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Ropinirole

Brand names: Requip (brand discontinued)

Ropinirole acts like dopamine in the brain. It treats Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.

Brand namesRequip (brand discontinued)
Type of medicineDopamine agonist
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

For restless legs, it's taken 1 to 3 hours before bedtime.

What it's used for

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Restless legs syndrome

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food; food can lower nausea.
  • The dose is raised slowly.
  • Don't stop suddenly; your provider will lower it slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling in the legs
Call 911Falling asleep suddenly during activities like driving or eating
Call your provider todayStrong urges you can't control, like gambling, shopping, eating, or sex
Call your provider todaySeeing or hearing things
Call your provider todayFainting when standing
Call your provider todayRestless legs symptoms starting earlier in the day or spreading (augmentation)

Warnings

  • Don't drive until you know whether it makes you sleepy.
  • Have your skin checked; Parkinson's raises melanoma risk.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Ciprofloxacin and fluvoxamine raise its level.
  • Antipsychotics and metoclopramide work against it.
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to sleepiness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.