Ropinirole

Ropinirole is a medication that is specifically licensed to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Because this drug increases the amount of dopamine in your brain, it can trick your nervous system into thinking more dopamine is present, which can help improve muscle stiffness or rigidity. Side effects are generally minor and typically don't require treatment. They can vary, depending on the condition being treated.

What Is Ropinirole?

Ropinirole hydrochloride (also just called ropinirole) is a prescription medicine used to treat several conditions, including Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. The drug has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click What Is Ropinirole Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with ropinirole; however, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If people do develop side effects, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Ropinirole was studied in several different groups of people. Because these groups were so different, the side effects have been broken down by group. These groups included:
 
  • People with early Parkinson's disease who were not taking levodopa (Larodopa®, Sinemet®, Atamet®)
  • People with advanced Parkinson's disease who were taking levodopa
  • People with restless legs syndrome (RLS).
     
For more information, click the following links:
 
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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