Mirapex is a medication approved for treating Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS). As a type of dopamine agonist, this medicine acts like a naturally occurring brain chemical (dopamine) and helps prevent a dopamine deficiency. Mirapex comes in tablet form and is taken one to three times daily. Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Mirapex
® (
pramipexole dihydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
Mirapex is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mirapex is classified as a dopamine agonist. This means that it works much like dopamine, a naturally occurring brain chemical. Mirapex binds to dopamine receptors and stimulates them, much like natural dopamine.
Dopamine deficiency (caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells) in certain parts of the brain may be responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. By using a medication that acts like dopamine, such as Mirapex, some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be relieved.
It is not known exactly how or why Mirapex works for restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Studies have shown that Mirapex can help treat both early and advanced forms of Parkinson's disease. This medication was studied in people with early Parkinson's disease who were not yet taking levodopa (one of the most commonly used medications for Parkinson's) and in people with advanced Parkinson's disease who had been taking levodopa for quite some time. In both cases, Mirapex helped improve the symptoms of Parkinson's.
Studies have also shown that Mirapex can help treat the symptoms of
RLS. In one study, 72 percent of people taking the drug reported RLS symptoms that were "much improved" or "very much improved," compared to just 51.2 percent of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients).
When and How to Take Mirapex
General considerations for when and how to take Mirapex include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth three times daily when used for Parkinson's disease. When used to treat RLS, Mirapex is taken by mouth once daily about two to three hours before bedtime.
- You can take Mirapex with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- Make sure to take Mirapex at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Mirapex will not work if you stop taking it. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Dosing Information for Mirapex
The dose of Mirapex that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Mirapex (especially if you develop bothersome side effects)
- How well your kidneys function
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Mirapex can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects of Mirapex include but are not limited to:
(Click Mirapex Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Mirapex
Mirapex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Mirapex if you have:
- A sleep disorder other than RLS
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Dyskinesia (a muscle movement disorder)
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure) or milder forms of kidney disease
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Mirapex?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose with Mirapex, other than the usual side effects (but perhaps more severely). If you happen to take too much Mirapex, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Mirapex Be Stored?
Mirapex tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep Mirapex and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Mirapex?
If you forget to take a dose of Mirapex, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Mirapex tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Mirapex 0.125 mg
- Mirapex 0.25 mg
- Mirapex 0.5 mg
- Mirapex 0.75 mg
- Mirapex 1 mg
- Mirapex 1.5 mg.
At this time, Mirapex is not available in generic form
(see Generic Mirapex).
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