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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Pramipexole

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Pramipexole

  • Your doctor will increase your dose gradually, so you should follow the instructions given to you carefully.
  • Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects. Let your doctor know if you start to suddenly fall asleep, experience dizziness or fainting, or develop impulsive behaviours.
  • Do not stop taking your tablets suddenly. If you need to stop taking your medication, speak to your doctor who will reduce your dose gradually.

About pramipexole

Type of medicineDopamine receptor agonist
Used forParkinson's disease
Restless legs syndrome
Also calledMirapexin®, Mirapexin® Prolonged Release
Neliprax®
Oprymea®
Available asTablets and prolonged-release tablets (pramipexole is released over a longer period to give a more even effect)

Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease. The cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but it results in there being less of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of Parkinsonism such as shaking, stiffness and loss of muscle control. Pramipexole encourages the release of dopamine, relieving these symptoms. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole can also be used to treat restless legs syndrome. This is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs which is temporarily relieved by moving the legs. Symptoms come on when resting and are worse at the end of the day.

Before taking pramipexole

Before taking pramipexole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever had any mental health problems.
  • If you have heart problems or disease of the blood vessels.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take pramipexole

  • Before starting pramipexole, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take your doses exactly as your doctor has told you. How many doses you need each day will depend upon which form of tablets you have been given and the reason why you are taking them.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose gradually, so you should follow the instructions given to you carefully.
  • Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take them before or after meals.
  • If you have been given the prolonged-release tablets (Mirapexin® Prolonged Release) make sure you swallow the tablets whole. They must not be chewed or crushed.
  • If you are being treated for restless legs syndrome, take your dose 2-3 hours before your bedtime. Your doctor will reassess your condition after 3 months of treatment.
  • If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Your doctor may want to check your blood pressure particularly in the early days of your treatment as pramipexole may reduce your blood pressure.
  • Do not stop taking pramipexole suddenly as this could cause problems. If you need to stop this treatment, speak to your doctor who will reduce your dose gradually if needed.
  • In the first few days after taking this medicine you may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help reduce this.
  • Get your eyes tested regularly since pramipexole may affect your vision.
  • Your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects. Let your doctor know if you start to suddenly fall asleep, experience dizziness or fainting, or develop impulsive behaviours.

Can pramipexole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect about 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickStick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
Dizziness, faintingGetting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning.

If this affects you, do not drive or operate machinery and do not drink alcohol as it may increase feelings of dizziness

ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water each day
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know
Seeing things that are not actually there (hallucinating)Speak to your doctor about this
Difficulty sleeping, tiredness, unusual dreams, falling asleep suddenly without warningIf any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know. If you suddenly start falling asleep, avoid driving and see your doctor as soon as possible

Important: Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your behaviour such as increased desire to gamble, over-eat or an increased sex drive.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store pramipexole

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3219DocRef: dils2074Last Reviewed: 10 Mar 2011Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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