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Requip Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Ropinirole hydrochloride

ROPINIROLE (Requip™) can help treat Parkinson's disease, that may 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. Ropinirole is also used for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome. Requip works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus promoting better, easier movement.

Requip Dosage

• The usual dose of Requip is 3 times a day. During the first week of therapy, each dose is 0.25 milligram and during the second week, the amount rises to 0.5 milligram. In the third week, it increases to 0.75 milligram, and in the fourth week reaches 1 milligram (3 milligrams daily).
• If you want to stop Requip therapy, then the doctor will discontinue the drug gradually over a 7-day period, first reducing the number of doses from 3 to 2 per day for the first 4 days and then to once a day for the remaining 3 days.

Uses of Requip

• Ropinirole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.
• It is also used to treat RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome).

Side Effects of Requip

If you are using Requip, then discuss the side effects of Requip with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Requip. Side effects may include:

• abnormal vision
• anxiety
• bronchitis
• confusion
• decreased muscle movements
• dry mouth
• eye problems
• fatigue
• headache
• indigestion
• nausea
• respiratory tract infection
• sore throat
• viral infections
• weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Requip:

• Some patients especially older also develop hallucinations, then you should tell your doctor if this occurs. You may have to stop Requip therapy.
• You should be used Requip with caution if you have heart disease. Because 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, then consult with your doctor immediately.
• If you are taking Requip, then you may feel some sleepiness, dizzy or drowsiness. So do not perform any activities require alertness.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Requip, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Requip. So first consult to your doctor before combining Requip medicine with the following drugs.

• Antidepressants such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Tofranil
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Drugs that contain levodopa such as Dopar, Larodopa, and Sinemet
• Estrogen medications such as ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl)
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Mellaril, Navane, Prolixin, and
• Thorazine
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Overdose

After taking Requip, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Requip overdose may include:

• chest pain
• drowsiness
• facial muscle movements
• increased jerkiness of movement
• symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, light-headedness upon standing, nausea, vomiting