Hi All,
If you take mirapex then I suggest you read the following FAQ...

http://www.subscriberx.com/.SRX?Service=SRXLeaflet&Function=GetLe
aflet&DrugId=13699&Dialect=English
http://www.rxlist.com/frame/display.cgi?drug=pramipexole

Rx List Patient FAQ

pramipexole (oral)
Pronunciation: pram i PEX ole
Brand: Mirapex

What is the most important information I should know about
pramipexole?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
hazardous activities. Pramipexole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or
falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes
without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness,
or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living
(e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate
in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent a fall.

Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics,
and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness
caused by pramipexole, which could be dangerous. Do not use alcohol
or  take other medicines without first talking to your doctor.

Hallucinations may occur with pramipexole, and may be more common in
elderly patients. Call your doctor if  you experience hallucinations.

What is pramipexole?

Pramipexole has some of the same effects as the naturally occurring
chemical dopamine in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain
are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor
muscle control associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide.

Who should not take pramipexole?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney
disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
therapy with pramipexole.

Pramipexole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk.
Pramipexole may reduce breast milk production. Do not take pramipexole
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hallucinations may be more likely to occur in patients older than 65
years of age.

How should I take pramipexole?

Take pramipexole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Pramipexole can be taken with or without food. Food may lessen nausea
or stomach upset.

Pramipexole is usually started at low doses and increased gradually.
Follow your doctor's instructions.

It may be several weeks or months before the benefits of pramipexole are
seen. Continue to take the medication until your doctor recommends
that you stop.

Store pramipexole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next
regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a pramipexole overdose are not known but might include
nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fainting, agitation, confusion,
hallucinations, muscle twitching, uncontrollable movements, a tingling
sensation, and chest pain.

What should I avoid while taking pramipexole?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
hazardous activities. Pramipexole may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or
falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes
without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness,
or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living
(e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate
in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent a fall.

Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics,
and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness
caused by pramipexole. Do not take other medicines without first talking
to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of pramipexole?

Stop taking pramipexole and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations,
fainting, dizziness, drowsiness, falling asleep unexpectedly, or a
blackout (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position). Your
doctor may want to lower your dosage or discontinue this medication.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take pramipexole and talk to your doctor if you experience
mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or decreased appetite;
constipation; dry mouth; sweating; headache; confusion;
insomnia; or agitation or anxiety.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.

What other drugs will affect pramipexole?

Before taking pramipexole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines:

the stomach medicines cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine
(Zantac, Zantac 75), or metoclopramide (Reglan);

the heart medicines diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), verapamil
(Verelan, Calan), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or quinidine
(Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinidex, others);

the malaria and leg cramp medicine quinine (Quinamm); or

a medication used to treat mania, schizophrenia, other psychiatric
conditions, and nausea and vomiting, such as chlorpromazine
(Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil),
perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), promazine (Sparine),
trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thiothixene (Navane), haloperidol (Haldol),
and others.

You may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are
taking any of the medicines listed above.

Pramipexole may increase the effects of other drugs that cause
drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if pramipexole
is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first
talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pramipexole.
Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines
without the approval of your doctor.

Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about pramipexole written for
health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for
the indication prescribed.

The information in this leaflet is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. If you
have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
© Multum Information Services 1999.
Version:  1.02. Revision date:  10/22/99.

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