Mirapex

Mirapex

     * Generic Name: pramipexole
     * Brand Name: Mirapex


     * What is pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * What are the possible side effects of pramipexole (Mirapex,
       Mirapex ER)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * How should I take pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * What should I avoid while taking pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex
       ER)?
     * What other drugs will affect pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
     * Where can I get more information (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

What is pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   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 are the possible side effects of pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   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;
     * unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
     * vision problems; or
     * posture changes you cannot control, such as involuntary bending
       forward of your neck, bending forward at the waist, or tilting
       sideways when you sit, stand, or walk.

   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 is the most important information I should know about pramipexole
(Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   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.

   Mirapex Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
   Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep

   Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
   Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More

   Sleep Disorders Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole
(Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   You should not use pramipexole if you are allergic to it.

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * low blood pressure;
     * dizziness after getting up too fast;
     * daytime drowsiness;
     * 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 (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all
   medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally
   change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

   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.

   Mirapex Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
   Restless Legs Syndrome: Home Remedies for RLS and Better Sleep

   Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
   Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, and More

   Sleep Disorders Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is
   combined with pramipexole.

   Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine
   will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too
   fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Using pramipexole with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this
   effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping
   pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
     * cimetidine;
     * metoclopramide; 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 affect pramipexole,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about pramipexole.
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