Mirapex Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Mirapex

Mirapex may severely limit a patient's ability to control impulses, and may cause increased sexual behavior, urges to spend money, and urges to gamble.
Mirapex may cause some to suddenly fall asleep during normal activities such as eating, working, talking, driving, etc.
Depression and suicidal thoughts may occur while taking Mirapex or during withdrawal.
Instances of excessive weight gain have been reported from patients taking Mirapex.
Mirapex may cause severe drops in blood pressure which requires immediate medical attention.
Drastic personality changes may occur while taking Mirapex.

Common Side Effects of Mirapex

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.
Loss of appetite
Muscle spasms
Decreased sex drive, impotence, or trouble achieving orgasm.
Difficulty thinking, remembering, and maintaining focus.
Muscle weakness and joint pain
Frequent Urination
Insomnia
Peripheral Edema, or swelling of tissue caused by fluid build-up, particularly in the lower extremities

Warnings & Recalls for Mirapex

Mirapex Recalls

On March 22, 2012, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. recalled Pramipexole Dihydrochloride0.125 mg tablets, 63-count tablets per bottle, due to potential impurities. The NDC (National Drug Code) is 0555-0617-62. The recall number is D-1321-2012. The recalled lot numbers are 314467,314642, 315467, 315468 Exp 03/12; 317085, 317086, 317218 Exp 08/12; 33800308A Exp 04/13; 33800780A Exp 06/13.
In April, 2012, Sandoz Incorporated recalled two lots of Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.125 mg, 90-count tablets per bottle, due to potential impurities. The NDC is 00781-53248-92. The lot numbers are BJ3186 and BJ3142 Exp 12/12.

Warnings

Alcohol may increase the side effects of Mirapex.
Mirapex is a class C Pregnancy medication and may be unsafe to take during pregnancy and was shown to increase miscarriages in pregnant rats. Mirapex may pass through breast milk during breastfeeding.
Some drugs may increase sleepiness in patients when taken with Mirapex. These drugs include depression and anxiety medications, cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain medications, seizure medications, muscle relaxers, and sleeping pills.
Notify your physician if you are taking Mirapex for restless legs syndrome and your symptoms have worsened.
When first taking Mirapex, do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
Mirapex may cause dizziness, fainting, or nausea when getting up too quickly from a seated or lying position.

Mirapex Treatment and Use

Mirapex | Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine agonist (NEDA) that is used to treat early stage Parkinson’s disease as well as restless legs syndrome (RLS). Mirapex is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

In 2008, a federal jury awarded $8.2 million to a plaintiff who claimed that Mirapex turned him into an impulsive gambler and this altered behavior cost him over $260,000 in losses. One of Mirapex’s severe side effects is that it inhibits impulse control.

How does Mirapex work?

The mechanism of action of Mirapex is unknown in humans. In animals, Mirapex activates dopamine receptors in the striatum, a part of the brain. Mirapex may act as a substitute for dopamine-generating cells in Parkinson’s disease patients.

Dosage

Mirapex is available in both extended release and regular tablet forms. It comes in 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.75, 1, or 1.5mg tablets.

Parkinson’s Disease

The initial dose for Parkinson’s disease is 0.375 mg a day. If needed, the dosage may be increased every 5-7 days until optimal results are achieved. The maximum recommended dose for Mirapex is 4.5 mg a day.

Restless Legs Syndrome

The initial dose for Restless Legs Syndrome is 0.125 mg a day, 2-3 hours before bed. If this amount fails to control the symptoms, then dosage may be increased after 4-7 days, first to 0.25 mg daily, then to 0.75 mg daily.

Note: Mirapex should be discontinued gradually to help prevent withdrawal side effects.