Ropinirole is used alone or with other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

Ropinirole tablets are also used to treat a condition called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). RLS is a neurologic disorder that affects sensation and movement in the legs and causes the legs to feel uncomfortable. This results in an overwhelming feeling of wanting to move your legs to make them comfortable.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine every day exactly as ordered by your doctor in order to improve your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine may be taken with or without food, or on an empty or full stomach. Taking this medicine with food may reduce nausea.

The extended-release tablets work differently from the regular tablets, even at the same dose. Do not switch from one form to the other unless your doctor tells you to.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Confusion

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

falling

nausea

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

swelling of the legs

twisting, twitching, or other unusual body movements

unusual tiredness or weakness

worsening of parkinsonism

Less common

Abdominal or stomach pain

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine

blurred vision

burning, pain, or difficulty in urinating

chest pain

chills

cold sweats

cough

double vision or other eye or vision problems

fainting

fear or nervousness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

high or low blood pressure

irregular or pounding heartbeat

loss of memory

mental depression

pain

pain in the arms or legs

pounding in the ears

rapid weight gain

sensation of spinning

slow or fast heartbeat

sore throat

sweating

tightness in chest

tingling of the hands or feet

tingling, numbness, or prickly feelings

trouble in concentrating

troubled breathing

unusual weight gain or loss

vomiting

Rare

Anxiety

buzzing or ringing in the ears

changes in vision

fever

headache

joint pain

loss of bladder control

muscle cramps, pain, or spasms

nasal congestion

runny nose

sneezing

trouble with swallowing

unusual urges

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

grogginess

increase in unusual body movements, especially of the face or mouth

increased coughing

increased sweating

lack or loss of strength

nightmares

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Abnormal dreams

acid or sour stomach

back pain

belching

decrease in sexual desire or performance

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dryness of mouth

flushing

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn or gas

hot flashes

indigestion

loss of appetite

tremor

weight loss

yawning

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow changes in your dose and to check for any unwanted effects.

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

People taking ropinirole have reported falling asleep without warning during activities of daily living, including driving, which sometimes resulted in accidents. This may happen as late as 1 year after taking the medicine. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while receiving this medicine: confusion, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, a high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, or severe muscle stiffness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. These symptoms are more likely to occur when you begin taking this medicine, or when the dose is increased. Getting up slowly may help. If you should have this problem, check with your doctor.

Hallucinations may occur in some patients. This is more common with elderly patients. If you have hallucinations, check with your doctor.

Smoking may decrease the treatment effects of this medicine. It is best to avoid smoking while you are using it. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

It is important that your doctor check your skin for melanoma regularly if you have Parkinson's disease.

Some people who have used this medicine had unusual changes in their behavior. Talk with your doctor if you start having problems with gambling or increased sex drive while using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.