Pramipexole Side Effects

Five bottles of the drug Pramipexole containing various dosage forms of the drug.

Serious side effects

low blood pressure, chest pain and shortness of breath
kidney problems including dark brown/red urine
severe unusual weakness or dizziness
possible development of melanoma and new or unusual skin growths
severe allergic reactions (rashes/hives, difficulty breathing with tight chest, swelling of the face)

Common side effects

nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss
dry mouth, sweating and pain at the joints
urination problems like frequent and urgent needs to urinate, and difficulty/pain when urinating
swelling of body appendages and muscle spasms
dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting after lying or sitting down
trouble balancing and controlling muscles with some twitching
muscle stiffness, weakness and aching with tenderness
changes in behavior or mood with abnormal thinking
sleep problems including sudden urge to sleep or falling asleep suddenly at an unusual time with severe drowsiness and difficulty falling/staying asleep
confusion and memory loss with decreased sexual interest/ability
trouble swallowing with intense urges for sexual activity, eating and gambling

Warnings & Recalls for Pramipexole

Serious warning

In September 2012, the FDA began an investigation into the risk of heart failure in those taking Pramipexole. Not enough evidence has been found to declare an official warning for media outlets, but the FDA is working closely with Pramipexole's producers to intensify their research on the drug. While studies may suggest that there might be new cases of heart failure in Pramipexole users, the FDA has made it aware that the drug is safe to use.

Other warnings

Pramipexole cures the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome. It does not cure these conditions.

Frequent skin examinations should occur in patients taking Pramipexole since these patients have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Patients who have had gambling problems, trouble controlling muscle movements, any sleep disorders, history of compulsive behavior, dizziness/fainting, history of low blood pressure, or a history of heart and kidney disease should consult with their physician prior to taking Pramipexole.

Pramipexole may cause sudden and severe drowsiness therefore patients are advised to not operate machinery at the start of treatment until it is known how the drug will affect them.

Pramipexole may also cause dizziness and fainting with lightheadedness and nausea when rising too quickly from sitting or lying down so patients should rise slowly as to avoid these problems.

Patients are advised to not suddenly stop taking this medication but, along with their doctor, slowly decrease their dosage.

Severe hallucinations may occur in elderly patients.

Patients who are allergic to Pramipexole or any of its ingredients (Pramipexole Dihydrochloride, hypromellose, cornstarch, carbomer homopolymer, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate) should not take this drug.

Contraindications:
Contraindications include alcohol, benzodiazepines, strong opioid painkillers, antihistamines, sedating drubs, depressants or antipsychotic medications, amantadine, cimetidine, diltiazem, levodopa, allergy medications, and anxiety, mental illness, nausea and seizure medications, metoclopramide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, triamterene and verapamil.

Cimetidine, butyrophenones, metoclopramide, phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, levodopa, muscle relaxants, anesthetics and Kava are also contraindicated.

Family Planning:
It is unknown whether Pramipexole will harm a fetus, however pregnant patients should discuss the risks and benefits associated with the drug.

It is unknown whether Pramipexole will pass to breast milk so nursing mothers should discuss the risks with their doctor before taking this drug while breast feeding.

Pramipexole Treatment and Use

What is Pramipexole?

Pramipexole | Mirapex is an oral tablet that is used in combination with other medication to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (a disease that causes movement, muscle control and balance difficulties, with shaking body parts and slowed movements). Pramipexole can also be used to treat symptoms of restless leg syndrome which is a discomfort and movement in the legs especially at night or while sitting.

Off-label treatments include cluster headaches and sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants.

How does Pramipexole work?

Pramipexole is a dopamine imitator. Those with Parkinson’s disease usually have reduced or absent dopamine levels. Without dopamine present in the brain and nervous system, certain messages that transmit between nerves that aid in the movement of the body will not exist. Pramipexole works to correct the lack of dopamine, or a neurotransmitter, and aid in the symptoms low levels of dopamine causes and also stimulates some message receptor sites within the central nervous system.

Dosage information

Pramipexole is a prolonged-release, oral tablet that comes in 0.25 mg, 1 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg and 0.125 mg form. It is usually taken three times a day for Parkinson’s disease and once a day 2-3 hours before bedtime to treat restless leg syndrome. The dosage for each patient is different as a doctor will decide what dosage is recommended based on the patients pre-existing factors and symptoms.

Patients will start Pramipexole at a low dose and will be gradually increased once every 4-7 days by a physician. It may take several weeks before the dosage becomes fitting for the patient. If taken with food, the medication may diminish the risk of nausea.

The dosage will usually begin at 0.125 mg three times a day but not exceed 4.5 mg a day for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

The dosage will usually being at 0.125 mg once a day 2-3 hours before bedtime but not exceed 0.5 mg per day for the treatment of restless leg syndrome.

Other Names for Pramipexole

Pramipexole is also known as Mirapex.