Requip - an overview
Requip, active ingredient name ropinirole hydrochloride, is a medication that is prescribed for many conditions that include RLS and Parkinson's.
The maker
GlaxoSmithKline is the maker of Requip.
Uses
Requip has been licensed for the treatment two conditions that include:
- Parkinson's disease - The FDA has approved Requip for the treatment of symptoms and signs of Parkinson's disease
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) - The FDA has also approved Requip to treat the primary RLS symptoms that are moderate to severe.
The FDA has not approved Requip for treatment in children.
What it does
Requip belongs to the group of medications known as dopamine agonists. Dopamine can be found in the parts of the brain that work with coordination of the movement of muscles. When the dopamine levels in this area are low, the muscles may become rigid and stiff. Requip works to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and fools the nervous system to make it believe that there is more dopamine than there really is. This allows the muscles to loosen and works to ease symptoms of RLS and Parkinson's disease.
Secondary Effects
Taking any medication has the potential for secondary effects. The same is true of Requip. Not all people that take Requip will notice secondary effects. Most who take it have been found it to be well tolerated. If you do notice secondary effects, they are most often mild and will likely require very little or no treatment.
Requip has been studied in many different groups. These groups were very divers, so the possible secondary effects have been broken down according to the group they affected. The groups were:
Restless leg syndrome
Early stages Parkinson's disease in which people were not being treated with levodopa
Advanced stages of Parkinson's disease in which people were being treated with levodopa
Requip Doses
The starting dose that is recommended for those that have Parkinson's disease is 0.25 milligrams, given three times daily. Your doctor may prescribe you a higher dose if your symptoms continue. He or she may also decrease your dosage if you experience secondary effects. It might take many weeks to find the proper dosage for your individual situation.