Pramipexole
Pronounced
"pram-ih-PEX-ole"
Common brand names:
Mirapex
Uses
Pramipexole is used alone or with other medications to treat Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move and decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. It may also decrease the number of episodes of not being able to move ("on-off syndrome").
This medication is also used to treat a certain medical condition (restless legs syndrome - RLS) that causes an unusual urge to move the legs. Symptoms usually occur at night along with uncomfortable/unpleasant feelings in the legs. This medication can decrease these symptoms and thereby improve sleep.
Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used for a certain painful condition (fibromyalgia).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking pramipexole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may lessen nausea. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, low blood pressure), your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medication is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used pramipexole for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
If you temporarily stop taking this medication, you may need to start this medication again at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Talk with your doctor about how to restart this medication.
It may take a few weeks for the effects of this medication to be noticed. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
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