Medications and Drugs

1. Take the Restless Legs Syndrome Quiz
2. Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow
3. Sleep Disorders Slideshow

Brand Names: Mirapex, Mirapex ER

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

• What is pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What are the possible side effects of pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• How should I take pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What should I avoid while taking pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• What other drugs will affect pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mirapex 0.125 mg

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Mirapex 0.25 mg

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Mirapex 0.5 mg

oval, white, imprinted with U U, 8 8

Mirapex 0.75 mg

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Mirapex 1 mg

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Mirapex 1.5 mg

round, white, imprinted with 37 37, U U

Pramipexole 0.125 mg-BAR

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Pramipexole 0.25 mg-BAR

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Pramipexole 0.5 mg-BAR

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Pramipexole 0.75 mg-TEV

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Pramipexole 1 mg-BAR

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Pramipexole 1.5 mg-BAR

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

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;
• nausea, sweating, feeling light-headed, fainting;
• hallucinations;
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine;
• chest discomfort, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
• feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss;
• fast or uneven heartbeats; or
• tremors, twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation;
• headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
• mild drowsiness;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• appetite or weight changes;
• blurred vision;
• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams;
• amnesia, forgetfulness, thinking problems; 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.

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

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 rest leg syndrome (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.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain 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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