Pramipexole (Cont.)

Effects of Pramipexole

Studies have shown that pramipexole can help treat both early and advanced 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, pramipexole helped improve symptoms of Parkinson's.
 
Studies have also shown that pramipexole can help treat 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 Pramipexole

General considerations for when and how to take pramipexole 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, pramipexole is taken by mouth once daily about two to three hours before bedtime.
     
  • You can take pramipexole with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
     
  • Make sure to take pramipexole 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. Pramipexole will not work if you stop taking it. Do not stop taking the drug suddenly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
     

Who Makes Pramipexole?

Pramipexole is made by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
(Pramipexole Continued: Page 5)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;