About Mirapex

Mirapex is the brand name for the drug pramipexole. Mirapex is used to balance the levels of dopamine in the brain. An imbalance of dopamine is linked to Parkinson's disease. Mirapex is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which include tremors, sluggishness, limited muscle control, muscle spasms and stiffness. Use of Mirapex alone or with other drug therapy can improve mobility and reduce shakiness and stiffness associated with the disease. Mirapex is also used to treat restless leg syndrome, a condition that causes sufferers to move their legs repetitively due to a feeling of discomfort.

Serious Effects

Like all prescriptions drugs, Mirapex also has side effects. The more serious side effects include intense dizziness or drowsiness, abruptly falling asleep, confusion, hallucinations, uneven heartbeat, nausea, fainting and uncontrolled movement of muscles. Anyone suffering from these side effects should immediately stop taking Mirapex and contact his physician. It is possible that other serious side effects may occur that have not have been reported.

Mild Effects

Some milder side effects are likely to occur and do not necessarily require the patient to stop using Mirapex. These side effects include but are not limited to appetite loss, constipation, dry mouth, frequent urination, headaches, mild sleepiness, forgetfulness, fuzzy vision, swelling of hands or feet, stuffy nose and a diminished libido.

Precautions

The most commonly experienced side effect of Mirapex is drowsiness or dizziness. Users of Mirapex should refrain from any activity that requires attentiveness, such as driving or operating machinery. It is also recommended that alcohol should be avoided because it can intensify the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Mirapex. Pregnant or nursing mothers should consult their physician before using Mirapex because it can be passed through breast milk.

Interactions

There are a number of drugs and chemicals that interact unfavorably with Mirapex, and should not be combined with it. Mirapex users should avoid medicines that cause drowsiness, such as cold or allergy medicine, antiseizure drugs, antihistamines, antianxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, narcotic pain killers and antipsychotics. Medicines for heartburn and upset stomach contain traces of cimetidine, which also affects the levels of dopamine in the brain.

Dosage

The dosage of Mirapex for restless leg syndrome is different from that for Parkinson's disease and should be taken as prescribed by the physician. Mirapex users should not double a dose if they have missed a previous one. Mirapex can be taken on an empty stomach, but it should not be taken without water. The symptoms of an overdose of Mirapex have not been identified.