Requip
(Ropinirole)
Helps with movement problems.
Our bottom line
Requip (Ropinirole) is an effective medicine for Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome, but there are potentially serious side effects.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ropinirole)
Upsides
- In studies, Requip (Ropinirole) when taken by itself or with other medicines, was effective in lowering movement fluctuations for people with Parkinson's disease.
- Requip (Ropinirole) is sometimes preferred over other medicines that treat Parkinson's disease in older people since it causes fewer movement and mental fluctuations.
- Is effective for treating restless leg syndrome.
- Available in a short-acting and a long-acting form.
Downsides
- Requip (Ropinirole) isn't a first-choice treatment for Parkinson's disease. It can be used by itself, but it's usually used with other medicines.
- Requip (Ropinirole) can cause hallucinations in older people.
- Not the best choice if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may have to adjust your dose based on your kidney function.
- You can't suddenly stop taking Requip (Ropinirole). You'll have to slowly lower your dose, especially if you've been using it for a long time.
Requip (Ropinirole) is a dopamine agonist. It binds to receptors in the brain and helps improve movement in people with Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (ropinirole)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon$26.82
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$27.30
Side effect rates for Requip (Ropinirole)
- Dyskinesia34%34%13%13%
- Nausea30%30%18%18%
- Dizziness26%26%16%16%
- Adverse events24%24%18%18%
- Somnolence20%20%8%8%
- Headache17%17%12%12%
- Dyskinesia13%13%3%3%
- Nausea11%11%4%4%
- Falls10%10%7%7%
- Hallucinations10%10%4%4%
- Abdominal pain9%9%8%8%
- Confusion9%9%2%2%
- Upper respiratory tract infection9%9%8%8%
- Dizziness8%8%3%3%
- Hallucination8%8%2%2%
- Somnolence7%7%4%4%
- Increased sweating7%7%2%2%
- Increased drug level7%7%3%3%
- Vomiting7%7%4%4%
- Arthralgia7%7%5%5%
- Abdominal pain/discomfort6%6%3%3%
- Adverse reactions6%6%5%5%
- Tremor6%6%3%3%
- Constipation6%6%3%3%
- Anxiety6%6%3%3%
- Urinary tract infection6%6%3%3%
- Orthostatic hypotension5%5%1%1%
- Dry mouth5%5%1%1%
- Pain5%5%3%3%
- Hypokinesia5%5%4%4%
- Paresthesia5%5%3%3%
- Diarrhea5%5%3%3%
- Amnesia5%5%1%1%
- Nervousness5%5%3%3%
- Vertigo4%4%2%2%
- Constipation4%4%2%2%
- Edema peripheral4%4%1%1%
- Diarrhea3%3%2%2%
- Back pain3%3%2%2%
- Hypertension3%3%2%2%
- Syncope3%3%2%2%
- Paresis3%3%
- Arthritis3%3%1%1%
- Abnormal dreaming3%3%2%2%
- Dyspnea3%3%2%2%
- Dry mouth2%2%
- Fall/injury2%2%1%1%
- Anxiety2%2%1%1%
- Hypotension2%2%
- Dysphagia2%2%1%1%
- Flatulence2%2%1%1%
- Increased saliva2%2%1%1%
- Weight decrease2%2%1%1%
- Anemia2%2%
- Pyuria2%2%1%1%
- Urinary incontinence2%2%1%1%
- Diplopia2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Requip.
People taking Requip felt side effect more
People taking Requip felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Requip (Ropinirole)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Requip (Ropinirole) can cause intense urges and compulsive behaviors that are hard to control, such as binge eating, gambling, and sexual urges. Talk to your doctor right away if you have any of these feelings.
Common concerns from people taking Requip (Ropinirole)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Requipon 1/27/2017I discontinued ropinirole due to the requirement to take this drug every day, the common, and unpleasant, side effects and the lack of effectiveness. I also tried pramipexole, with similar effect. The only effective treatment I have found is small to moderate doses of opiods (hydrocodone, oxycodone, oral morphine). The latter also has the advantage of only needing to be taken when symptoms occur, but care must be taken to avoid dependence, particularly with morphine.32ManParkinson's disease
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed ropiniroleon 9/7/2019My symptoms are intermittent & come without warning. My Nerves in my feetxbecome sensitive & it moves up my legs towards my torso. My nerves are sending conflicting signals to mybrain, I cant stay still, " Not Physical pain" the feeling is UNBEARABLE I lie in bed rapidly rocking & jerking my legs to tire my muscles & nerves. I eventually unknowingly fall asleep. When I wake it is gone.61WomanJust as neededRestless legs syndrome (moderate to severe)
- Take Requip (Ropinirole) with food if it makes you feel nauseous.
- Requip (Ropinirole) is processed by the kidney. If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor because you may need a different dose.
- Not the best choice if you have kidney problems. Your doctor may have to adjust your dose based on your kidney function.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Requipon 8/23/2017I took this medication once. The headache was unbearable.I have high tolerance for pain. So when I say the headache was 10 on pain scale it was. I still have a headache the next day Never again.46WomanLess than a weekRestless legs syndrome (moderate to severe)