Mirapex (pramipexole) has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson"s disease.
Mirapex is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson"s disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. Mirapex is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Immediate-release tablet (Mirapex) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. The extended-release tablet (Mirapex ER) is only approved to treat Parkinson symptoms.
Parkinson"s and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.
Important information
Some people taking Mirapex have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness. If you are unsure of how this medicine will affect you, be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking Mirapex. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking Mirapex.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
If you are taking Mirapex for rest leg syndrome (RLS), tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Mirapex if you are allergic to pramipexole.
To make sure Mirapex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
People with Parkinson"s disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Mirapex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Mirapex?
Take Mirapex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
If you are taking Mirapex you should not take extended-release Mirapex ER at the same time.
The dose and timing of Mirapex in treating Parkinson"s disease is different from the dose and timing in treating RLS. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the kind of tablet you receive at the pharmacy.
Mirapex can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release Mirapex ER tablet. Swallow it whole.
If you are taking this medication for RLS, tell your doctor if your symptoms get worse, if they occur in the morning or earlier than usual in the evening, or if you feel restless symptoms in your hands or arms.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor"s instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Mirapex dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson"s Disease:
Pramipexole immediate-release:
Initial dose: 0.125 mg orally three times a day with or without food.
Maintenance dose: The dosage should be titrated gradually to the desired clinical effect. Generally, the dosage may be increased every 5 to 7 days based on efficacy and tolerability, up to a maximum of 4.5 mg/day (given as 1.5 mg three times a day). The efficacy of dosages beyond 4.5 mg/day has not been established.
Pramipexole extended-release:
Initial dose: 0.375 mg once daily with or without food.
Maintenance dose: The dosage should be titrated gradually to the desired clinical effect. Generally, the dosage may be increased every 5 to 7 days based on efficacy and tolerability, first to 0.75 mg per day and then by 0.75 mg increments up to a maximum recommended dose of 4.5 mg per day. The efficacy of dosages beyond 4.5 mg/day has not been established.
Usual Adult Dose for Restless Legs Syndrome:
Pramipexole immediate-release:
Initial dose: 0.125 mg orally once a day 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. If needed, dose may be titrated upwards by increments of 0.125 mg every 4 to 7 days.
Maintenance dose: 0.5 mg orally once a day 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
Pramipexole extended-release is not indicated for Restless Legs Syndrome.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Mirapex?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Dizziness may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with Mirapex.
Mirapex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people taking Mirapex have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
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extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
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tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
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vision problems; or
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unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness with fever or flu symptoms and dark colored urine.
Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older adults.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.
Common Mirapex side effects may include:
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drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
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confusion, memory problems;
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dry mouth;
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nausea, constipation;
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sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams;
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muscle spasm or muscle weakness;
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increased urination; or
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swelling in your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Mirapex?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking Mirapex with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Mirapex, especially:
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cimetidine; or
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medicine to treat mental illness (such as chlorpromazine, droperidol, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pramipexole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
