Generic name:ropinirole (oral) [ roe-PIN-i-role ]
Brand names: Requip, Requip XL
Drug class:Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 28, 2022.
What is Requip?
Requip is a dopaminergic agent and it has some of the same effects as dopamine, a naturally occuring chemical found in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.
Requip is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Ropinirole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Only immediate-release Requip is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release Requip XL is approved only 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.
Warnings
Requip may cause you to fall 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 this medication. Talk with your doctor if you believe you have any intense or unusual urges while taking Requip.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you do. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Requip. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caus...
