Generic Requip

Requip is a drug currently being used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome (RLS). As lower concentrations of dopamine have been found in patients with Parkinson’s disease, it works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain – acting as a substitute for dopamine. This improves the transmission of signals between nerves, which eases tremors and shaking Parkinson’s disease patients feel. Requip does not cure Parkinson’s disease, but it does manage the symptoms of patients and improves their function. Requip is available as tablets with 0.25mg to 5mg doses.

Dosage for treatment of both Parkinson’s disease and RLS involve introducing Requip in small doses, gradually building up depending on the doctor’s assessment of your response to the treatment. For the treatment of RLS, a single dose of 0.25mg is administered during the first two days and slowly rises to 4 mg a day, over span of 7 weeks. For the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, 0.25mg doses are taken 3 times a day for the first week, and the dosage increases to 1mg for 3 times each day by the 4th week.

Do not end your Requip dosages abruptly as you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as fever, confusion and stiff muscles. Gently lower your dosage as prescribed by your doctor. When resuming dosage after a break, take the minimum dosage and slowly increase doses until it reaches your previous dose.

Requip may cause drowsiness during the first few days after beginning treatment. However there have been cases where patients taking Requip while doing daily activities. Some have reportedly feeling no drowsiness prior to suddenly falling asleep. These sleeping episodes may occur even after a long time from the first dose of Requip. As such if drowsiness persist, consult your doctor and consider avoiding activities that would put you under significant danger upon falling asleep such as driving or operating heavy equipment. Avoid drinking alcohol, cold and pain relievers, seizure medicine, sleeping pills and antidepressants as these all may contribute to the drowsiness caused by taking Requip.

If you have a history of low blood pressure, hallucinations, heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease or allergies, inform your doctor to determine if it is safe for you to take Requip.

When undergoing treatment for RLS, report to your doctor any intensifying pain in the morning or pain in the late afternoon to early evening. This may be a sign of rebound RLS, where pain intensifies when taken off the Requip.

Nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting and a dry mouth may occur during the first few days of treatment. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or intensify.

However report to your doctor once you experience low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, difficulty or pain when moving, mental confusion and mood changes, swelling of the legs and feet or any symptoms of allergic reaction.

Requip may cause hallucinations particularly in older patients. You may also feel an increase in compulsive behavior such as gambling or an increase in sex drive.