You have been prescribed Pramipexole to treat your symptoms of Parkinson's disease and/or restless leg syndrome.
It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce nausea.
Inform your doctor if you develop compulsive behaviors that are hard to control, such as binge eating, gambling, spending money, and sexual urges.
Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car until you know how this medication affects you.
When you first start taking Pramipexole, it may cause sudden drop in your blood pressure when you change positions. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
Talk to your doctor in case you develop hallucinations or other changes in your behavior.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
For restless leg syndrome, take this medicine 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

Frequently asked questions for Pramipexole

Pramipexole

Q. Does Pramipexole cause weight gain?

A common side effect of Pramipexole is decrease in body weight which may be due to decrease in appetite. Uncommonly, it can also cause increase in weight. However, if you have concerns regarding your weight talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.

Q. Does Pramipexole make you sleepy?

Yes, Pramipexole may cause sleepiness. You may also experience sudden episodes of falling asleep. If it occurs, restrict driving and using heavy machinery and inform your doctor.

Q. How does Pramipexole work for restless legs?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down. Pramipexole belongs to dopamine (neurotransmitter) agonist class of medicines. It acts by stimulating the dopamine receptors which is needed in the brain to control movement. Hence, it is used to improve RLS.

Q. Is Pramipexole a muscle relaxant?

No, Pramipexole is not a muscle relaxant. It helps in improving movements and muscle control in Parkinson’s disease. It is a dopamine agonist and acts on dopamine receptors.

Q. Can I stop taking Pramipexole if my symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have improved?

You should not stop Pramipexole without talking to your doctor. Sudden discontinuation of Pramipexole may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The symptoms of malignant syndrome include loss of muscle movement, rigid muscles, fever, unstable blood pressure, increased heart rate, confusion, and depressed level of consciousness.

Q. How should Pramipexole be taken?

You should take Pramipexole as directed by your doctor. The doctor will decide your dose depending on the condition you are being treated for. Preferably it should be taken 2-3 hours before bedtime. Swallow the tablets whole with water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce the chances of nausea.

Q. What are the serious side effects of Pramipexole?

The serious side effects of Pramipexole include hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), confusion, aggressive behavior, agitation, abnormal thoughts, changes in vision, abnormal body movements, and motions that you cannot control. It may also cause changes in the way you sit or stand that you cannot control, such as your neck bending forward, bending forward at the waist, or tilting sideways when you sit, stand or walk. Additionally, it may cause dark, red or cola-colored urine, muscle tenderness, muscle stiffness or aching and muscle weakness. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.

Q. What are impulse control disorders caused by Pramipexole?

Pramipexole may cause impulse control disorders in which you may have cravings or urge to behave in an unusual manner, which normally you would not do. Pramipexole may also make it hard for you to resist the impulse to carry certain activities which can harm you or others, like addictive gambling, excessive eating or spending money. Along with that, it may cause an abnormally high sex drive or preoccupation with an increase in sexual thoughts or feelings.