Requip

Description

Requip is the trade name of a generic drug called Ropinirole. It contains the chemical ropinirole hydrochloride. This drug is available in varying strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg and 5 mg.

How It Works

Requip is a dopamine agonist; a substance that triggers Dopamine receptors when dopamine is produced less or not at all in your body. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from one cell to another. It is known that there is an absence of dopamine in people with Parkinson’s disease, and it is what causes this illness initially. The active ingredient ropinirole in Requip works by activating receptors that work with the help of Dopamine, creating the same effect as dopamine. By stabilizing the levels of dopamine in your brain, this medication is able to lessen symptoms like shaking and slowed movements associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Uses

Aside from treating Parkinson’s disease, this medication also treats (RLS) Restless Legs Syndrome and extrapyramidal side effects; movement problems induced by drugs.

Dosage

Before using Requip or getting a refill of it, consult a doctor for dosage recommendations.

If this medication is taken to treat Parkinson’s disease, take it 3 times a day with or without food. The approved starting dose is 0.25 mg per day. Depending on the patient’s response to the drug and capacity of tolerance, the dose may be titrated by introducing small increments every week. The maximum daily dose to treat Parkinson’s disease is 24 mg per day. Do not exceed this dose at any given circumstance.

To treat RLS, the recommended dose is 4 mg per day. The starting dose for adults is 0.25 mg which is to be taken as a single dose 1 to 3 hours before sleeping. In two days, if required the dose can be increased by 0.5 mg.

Side Effects

It is normal that any drug would have its side effects. Some of the common side effects associated with Requip are:

Dizziness
Nausea
Swelling of the legs
Fatigue
Hallucinations
Twitching body movements
Sleepiness

Symptoms of an overdose may include agitation, grogginess, excessive sweating, coughing and nightmares.

Precautions

This medication should not be taken with drugs that bring down the dopamine level in your body. Anti-psychotic drugs are a good example.

Requip is not recommended to be used:

During Pregnancy
When Breast feeding
By Persons below 18 years of age

This medication contains Lactose and should not be taken by anyone who has the rare condition: galactose intolerance.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication at the same time. Some drugs such as sleeping pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-epileptic drugs and muscle relaxers can worsen side effects of Requip.

Inform your doctor if you have the following health problems before taking Requip.

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Narcolepsy
Insomnia
Heart disease

It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or consume alcohol often.

Self-Care

This medication can cause a drop in blood pressure causing severe dizziness in some patients. To avoid feeling more dizzy, try to relax and not make any abrupt body movements.