Patient Information - Pramipexole

Pramipexole

pram-e-pex-ole

What does it do?

Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. It acts like a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine helps your brain control your body movements.

Before you start

Tell your doctor if you have kidney or mental health problems, heart failure, or low blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take pramipexole regularly as directed with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.

Do not stop taking pramipexole without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may reduce the dose gradually.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. kava) or recreational drugs.

Important information continues on next page.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Confusion, unusual behaviour or thinking Seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren’t really there Unusual urges (e.g. gambling, eating, spending, sex) Swollen feet or legs, short of breath Suddenly falling asleep Squirming or wriggling movement (such as head wobble)	Tell your doctor
Dizziness, drowsiness Nausea, constipation	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up	Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor

Side Effects

Recommended action

Confusion, unusual behaviour or thinking

Seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren’t really there

Unusual urges (e.g. gambling, eating, spending, sex)

Swollen feet or legs, short of breath

Suddenly falling asleep

Squirming or wriggling movement (such as head wobble)

Tell your doctor

Dizziness, drowsiness

Nausea, constipation

Tell your doctor if troublesome

Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up

Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

Pramipexole can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. See Are you safe to drive?
If you are taking pramipexole for restless leg syndrome, your symptoms might get worse when you start. Discuss this with your doctor, as changing the dose can help.