What is the most important information I should know about pramipexole?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is pramipexole?
Pramipexole has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.
Pramipexole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Only immediate-release pramipexole (Mirapex) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release pramipexole (Mirapex ER) is approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms.
Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.
Pramipexole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole?
You should not use pramipexole if you are allergic to it.
To make sure pramipexole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- low blood pressure;
- kidney disease; or
- problems controlling your muscle movements.
People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.
It is not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take pramipexole?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
If you are taking immediate-release pramipexole (Mirapex) you should not take extended-release pramipexole (Mirapex ER) at the same time.
The dose and timing of pramipexole in treating Parkinson's disease is different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the kind of pramipexole you receive at the pharmacy.
Pramipexole can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet (Mirapex ER). Swallow it whole.
If you are taking this medication for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.
Do not stop using pramipexole suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking pramipexole?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Dizziness may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with pramipexole.
What are the possible side effects of pramipexole?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
- extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
- tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
- vision problems; or
- unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.
Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older adults.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.
Common side effects may include:
- muscle spasm or muscle weakness;
- drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- confusion, memory problems;
- dry mouth;
- nausea, constipation;
- increased urination; or
- sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect pramipexole?
Taking pramipexole with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- cimetidine; or
- medicine to treat mental illness (such as chlorpromazine, droperidol, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pramipexole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about pramipexole.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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