What is Pramipexole?

Pramipexole is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole has some of the same effects as the naturally occurring chemical dopamine in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should Pramipexole be used?

What should I know about pramipexole?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pramipexole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness, or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living (e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor.

Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness caused by pramipexole, which could be dangerous. Do not use alcohol or take other medicines without first talking to your doctor.

Hallucinations may occur with pramipexole, and may be more common in elderly patients. Call your doctor if you experience hallucinations.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with pramipexole.

Pramipexole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk. Pramipexole may reduce breast milk production. Do not take pramipexole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pramipexole?

Take pramipexole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Pramipexole can be taken with or without food. Food may lessen nausea or stomach upset.

Pramipexole is usually started at low doses and increased gradually. Follow your doctor's instructions.

 It may be several weeks or months before the benefits of pramipexole are seen. Continue to take the medication until your doctor recommends that you stop.Store pramipexole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid while taking pramipexole?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Pramipexole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness, or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living (e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent a fall.

Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness caused by pramipexole. Do not take other medicines without first talking to your doctor

What happens if I miss a pramipexole dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a pramipexole overdose are not known but might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fainting, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, uncontrollable movements, a tingling sensation, and chest pain. Seek emergency medical attention.

Stop taking pramipexole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations, fainting, dizziness, drowsiness, falling asleep unexpectedly, or a blackout (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position). Your doctor may want to lower your dosage or discontinue this medication.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about pramipexole written for health professionals that you may read.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.