Indications
- Pramipexole helps manage Parkinson’s disease by improving movement, reducing tremors, stiffness, and slowness, and potentially lessening “on-off” episodes.
- It also treats restless legs syndrome (RLS), reducing the urge to move legs at night and improving sleep.
- Pramipexole works by balancing dopamine levels in the brain.
Dosage and administration
- Read the information leaflet from your pharmacist before starting pramipexole and ask them any questions you have.
- Take pramipexole with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Taking it with food may reduce nausea.
- Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce side effects.
- Take pramipexole regularly at the same time(s) each day. Don’t change your dose without talking to your doctor.
- Don’t stop taking pramipexole abruptly. Talk to your doctor first to avoid worsening symptoms or withdrawal effects.
- It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of pramipexole. Tell your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens.
Side effects
- Pramipexole may cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, trouble sleeping, constipation, headache, or dry mouth. Talk to your doctor if these effects bother you.
- Get up slowly when standing to avoid dizziness.
- Serious side effects are rare, but tell your doctor right away if you experience fainting, mental changes, unusual urges, difficulty moving, muscle cramps, posture changes, restlessness, decreased sexual function, increased tremors, or swelling in your ankles/feet.
- Get immediate medical help for chest pain, fever, heart problems, muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems, or vision changes.
- Pramipexole may cause sudden sleepiness during daily activities, even while driving. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you discuss this with your doctor. Alcohol and other drowsy medications can worsen this effect.
- Serious allergic reactions are rare, but seek immediate medical help if you experience rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your doctor about any other side effects you may notice.
Precautions
- Talk to your doctor before taking pramipexole if you have allergies or any other medical conditions, especially low blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, mental health issues, or sleep disorders.
- Pramipexole may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or alcohol until you see how it affects you.
- Tell your doctor or dentist about all your medications before any surgery.
- Older adults may have a higher risk of dizziness and hallucinations.
- Pregnant women should only take pramipexole if clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Pramipexole may pass into breast milk and isn’t recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.