What is Mirapex?

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. Mirapex is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. Mirapex is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Immediate-release tablet (Mirapex) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. The extended-release tablet (Mirapex ER) is only approved to treat Parkinson symptoms. Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may reduce nausea. To decrease the risk of side effects (e.g., drowsiness, low blood pressure) when you first start taking pramipexole, your doctor will slowly increase your dosage until the best dose for you is reached. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
• If you stop taking this medication for several days, you may need to increase your dose slowly back to your previous dosage. Talk with your doctor about how to restart the medication. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Although very unlikely, if you suddenly stop taking this drug, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as fever, muscle stiffness, confusion). Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. If you have Parkinson's disease and are stopping regular treatment with this drug, your doctor may lower your dose slowly to prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart failure), kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, schizophrenia), sleep disorder (e.g., sleep apnea, narcolepsy).

Also be aware that:

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). See also Side Effects section.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be at a greater risk for dizziness and hallucinations while using this drug.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It may also affect milk production. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, trouble sleeping, constipation, headache, or dry mouth may occur. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, hallucinations, memory problems), unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges), increased difficulty moving/walking, muscle cramps/spasm, unusual posture changes (such as the neck or body bending forward), restlessness, decreased sexual ability, increased shakiness (tremor)/stiffness, swelling of the ankles/feet.
• Chest pain, fever, unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle pain/weakness, unusual tiredness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), vision changes.
• Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking on the phone, driving). In some cases, sleep occurred without any feelings of drowsiness beforehand. This sleep effect may occur anytime during treatment with pramipexole even if you have used this medication for a long time. If you experience increased sleepiness or fall asleep during the day, do not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you have discussed this effect with your doctor. Your risk of this sleep effect is increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy. See also Precautions section.
• A ny symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Mirapex?

A: Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with Mirapex. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.