You have been prescribed Ropinirole 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.
For restless leg syndrome, take this medicine 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
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 Ropinirole, 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.
Inform your doctor if you develop compulsive behaviors that are hard to control, such as binge eating, gambling, spending money, and sexual urges.
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.

Frequently asked questions for Ropinirole

Ropinirole

Q. How long does Ropinirole take to work?

You may be able to see improvement within a week. However, it may take longer and differs from individual to individual.

Q. Can I stop taking Ropinirole if I do not see any improvement in my symptoms?

No, you should not stop taking Ropinirole on your own as you may experience anxiety, depression, lack of interest, tiredness, sweating and severe pain in the leg. The dose should be reduced slowly. In some patients, it may take longer to see improvement but not beyond 12 weeks. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop it.

Q. Can I take gabapentin and Ropinirole together?

Yes, you can take gabapentin and Ropinirole together. However, be careful as taking these two medicines together may cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness and decrease your mental alertness. So, you may have to avoid driving, operating machinery or working at heights while taking the two medicines together.

Q. Is Ropinirole used for pain?

No, Ropinirole is not used to relieve pain. It acts by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (dopamine) in the brain, which is deficient in case of restless leg syndrome. This, in turn, relieves the discomfort and reduces the involuntary limb movements that disrupt night-time sleep.

Q. What are the warning symptoms that should prompt me to discontinue therapy?

You may develop several warning symptoms that would suggest that the treatment needs to be discontinued. You may develop compulsive behavior such as gambling, increase in sex drive, compulsive shopping and eating. You may notice that your symptoms are getting worse (start earlier than usual or are more intense, affect other parts of the body, such as the arms, and symptoms return early in morning). If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Q. How often can I take Ropinirole?

For restless leg syndrome, take Ropinirole once a day. It is usually taken just before bedtime, but you can take it up to 3 hours before going to bed. For Parkinson’s disease, it is usually taken three times a day.

Q. Is Ropinirole safe?

Yes, Ropinirole is safe if taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. It is a well-tolerated medicine. The common side effects of Ropinirole are nausea, dizziness, headache, and sleepiness which are typically worse during the first two weeks of treatment and may require dose reduction but rarely discontinuation of drug.