Requip is a prescription medication also called by its generic name, ropinirole hydrochloride. Despite its effectiveness at treating restless leg syndrome and Parkinson's disease, Requip has the potential to cause side effects in some patients.
Types of Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Requip include confusion, dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, clumsiness or falling, nausea, hallucinations, swelling of your legs, twitching or other unintentional body movements, fatigue and weakness.
Time Frame
Some side effects such as indigestion, heartburn, belching, gas, nausea and constipation occur when you first begin taking Requip and usually stop once your body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug.
Drug Interactions
The antibacterial medication ciprofloxacin increases your risk of developing side effects from Requip when the drugs are used concurrently. Because of the potential that their effectiveness will decrease due to the combination, drugs for psychosis and other forms of severe mental illness such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones and thioxanthenes should not be taken with Requip.
Risks
Approximately 40 percent of patients who take Requip for Parkinson's and 12 percent of those who take it for Restless Leg Syndrome fall asleep during regular daily activities, which is particularly dangerous while driving, according to RxList. Additionally, sudden loss of consciousness or fainting and sudden drops of blood pressure are also possible while taking Requip.
Considerations
Since its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe Requip for pregnant women. Because of its potential to suddenly induce sleep, avoid operating an automobile or heavy machinery until you know how Requip affects you.
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