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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

You should not use pramipexole if you are allergic to it.

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.

To make sure you can safely take pramipexole, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• low blood pressure;
• kidney disease; or
• tremors (dyskinesia) or uncontrolled muscle movements.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking pramipexole. It is not known whether the medicine actually causes this effect. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking pramipexole.

Some people taking Parkinson's disease medications have developed skin cancer (melanoma). However, people with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of melanoma. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

How should I take pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

The dose and timing of pramipexole in treating Parkinson's disease is different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Pramipexole can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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