Requip (Ropinirole)

Do’s

• Before starting Requip, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider for clarification.
• For Parkinson's Disease, take Requip by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 3 times a day. Taking this medication with food may help reduce nausea.
• For Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), take Requip by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily (1 to 3 hours before bedtime).
• Your healthcare provider may direct you to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and low blood pressure.
• Use the medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to maximize its benefits
• If you stop taking Requip for several days, you may need to increase your dose slowly back to your previous dosage with your healthcare provider's guidance.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or worsen while using Requip.
• If you experience increased symptoms in the early morning or earlier in the evening, notify your healthcare provider for potential treatment adjustments.
• The dosage of Requip is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. 
• It may take a few weeks for the medication to take effect. Communicate with your healthcare provider regarding the treatment's progress.

Don’t

• Do not increase the dose or take this medication more often than directed without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Do not stop taking Requip without consulting your healthcare provider to avoid potential worsening of conditions or withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider may need to lower your dose slowly if discontinuation is necessary, especially after long-term or high-dose usage.

Common Side Effect

• Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness
• Headache, confusion, hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, irregular heartbeats)
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation
• Flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches)
• Sudden muscle movements
• Increased sweating
• Swelling in your legs or feet

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Requip, seek medical advice. 

Requip may interact with other medications, leading to adverse effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently using.

Requip may cause drowsiness and dizziness, affecting your ability to perform certain activities. Caution is advised when engaging in tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

Some individuals may experience psychiatric side effects such as hallucinations or confusion while taking Requip. Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior to your healthcare provider

Requip may lead to changes in blood pressure, and monitoring for symptoms such as severe headaches, irregular heartbeats, or other signs of elevated blood pressure is important

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Requip with your healthcare provider.

For comprehensive information on the warnings and precautions associated with Requip, consult a healthcare provider.