What is Pramipex used for?

Pramipex is used to treat Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome (RLS), depression, and sleep disorders. This medication helps to prevent dopamine deficiency in the brain. It is prescribed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, rigidity, and tremor. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is the recommended dosage of Pramipex?

The dosage of Pramipex prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician?s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label. The following dosage information includes the common dose of Pramipex. If your dose is different, do not follow the dosage described below unless your physician has approved.

Pramipex is usually taken one to three times daily. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, then take it with food.

What if you miss a dose of Pramipex?

If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Pramipex medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, instead skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.

What if you overdose on Pramipex?

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Pramipex, seek immediate medical attention. There is no antidote for the overdose of this medicine; however, if the overdose is reported immediately, your doctor will treat you with certain medications that induce vomiting. Overdose symptoms may also be treated by carefully monitoring the heart, blood pressure levels, and breathing patterns.

What other drugs could interact with Pramipex?

• Alprazolam
• Amitriptyline
• Carbamazepine
• Carbidopa/Levodopa
• Chloral hydrate
• Chlorpromazine
• Cimetidine
• Codeine
• Diazepam
• Diltiazem
• Diphenhydramine
• Fluphenazine
• Flurazepam
• Haloperidol
• Metoclopramide
• Phenobarbital
• Prochlorperazine
• Quinidine
• Quinine
• Ranitidine

It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Pramipex.

Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Pramipex, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.

Pramipex can interact with certain medications such as cold or allergy medicines, antihistamines, antipsychotics, stomach upset medicines, muscle relaxants, heartburn medicines, antiseizure drugs, and narcotic pain relievers. Your doctor may decrease Levodopa dose if you are already taking Carbidopa/Levodopa medicines because combination of Pramipex with Levodopa may cause twitching movements.

Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the side effects of Pramipex?

Like other medicines, Pramipex can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Pramipex are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Pramipex cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Pramipex develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Pramipex can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, stomach upset, and headache. Some of the uncommon side effects of this drug are fast/slow heartbeat, leg/foot swelling, severe muscle stiffness, restlessness, twitching, confusion, fainting, chest pain, vision problems, and fever. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Pramipex.

What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Pramipex?

Is it possible for me to take Pramipex with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Pramipex?
What are the possible drug interactions of Pramipex?
How will Pramipex work in my body?
How should Pramipex be taken?

Note

The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of Pramipex is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.