Requip

Requip may also cause darkening of your skin and eye color. Tell your doctor if you notice any change.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Requip

If Requip is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Requip with the following:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam
• Certain antidepressants
• Ciprofloxacin
• Drugs that contain levodopa
• Estrogen medications such as ethinyl estradiol
• Metoclopramide
• Tranquilizers

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although the effects of Requip during pregnancy have not been adequately studied in humans, birth defects have occurred in animals. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Requip may inhibit production of breast milk. There is also a possibility that it will appear in breast milk and affect the nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Requip

ADULTS

Parkinson's disease

Requip is taken 3 times a day. During the first week of therapy, each dose is 0.25 milligram. During the second week, the amount rises to 0.5 milligram. In the third week, it increases to 0.75 milligram, and in the fourth week reaches 1 milligram (3 milligrams daily). If necessary, your doctor will gradually increase the dosage further, up to a maximum of 24 milligrams per day.

If you need to stop Requip therapy, the doctor will discontinue the drug gradually over a 7-day period, reducing the number of doses from 3 to 2 per day for the first 4 days, then to once a day for the remaining 3 days.

Restless legs syndrome

The usual starting dose is 0.25 milligrams taken 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. Depending on your response, the doctor may increase your dose in small increments up to a maximum of 4 milligrams daily.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Requip overdose may include:
  Agitation, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness, facial muscle movements, fainting, grogginess, increased jerkiness of movement, rapid heartbeat, symptoms of low blood pressure (dizziness, light-headedness) upon standing, nausea, vomiting