Mirapex FAQs

What is Mirapex?

Mirapex is a prescription medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe primary restless leg syndrome. Mirapex can also be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Taking Mirapex for one condition does not mean you have or will develop the other. Mirapex has not been studied in children.

What important information about Mirapex should I know?

Taking Mirapex for restless leg syndrome is different than taking Mirapex for Parkinson’s disease. Patients with restless leg syndrome generally take a lower dose of Mirapex once a day while patients with Parkinson’s disease take Mirapex 3 times a day.

Taking Mirapex may cause side effects including:

• Feeling drowsy or falling asleep during daily activities such as driving
• Feeling faint or dizzy when you stand up
• Nausea
• Headache

Some patients taking Mirapex may experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting something that does not actually exist). Very few patients taking Mirapex for restless leg syndrome reported hallucinations, as hallucinations are more common in patients over 65 taking Mirapex for Parkinson’s disease. Be careful when taking drugs that can make you sleepy or when drinking alcohol while taking Mirapex for restless leg syndrome.

Who should not take Mirapex?

Patients should not take Mirapex if they are allergic to pramipexole or any of the inactive ingredients in Mirapex. You can speak with your doctor or pharmacist to get a complete list of the inactive ingredients in Mirapex.

What important things should I tell my doctor?

Before starting Mirapex, tell your doctor if:

• You take other medicines (prescription or over-the-counter)
• You drink alcohol. Drinking may increase your chances of becoming drowsy while taking Mirapex.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant
• You suffer from a sleep disorder other than restless leg syndrome (RLS)
• You suffer from kidney disease
• You are allergic to the active ingredient pramipexole, or to any of the inactive ingredients in Mirapex (ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list)
• You are having trouble controlling your muscles (dyskinesia)
• You have low blood pressure or if you feel dizzy or faint, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position.

When taking Mirapex tell your doctor if:

• You become unexpectedly sleepy
• You feel dizzy, nauseated, sweaty or faint – especially when you stand up after sitting or lying down

How is Mirapex taken to treat restless leg syndrome?

Some key points about taking Mirapex:

• Take Mirapex as your doctor directs. It is often recommended that Mirapex be taken once a day, 2 or 3 hours before bedtime.
• Take Mirapex every day — even if you do not feel RLS symptoms every day.
• Mirapex may be taken with or without food.
• If you miss a dose, DO NOT double your next dose.
• Take only your usual dose as you doctor directs.
• Make it easy to remember. Find ways to make taking Mirapex part of your evening routine.

What are the possible side effects of Mirapex?

Most people who take Mirapex tolerate it well. Some of the more common side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Tiredness

When beginning to take Mirapex, you should be cautious until you know how the drug will affect you. Some people who take Mirapex can become sleepy or fall asleep while doing normal everyday activities like driving a car. It is possible that Mirapex treatment can cause someone to feel faint or become dizzy when standing up from a seated or prone position. There are reports of some people having hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, or tasting something that does not actually exist) while taking Mirapex. However, hallucinations are uncommon in people taking Mirapex for primary restless leg syndrome and occur more frequently in people over 65 taking Mirapex for Parkinson’s disease.

There have been reports of patients taking certain medications to treat Parkinson’s disease or RLS, including Mirapex, that have reported problems with gambling, compulsive eating, and increased sex drive. It is not possible to reliably estimate how often these behaviors occur to determine which factors may contribute to them. If you or your family members notice that you are developing unusual behaviors, talk to your doctor.

Please note that we have not presented a complete list of possible side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you further information. Likewise, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these problems.

How should I store Mirapex?

Mirapex should be kept in a tightly closed container out of the reach of children. Always store Mirapex at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.