Ropinirole HCL

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 is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). It may improve your sleep by decreasing the urge to move your legs and decreasing uncomfortable/unpleasant feelings in the legs.This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

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 regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking this medication for Parkinson's disease, take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times a day 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 ropinirole, your doctor will slowly increase your dosage until the best dose for you is reached.

If you are using this medication for RLS, take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food, 1-3 hours before bedtime or as directed by your doctor.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

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 consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as fever, muscle stiffness, confusion). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used ropinirole for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

If you are taking this medication for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms increase or get worse in the early morning, or if you start getting symptoms earlier in the evening or late afternoon. Your doctor may need to change your treatment.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take a few weeks for this medication to take effect. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.