Uses of Ropinirole

Ropinirole is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease (brain disorder characterized by abnormal unintentional body parts such as tremors, loss of balance or coordination). It is also used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome (an irresistible urge to move their legs, and sometimes their arms and other parts of their bodies).

Therapeutic Category

Ropinirole: Dopamine agonists

How Ropinirole works

Ropinirole acts in a similar way to a natural substance called dopamine in the brain which helps in controlling body movements. As a result, it increases dopamine levels in the brain and controls abnormal body movements (such as tremors, and restless legs) associated with Parkinson’s  and restless leg syndrome.

Common side effects of Ropinirole

• nausea, vomiting
• drowsiness, feeling faint, dizziness
• hallucination (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• heartburn, stomach pain
• swelling of the legs, feet or hands
• nervousness
• fatigue (mental or physical tiredness)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience behavioural changes (such as excessive gambling, binge-eating, excessive shopping or spending, abnormally high sex drive or increase in sexual thoughts, overactivity, mania, confusions and irritability)
• If you experience uncontrollable movements
• If you experience signs of serious allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing

Health Tips for Ropinirole

• Take this medicine consistently the same way each time
• Avoid the sudden withdrawal of this medicine
• Drive or operate machinery cautiously as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness
• Drinking alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by this medicine
• Drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated
• Avoid sudden changes in posture to reduce the risk of fainting