Requip XL (Ropinirole Extended Release Tablets) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Requip XL

Sleep Disorder Drugs »

Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Requip XL User Reviews >>

Requip XL

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Requip XL Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ROPINIROLE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

(row-PIN-uh-roll)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Requip XL

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat Parkinson's disease. It can improve your ability to move and decrease shakiness (tremor), stiffness, slowed movement, and unsteadiness. It may also decrease the number of episodes of not being able to move ("on-off syndrome").

Ropinirole works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ropinirole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication with food may decrease the risk of nausea. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. If you stop taking this medication for several days, you may need to slowly increase your dose back to your previous dosage. Talk with your doctor about how to restart this medication.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this drug, withdrawal symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion may occur. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.