Why is Requip prescribed?

Requip helps relieve the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Caused by a deficit of dopamine (one of the brain's chief chemical messengers), this disorder is marked by progressive muscle stiffness, tremor, and fatigue. Requip works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movement.

Requip can be taken with or without levodopa (usually prescribed as Sinemet), another drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Special warnings about Requip

At the start of Requip therapy and whenever the dose is increased, you face a slightly increased risk of a fainting spell or other symptoms of low blood pressure such as sweating, nausea, dizziness, and light-headedness, particularly when you get up suddenly after sitting or reclining for a prolonged period. To avoid such symptoms, be careful to stand up slowly.

A few patients--especially older ones--also develop hallucinations. Let your doctor know if this occurs. You may have to stop Requip therapy.

Use Requip with caution if you have heart disease. There is also a slight chance of developing respiratory difficulties or problems with your eyesight. If you find it hard to breathe, have any swelling, or develop problems with your vision, alert your doctor at once.

If you are taking Sinemet with Requip, you may experience jerking muscle movements. Tell your doctor. He will need to decrease your dose of Sinemet.

With other Parkinson's medications, muscle stiffness, a sudden dose reduction has been known to cause high fever, and loss of consciousness. Although this has not happened with Requip, be alert for such problems and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.

Requip may cause drowsiness, and some people have reported falling asleep without warning during their daily activities. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you. If you find that Requip makes you sleepy or that you're suddenly falling asleep in the middle of routine activities, tell your doctor; he will probably discontinue the drug.

Requip may also cause darkening of your skin and eye color. Tell your doctor if you notice any change.

Most important fact about Requip

Requip is not a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, it does alleviate symptoms of the disease, and it can shorten the "off" periods of immobility that patients on long-term levodopa therapy often begin to experience.

How should you take Requip?

Take 3 doses a day, with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, combining it with food may relieve the problem. If you are also taking levodopa, its dosage may be gradually decreased when you start therapy with Requip.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature away from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Requip.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, vomiting, viral infections, urinary tract infection, tremor, swelling, sore throat, skin tingling, sinus inflammation, runny nose, respiratory tract infection, paralysis, pain, nervousness, nausea, leg swelling, joint pain, indigestion, increased sweating, headache, hallucinations, fatigue, falling, fainting, eye problems, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, decreased muscle movements, constipation, confusion, bronchitis, arthritis, anxiety, amnesia, abnormal vision, abnormal muscle movements, abnormal dreaming, weakness