Indications 

Requip is a medication that is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat Parkinson’s disease, a condition that impairs a person’s ability to move normally.  

This medication is effective in reducing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness, thereby improving the patient’s motor function. In addition to Parkinson’s disease, Ropinirole is prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly during the night.  

Ropinirole may alleviate the discomfort and unpleasant sensations associated with RLS, thereby improving sleep. The medication works by restoring the balance of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that plays a vital role in motor function. 

Uses and Dosage 

Prior to taking ropinirole, carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet given by your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about the provided information, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. 

When taking this medication for Parkinson’s disease, consume orally with or without food as instructed by your doctor, usually three times daily. Administering this medication with food may help reduce nausea.  

To minimize the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and low blood pressure, your doctor may recommend initiating treatment at a low dose and gradually increasing the dosage. Follow your doctor’s instructions diligently. 

For individuals using ropinirole for restless legs syndrome, administer orally, typically once a day, with or without food as advised by your doctor, usually one to three hours before going to sleep. 

Consistently utilize this medication as prescribed to obtain the maximum benefits. To aid in remembering, use it at the same time(s) daily. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently than directed. 

If you cease taking ropinirole for multiple days, gradually increase your dosage back to the prior amount, as advised by your doctor. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor first, as some conditions may deteriorate when suddenly stopped.  

Abruptly halting the medication may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness. To reduce the likelihood of withdrawal, your doctor may decrease your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more probable if ropinirole has been used for an extended duration or in higher doses. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Individuals taking this medication for restless legs syndrome should notify their doctor if their symptoms exacerbate or worsen in the early morning or if symptoms appear earlier in the evening or late afternoon. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan. 

The dosage of ropinirole is dependent on your medical condition and response to treatment. It may require several weeks for this medication to become effective. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. 

Side Effects 

Allergic Reactions

Seek emergency medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction to Requip, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. 

Severe Side Effects

Daytime sleepiness: Some people may fall asleep suddenly during normal activities while taking Requip. Inform your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. 

Unusual urges: Requip use has been associated with increased sexual urges, gambling urges, or other intense urges. Consult your doctor if you experience such urges. 

Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects while taking Requip: 

• Extreme drowsiness or sudden falling asleep even when feeling alert 
• Worsening or no improvement of symptoms 
• Light-headedness or feeling like you might pass out 
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior 
• Tremors or uncontrollable muscle movements 
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) 

Increased risk in older adults: Confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older patients taking Requip. 

Common Side Effects

Requip may cause the following common side effects: 

• Drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness 
• Headache, confusion, or hallucinations 
• Increased blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, or irregular heartbeats) 
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or constipation 
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, or body aches) 
• Sudden muscle movements 
• Increased sweating 
• Swelling in the legs or feet 

Caution 

• Daytime sleepiness: Requip may cause you to fall asleep suddenly during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving, even after feeling alert. Inform your doctor if you experience any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. Exercise caution if you drive or engage in activities requiring alertness. 
• Intense urges: While taking Requip, you may experience increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any concerns about these urges. 
• Medication interactions: Avoid sharing Requip with another person, and refrain from drinking alcohol, which may intensify the medication’s side effects. Certain drugs, such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medication for seizures, depression, or anxiety, may exacerbate ropinirole-induced sleepiness. Inform your doctor if you regularly use any of these medications. 
• Hallucinations: Requip may cause hallucinations, especially in older adults. If you experience hallucinations, contact your doctor immediately. 
• Dosage changes: Do not alter your Requip dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as doing so may result in side effects such as fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion. 
• Skin cancer risk: Some individuals taking medication for Parkinson’s disease, including Requip, have developed skin cancer (melanoma). Although people with Parkinson’s disease may have a higher risk of melanoma than others, discuss your individual risk and the skin symptoms to watch for with your doctor. You may need regular skin examinations.