Mirapex

Mirapex (generic name: pramipexole) is prescribed to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. It can also be used to treat Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition that results from degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia in the brain. These neurons use the neurotransmitter dopamine to carry out their function in controlling movement and coordination. As they deteriorate, dopamine levels decrease, leading to the symptoms of movement disorders commonly associated with Parkinson’s Disease. This condition has no cure, and treatments are designed to relieve the symptoms as much as possible. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which symptoms are experienced when resting or trying to sleep. It is also a movement disorder because people with RLS feel a strong need to move their legs as the only way to relieve their symptoms. Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome can be based on drugs in the class dopamine agonists, which affect neurons that have dopamine receptors. Unlike other medications, such as levodopa, which acts as a precursor to dopamine itself, the effect of dopamine agonists is to activate the receptors rather than to increase dopamine levels. They are also known as dopamine mimics because they mimic the effect of dopamine without converting levodopa into dopamine. In general, dopamine agonists are less effective than levodopa combined with carbidopa in treating symptoms like bradykinesia and muscle rigidity. Still, they are more effective in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that are affecting movement control. Dopamine agonists such as Mirapx are effective in reducing moderate to severe symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome when taken at night. Levodopa plus carbidopa may be effective when used intermittently but is usually not prescribed for daily use because long-term use can eventually worsen symptoms. Dosage Information on this website does not replace talking with your healthcare professionals. Doctors prescribe this medication because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. The treating doctor will determine the dosage, which may start at a low level and gradually increase based on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. Mirapex can be taken or without food, but taking it with food may lessen nausea. Don’t stop using Mirapex without consulting a doctor. Stopping the use of this drug may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and stiffness. This is more likely after the use of pramipexole in high doses or for a long time. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms of withdrawal occur.