Requip

A dopamine agonist, Requip (ropinirole), affects brain chemicals that are involved in controlling motor behavior. Parkinson's disease and occasionally restless legs syndrome (RLS) are both treated with Requip. Requip can be used for additional conditions not covered in this medication guide.Important DetailsIf you are allergic to ropinirole or have uncontrollable movements of your tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs, you should avoid using Requip. Some people who take this medication have done things like drive, eat, walk, make phone calls, or have sex and later lost all memory of the experience. Users of Welzo can use this article for informational purposes to better understand Requip.

Overview

Uses

Side Effects

Health Benefits

Requip can aid in reducing the following Parkinson's disease symptoms:

Tremor

Rigidity

Bradykinesia, or sluggish movement

Instability of posture (balance issues)

(Involuntary movements) Dyskinesia

In addition to alleviating RLS symptoms, Requip may also be useful for treating the following:

Leg aches or burning sensations

a desire to move one's legs that is frequently accompanied by an unpleasant feeling

Leg pain causing difficulty falling or staying asleep

Leg movements that feel as though they happen when neither desired nor necessary (also known as "perceived" leg movements)

Other possible health advantages of Requip include its potential to enhance cognitive function in Parkinson's disease patients and to lessen the severity of hallucinations in schizophrenia patients.

Side Effects

Requip's typical side effects include:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

abdominal pain

Diarrhea

Constipation

Rash

Anxiety

Depression

Among the less frequent side effects are:

Lightheadedness

Fainting

Insomnia, a problem sleeping

hallucinations

Unaccounted-for skin sensations (such as a "crawling," "itching," "pins-and-needles," or "tingling" feeling)

increased perspiration

Having swollen hands or feet

mouth ache

gaining weight

Fever

back ache

distorted vision

Your ears are ringing.

Dosage

Requip is typically started at a dose of 0.25 mg taken orally three times per day for Parkinson's disease. Until the desired response is obtained, the dose may be raised by 0.25–0.5 mg increments every three to seven days.

The starting dose for restless legs syndrome is 0.25 mg taken orally once daily, two to three hours prior to bedtime. Until the desired response is obtained, the dose may be raised by 0.25–0.5 mg increments every one to two weeks.

To avoid stomach upset, Requip should be taken with food or right after a meal.

Interactions

Requip may have interactions with a number of drugs, including:

Levodopa or comparable Parkinson's disease medications, such as Sinemet

Anticholinergics (drugs used to treat parkinsonism, urinary issues, and stomach or intestinal problems)

Other dopamine agonists (including pergolide, cabergoline, and bromocriptine)

narcotic painkillers, including codeine

sedatives, including zolpidem

Antidepressants that are tricyclic (like amitriptyline)

MAOIs include medications like tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, rasagiline, and others.

medication for seizures (such as phenobarbital and carbamazepine)

medication for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, amlodipine, and beta-blockers like metoprolol)

HIV protease inhibitors, including ritonavir, atazanavir, and indinavir

John's wort

Mechanism of Action

Requip functions by emulating the actions of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that carries signals between brain nerve cells.Requip can help to enhance muscle function and lessen the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome by interacting with dopamine receptors.

Pharmacokinetics

Requip is quickly absorbed from the digestive system and goes through a significant first-pass metabolism in the liver.20% of Requip taken orally is bioavailable.Requip has a two- to three-hour half-life.