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Overview: Ropinirole is a tablet that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. It is thought to work like dopamine in your body, which may help manage symptoms of these conditions. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and upset stomach. Serious side effects may include sudden sleepiness, hallucinations, and fainting.

Uses

What is ropinirole used for?

Ropinirole is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the part of your brain that controls your movements
  • Restless legs syndrome, a condition which causes unusual feelings in your legs (such as itching or throbbing) that makes you want to move your legs

Ropinirole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does ropinirole work (mechanism of action)?

Ropinirole belongs to a group of medicines called dopamine agonists. It is believed to mimic the activity of a chemical called dopamine in your body, which may help with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome.

How is ropinirole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Requip
  • Requip XL

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg oral tablets
  • 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store ropinirole?

Ropinirole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ropinirole?

The most common side effects of ropinirole are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the condition being treated and the ropinirole product you are taking. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fainting (see below)
  • Sleepiness (see below)
  • Hallucinations (see below)
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Uncontrollable, involuntary movements (see below)
  • Upset stomach, stomach pain, or stomach discomfort
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Fluid retention or swelling in your legs
  • Increased sweating
  • Constipation
  • Increased blood pressure (see below)

There may be other side effects of ropinirole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ropinirole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ropinirole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ropinirole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ropinirole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sleepiness. Ropinirole can make you sleepy, sometimes very suddenly and without warning signs (also called a "sleep attack"). Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ropinirole affects you. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel sleepy or drowsy while taking ropinirole.

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Fainting. Ropinirole may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. Ropinirole may also cause fainting, which can be due to either the drop in blood pressure or changes in your heart rate. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting, especially upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Ropinirole may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Aggressive behavior

Uncontrollable, Involuntary Movements (Dyskinesia). Ropinirole may cause or worsen involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements or if they get worse.

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Ropinirole can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Worsening of Restless Legs Syndrome. When ropinirole is used to treat restless legs syndrome, it may sometimes cause your symptoms to get worse, happen earlier in the day, or spread to other parts of your body. Ropinirole may also cause a rebound of symptoms early in the morning. Tell your healthcare provider if your restless legs syndrome symptoms get worse while taking ropinirole. 

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and Changes in Heart Rate. Ropinirole extended-release tablets may increase your blood pressure or cause changes in your heart rate, especially if you have heart disease. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ropinirole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ropinirole.

  • Ropinirole
  • Requip
  • Requip XL
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ropinirole products they stock.

What should I know about ropinirole before using it?

Do not take ropinirole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share ropinirole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ropinirole out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush ropinirole extended-release tablets.

Do not stop taking ropinirole without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Depression or decreased interest in things
  • Anxiety
  • Feeling unusually tired
  • Unusual pain

Ropinirole may cause sleepiness or dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ropinirole affects you.

People who are older than 65 years of age can be at greater risk for some side effects from ropinirole. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Ropinirole extended-release tablets may not dissolve completely if the tablet passes too quickly through your body (such as when you have diarrhea). If you see tablet residue in your stool (poop), tell your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ropinirole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ropinirole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any mental health problems, including a psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder). Ropinirole may increase the risk of psychosis.

Sleepiness. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any conditions or take any medicines that make you more sleepy than usual or if you feel that you are prone to feeling drowsy during the day. Ropinirole may increase the risk of sudden daytime drowsiness.

Heart Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any heart conditions, including heart disease. Ropinirole may cause changes in your heart rate or blood pressure, which may affect your current heart conditions.

Smoking. Tell your health care provider if you start or stop smoking while taking ropinirole. Smoking can decrease how well ropinirole works.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Uncontrollable, involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
  • Unusual urges, such as gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, or increased sex drive
  • High or low blood pressure, including low blood pressure upon standing
  • Feel faint or dizzy when you stand up
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ropinirole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ropinirole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ropinirole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ropinirole passes into breast milk. You may make less breast milk while taking ropinirole. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take ropinirole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ropinirole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ropinirole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ropinirole. However, the risk of drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking ropinirole. 

Does ropinirole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking ropinirole.

  • Estrogen, which is commonly used as hormone therapy to treat menopause symptoms
  • An antipsychotic, such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, or thiothixene, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine for certain stomach conditions, such as heartburn
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • Any other medicine containing ropinirole

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of ropinirole. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ropinirole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ropinirole?

If you or someone else has used too much ropinirole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ropinirole?

Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you miss a dose of ropinirole. How you handle a missed dose may depend on why you are taking ropinirole. Do not take double or extra doses.