REQUIP XL (ROPINIROLE EXTENDED RELEASE)

Take Requip XL to Manage Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Requip XL is a prescription medication to treat Parkinson’s disease that works in the same way that regular Requip does; except that Requip XL tablets are extended release tablets designed to have a sustained effect from one daily dose.

The tablets release Ropinirole slowly and continuously over several hours to help provide steady blood levels of the medicine throughout the day. These tablets should be taken once a day, at a similar time each day, and must be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed or chewed or the effects will wear off sooner.

Requip XL or generic Ropinirole Extended Release can be taken by itself or in conjunction with Levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. It is particularly useful to treat people for whom Levodopa alone is no longer providing adequate control of symptoms. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How This Dopamine Agonist Helps with Symptoms

Requip XL or the generic Ropinirole Extended Release is a dopamine agonist that mimics the effects of your own brain chemicals. In this way, Requip XL helps to restore the dopamine activity in the brain which helps reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Requip XL is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but it can certainly help to lessen the symptoms that can cause you stress and frustration.

Conditions Treated by Requip XL

The neurotransmitter dopamine is known to be reduced or absent in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, and this is thought to be the cause of the disease symptoms. Dopamine normally transmits messages by stimulating specific receptor sites in the brain. Requip XL works by stimulating these same receptor sites. This produces the same effects as dopamine, and acts as a dopamine substitute.

Requip XL may also be prescribed to treat Restless legs syndrome, a common neurological disorder that causes burning, creeping, or pulling sensations in the legs, as well as an uncontrollable urge to move in order to stop the discomfort. Symptoms are generally worse in the evenings and often leads to a loss of sleep. The doctor may prescribe medication such as Requip XL if your symptoms are frequent and severe or if you are having difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Before You Take Requip XL

You should not take Requip XL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug.

Precautions for Requip XL

Requip XL can cause a drop in blood pressure when you first start treatment, and this may cause dizziness or fainting. For this reason, do not attempt any activities that require you to be alert.

Possible Side Effects of Requip XL

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache

Behavioral changes, including unusual urge to gamble or increased sex drive, have been reported in people taking this medicine. If you think this medicine is affecting you in this way, you should consult your doctor.