Requip 3mg Tablets

Ropinirole is a non-ergoline dopamine agonist with high affinity for D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. It is believed to stimulate postsynaptic D2-type receptors in the caudate-putamen in the brain, thereby mimicking the effects of dopamine and alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high or low blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as:
+ Blood in the urine
+ Burning or pain when passing urine
+ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
+ Fever
+ Lower stomach pain or pelvic pain
Confusion, difficulty focusing, or changes in behavior
Strong, uncontrollable urges (e.g., eating, gambling, sex, or spending money)
Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Abnormal heartbeat (fast, slow, or irregular)
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Mood changes
Shortness of breath
Trouble controlling body movements (new or worsening)
Swelling
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations that are not normal
Memory problems or loss
Fever
Muscle stiffness
Sudden, unexplained sleepiness, including:
+ Falling asleep during activities like driving, eating, or talking
+ Feeling extremely sleepy or alert right before falling asleep

If you experience sudden sleepiness, do not drive or engage in activities that require alertness while taking this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you fall asleep during activities or feel extremely sleepy.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Excessive sweating
Dry mouth
Joint pain
Nervousness or excitability
Shakiness
Anxiety
Nose or throat irritation
Back pain

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently taking another medication that contains the same active ingredient as this drug.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure your safety, disclose all of your medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
Any existing health problems, as they may affect the safety of taking this medication.

Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug. This will help ensure that it is safe for you to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.

Important Warnings and Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Caution with Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other tasks that require alertness. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, rise slowly from a sitting or lying down position. Be cautious when climbing stairs.

Stopping the Medication
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop taking this medication, follow your doctor's instructions. Monitor for signs of withdrawal, such as fever, confusion, severe muscle stiffness, apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, sweating, or pain, and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes
If you start or stop smoking, consult your doctor, as your dosage may need to be adjusted.

Interactions with Other Substances
Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Monitoring Your Condition
Regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
NMS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that may occur when medications like this one are stopped suddenly or when the dose is lowered. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, changes in thinking, rapid or abnormal heartbeat, or excessive sweating.

Special Considerations
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

Restless Leg Syndrome
If your symptoms worsen or occur earlier in the day, notify your doctor.

• Dopamine antagonists (e.g., antipsychotics like haloperidol, phenothiazines, metoclopramide): May reduce the efficacy of ropinirole.
• CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine): Can significantly increase ropinirole plasma concentrations, requiring dose adjustment of ropinirole.

• Estrogens (e.g., oral contraceptives): May decrease the clearance of ropinirole, leading to increased plasma levels. Dose adjustment of ropinirole may be needed.
• Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics): May potentiate the sedative effects of ropinirole.

• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness upon standing)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Somnolence, sudden sleep attacks
• Hallucinations, confusion, delusions
• Impulse control disorders (e.g., pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating)
• Dyskinesias (in Parkinson's disease)
• Peripheral edema
• Syncope

Ropinirole is classified as Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Ropinirole is expected to inhibit lactation due to its dopamine agonist activity, which suppresses prolactin secretion. It is unknown if ropinirole is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants and the inhibition of lactation, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Ropinirole is not recommended for use in children.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of ropinirole, particularly orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations, and somnolence. Start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly, monitoring closely for adverse effects.

• Patients should be warned about the risk of sudden onset of sleep and somnolence, and advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if these occur.
• Ropinirole can cause impulse control disorders (e.g., pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating). Patients and caregivers should be educated to monitor for these behaviors.
• Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect, especially during initiation and dose titration. Advise patients to rise slowly.
• Withdrawal of ropinirole should be done gradually to avoid dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome, which can include symptoms like apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating, and pain.
• Take with food if nausea is a problem.

• Other dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, rotigotine)
• Levodopa/carbidopa (for Parkinson's Disease)
• MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline - for Parkinson's Disease)
• COMT inhibitors (e.g., entacapone - for Parkinson's Disease)
• Amantadine (for Parkinson's Disease)
• Gabapentin or pregabalin (for Restless Legs Syndrome)
• Iron supplementation (if iron deficiency is present for RLS)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.