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 with ropinirole are generally minor and typically don't require treatment.
Ropinirole hydrochloride (also just called ropinirole) is a prescription medicine used to treat several conditions, including Parkinson's disease and
restless legs syndrome (
RLS).
Ropinirole is sold under the brand name
Requip® and is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
What Is Ropinirole Used For?
Ropinirole is licensed to treat two conditions:
- Parkinson's disease -- Ropinirole has been approved to treat signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) -- Ropinirole has been approved to treat moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome.
Ropinirole has not been approved for use in children.
How Does Ropinirole Work?
Ropinirole is part of a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. Dopamine resides in the part of the brain that coordinates muscle movement. When there is less dopamine in this area, muscles tend to become stiff and rigid. Ropinirole helps increase the amount of dopamine in your brain, "fooling" your nervous system into thinking that it has more dopamine than it really does. This helps reduce symptoms associated with both Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.
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