Pramipexole is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Pramipexole is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors (shaking), stiffness, and slowness of movement.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Pramipexole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day. Your doctor will increase your dose as needed on a weekly basis. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pramipexole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Pramipexole controls symptoms of Parkinson's disease but does not cure it. Continue to take pramipexole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking pramipexole without talking to your doctor. Stopping pramipexole suddenly may cause your condition to worsen.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking pramipexole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pramipexole or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetophenazine (Tindal), amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), bromocriptine (Parlodel), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), diltiazem (Cardiazem, Dilacor XR), fluphenazine (Prolixin), levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet), medications for allergies, mesoridazine (Serentil), metoclopramide (Reglan), pergolide (Permax), perphenazine (Trilafon), probenecid (Benemid, Probalan), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promazine (Sparine), promethazine (Phenergan), quinidine (Quinora, Quinadex Extentabs, Quinaglute, Quinalan, Cardioquin), quinine, ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), ropinirole (Requip), sedatives, selegiline (Eldepryl), sleeping pills, thioridazine (Mellaril), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), triflupromazine (Vesprin), trimeprazine (Temaril), verapamil (Isoptin, Calan, Verelan, and others), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or a sleep disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pramipexole, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take pramipexole.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or may make you fall asleep during activities of daily living. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how pramipexole will affect you. This is especially important during the first 3-5 days of therapy and whenever your dose is increased. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take pramipexole with other drugs that cause you to be drowsy.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• you should know that this drug may decrease your blood pressure. You should not move rapidly after sitting or lying down. This is especially important during the first 3-5 days of therapy and whenever your dose is increased.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Pramipexole may cause an upset stomach. Take pramipexole with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from pramipexole are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• involuntary movements and motions
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• heartburn
• constipation
• excessive tiredness
• frequent urination
• dry mouth
• decreased sexual interest or ability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hallucinations
• fainting
• high temperature, rigid muscles, or confusion
• muscle pain
• increased sweating
• falling asleep while eating, having a conversation, or in the middle of another activity

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.