Get Informed: Requip
Active Ingredient(s)
Ropinirole
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of restless leg syndrome and Parkinson's disease. It is believed to work by mimicking the effect of dopamine and different sites in the nervous system.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 2:52 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-19 9:03 PM
Other Names
- Requip
- Ropinirole
- Requip XL
- Adartrel
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 19 Sep 1997
- Est US Patients*
- 989,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Requip or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Requip
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Requip during the past year.
Requip Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Requip used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 6,500 patients that use Requip (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Restless Leg Syndrome | 91% | 
|
| Muscle Spasms | 13% |
|
| Parkinson's Disease | 7% | 
|
| Multiple Sclerosis | 2% |
|
How well does Requip work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 6,500 users taking Requip (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 80%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Requip outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Requip.
Common Side Effects of Requip
iGuard regularly polls our more than 6,500 users taking Requip (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
27% of patients experience side-effects on Requip
4% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Requip
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Grogginess/Confusion, Urinary Frequency
Global Patient Feedback for Requip (Ropinirole) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have suffered with Restless legs for years and didn't know what it was until I talked to my daughter, who was taking the Requip for the kicking of her legs during the night. Ever since I started taking the Requip, about 2 years ago, I have found that my symptoms have worsened during the daytime....is this normal??? My daughter has since gone to see an alternative Dr. and he prescribved Magnesium Glycinate which she takes at bedtime and her kicking has stopped.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-09 20:49:45
Question/Comment:
I have been taking ropinerole for a couple of months and gradually increased the dosage from 1mg to 4 mg taken at bedtime. With the lower dosage my RLS was still bad and did get better with the higher dosage, but I have constant nausea which starts within 20 minutes after I take my dosage and flares up off and on during the day. I have been gradually reducing the dosage and am now down to 2 1/2 mg daily. I am still having the nausea so at this time am thinking of going back to Mirapex. Before the ropinerole I was on .75 mg of Mirapex and this helped, but was very expensive. I am also unsure of just how to go back to the Mirapex, if I should go off the ropinerole for awhile, and suffer the lack of sleep and RLS then start the Mirapex, or just stop one and start the other. I also have a lot of sleep problems even when I am on the ropinerole. Any ideas?
72 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-14 16:37:12
iGuard Answer/Reply:
It should be fine for you to stop the ropinerole and go back to the Mirapex. Make sure to speak with your doctor first, as it is never a good idea to change medications on your own. You can also ask about a sleep aid, like Ambien, Lunesta, or Rozerem, if insomnia is an issue. You may also want to have sleep studies performed to better identify how your sleep is disrupted. Sleep studies can identify problems like sleep apnea, which is treated with a machine that provides additional oxygen while you sleep.
Posted: 2009-12-16 12:44:37
Question/Comment:
I have experienced one of the less publicized side effects of requip, which I take for severe RLS. Some people find that they have less control over behaviors which might be considered compulsive, such as gambling, drinking, over spending. All people taking this drug should be made aware of this side effect.
Female 61 years old
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-22 23:33:03
Question/Comment:
I Ilive in Portugal and have been taking Requip LP for 2 weeks at 2 x 8mg daily, my chemist is now unable to acquire the drug, have spoken to the consultant and he has suggested that I try the Neupro patch at the same dose. This is not available in Portugal and I will have to buy it in Spain, has anyone tried the patches.?
Struggling with meds in Portgual.
65 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-10-08 06:41:08
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Neupro patches have been unavailable in the Unites States since April 2008 but may be available internationally as you have mentioned. Neupro is a patch system that helps increase a chemical called dopamine. Requip works to increase dopamine in your body as well. Although they act differently, they both have similar end results and could help your condition(s). You should consult your doctor to determine the best dose and if it is appropriate for your medical conditions before you attempt to acquire the patches.
Posted: 2009-11-05 20:17:57
Question/Comment:
I don't have RLS anymore but my legs start cramping every time I lay down in a bed. I am also having trouble with my legs & feet swelling, but the excess fluids do not go to my heart. Is this normal? It only started when I started taking this med.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-10-06 08:27:11
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Ropinirole can cause peripheral edema in patients taking it for restless leg syndrome. Peripheral edema is defined as an accumulation of fluids in extremities, such as the ankles, legs, and feet. Muscle pain has also been reported with ropinirole when used for restless leg syndrome. If either of these symptoms is affecting your quality of life, talk to your physician about the symptoms and whether or not you should continue use of this medication.
Posted: 2009-11-04 14:53:52
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Patient Comments about
Requip