- Pramipexole is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, or Parkinson-like symptoms such as tremor, shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
- It works by helping to restore the balance of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps to control movement.
- Pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome. It helps to reduce the urge to move your legs and the feelings you get with restless legs syndrome.
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Pramipexole
Sounds like 'pram-ih-PEX-ole'
Key points about pramipexole
- Pramipexole is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
- It is also used to treat restless leg syndrome.
- Pramipexole is commonly called Ramipex.
- Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
- In Aotearoa New Zealand, pramipexole is available as 250 microgram tablets.
- The dose of pramipexole is different for different people.
- You will be started on a low dose at first, and your doctor will increase your dose slowly, to control your symptoms. This reduces your chances of side effects and helps your body to get used to the medicine.
- Always take your pramipexole exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much pramipexole to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
- For Parkinson's disease, pramipexole is usually taken 3 times a day, and for restless legs syndrome, pramipexole is taken once a day, about 2–3 hours before bed.
- You can take pramipexole with or without food. Try taking pramipexole with food if it causes nausea (feeling sick).
- Try to take your pramipexole at the same times of day each day.
- Missed dose: If you do miss a dose and it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time or very close together.
- Keep taking pramipexole regularly. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause serious problems.
- Interactions: Pramipexole can interact with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting pramipexole and before starting any new products.
Like all medicines, pramipexole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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The following links provide further information on pramipexole. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from Aotearoa New Zealand recommendations.
Pramiprexole.(external link) Patient Information NZ Formulary
Medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's(external link) Parkinson's New Zealand
Parkinson's and complementary therapies(external link) Parkinson's New Zealand
Impulse behaviour,(external link) Parkinson's UK
References
Pramipexole(external link) NZ Formulary
Ramipex(external link) Medsafe, NZ
The management of Parkinson’s disease – which treatments to start and when?(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2014
The night time hustle – managing restless legs syndrome in adults(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2012
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
5 questions to ask about your medications
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
Free helplines
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Maya Patel, MPharm PGDipClinPharm, Auckland
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