climara, Estraderm, Vivelle; medicines used for the treatment of mental illness or nausea and vomiting, for example, promazine, haloperidol, thiothixene, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, etc.

Requip side effects

Requip side effects include fever, confusion, stiff muscles, sweating, uneven or fast heartbeats, hallucinations, tremors, breathing trouble, chest tightness, feeling that you might lose consciousness, hives, and swelling.

Mild nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, sweating, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, worsened symptoms of RLS, insomnia, anxiety or agitation are some less serious side effects of Requip.