Disease Information for Pramipexole (Mirapex) Administration/Toxicity

Anti-parkinsonism drug; Dopamine agonist non-ergot type; levodopa sparing drug; causes orthostatic hypotension hallucinations and drowsiness; avoid abrupt withdrawal; oral preparation once daily ; possibly this class of drugs shown to be a trigger for new addictive behavior for food, gambling, sex, with other behavior issues [2005] -----------------------------------------------------

Pramipexole and ropinirole are two newer dopamine agonists that are not ergot derivatives; They are effective in early Parkinson"s disease as well as in advanced stages of the disease; In each case, the daily dose is built up gradually; Pramipexole is started at a dosage of 0_125 mg three times daily, and the dose is doubled after 1 week and again after another week; the daily dose is then increased by 0_75 mg at weekly intervals depending on response and tolerance; Most patients require between 0_5 and 1_5 mg three times daily; Adverse effects include fatigue, somnolence, nausea, peripheral edema, dyskinesias, confusion, and postural hypotension; Less commonly, an irresistible urge to sleep may occur, sometimes in inappropriate and hazardous circumstances--------[currentdxrx 2005 accessmedicine_com]---------

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