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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Mirapex

Generic Name: pramipexole (oral) (Pronunciation: pram i PEX ole)

What is pramipexole (Mirapex)?

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

Pramipexole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. Pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Pramipexole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mirapex 0.125 mg

round, white, imprinted with 2, U

Mirapex 0.25 mg

oval, white, imprinted with 4 4, U U

Mirapex 0.5 mg

oval, white, imprinted with U U, 8 8

Mirapex 1 mg

round, white, imprinted with U U, 6 6

Mirapex 1.5 mg

round, white, imprinted with 37 37, U U

What are the possible side effects of pramipexole (Mirapex)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking pramipexole and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
  • hallucinations;
  • fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
  • nausea, sweating, feeling light-headed, fainting; or
  • restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
  • dry mouth, trouble swallowing;
  • urinating more often than usual;
  • mild drowsiness or sleepiness;
  • sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams;
  • amnesia, forgetfulness, thinking problems;
  • headache, confusion, weakness;
  • blurred vision;
  • joint pain, muscle weakness;
  • swelling in your hands or feet;
  • runny or stuffy nose;
  • weight loss; or
  • impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pramipexole (Mirapex)?

Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medication. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking pramipexole.

If you are taking this medication for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.

Do not stop using pramipexole without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by pramipexole. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of pramipexole.

Pramipexole may cause hallucinations (the sensation of hearing or seeing something that is not there), most commonly among elderly people. Call your doctor if you have hallucinations.


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Brand Names:
Mirapex, Mirapex ER
[+]

Generic Name:
pramipexole
[+]

Restless Legs Syndrome »

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Overview

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movements of the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

  • People with RLS have strange sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations.
  • The sensations are difficult to describe: they are not painful, but an uncomfortable, "itchy," "pins and needles," or "creepy crawly" feeling deep in the legs.
  • The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying in bed.
  • The sensations lead to walking discomfort, sleep deprivation, and stress.

RLS affects about 8%-10% of the US population. Men and women are affected equally. It may begin at any age, even in infants and young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.

The seve...

Read the Restless Legs Syndrome article »


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