Mirapex is a medication, approved by the FDA, for treating Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease is a neurological condition where the brain does not produce enough dopamine, creating muscular disabilities. This prescription medication works to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease, including muscle rigidity and tremors. In addition to Parkinson's Disease, Mirapex helps control additional medical conditions, like the symptoms associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.
Uses
Mirapex treats the muscular effects of Parkinson's Disease. A low level of naturally produced dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain, causes Parkinson's Disease. Mirapex boosts the ability to use the remaining dopamine in the brain, decreasing the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Mirapex also treats Restless Leg Syndrome and sleep disturbances related to this condition.
Availability
Mirapex, produced in tablet form, is available only with a doctor's prescription. Additional medications to treat Parkinson's Disease, including selegiline and levodopa, work well in conjunction with Mirapex tablets. There are five different available dosages of Mirapex: 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 milligrams. The tablets are round or oval-shaped and are white in color.
Administration
Take Mirapex as prescribed by the physician. Mirapex prescribed doses often begin by starting small and increasing until reaching a desired outcome, marked by a decrease in muscle weakness and tremors. Take Mirapex orally with or without food. Drink milk or eat food before taking Mirapex if stomach upset occurs. Do not skip doses and do not change the dosage of the prescribed medication. After skipping several doses of Mirapex, speak with the physician before restarting the medicine.
Side Effects
Avoid operating heavy machinery and driving while taking Mirapex because it may cause drowsiness and sudden sleeping while performing daily tasks. The medication may cause a decrease in blood pressure, especially when moving from a sitting to a standing position. An increase in sexual or gambling urges may occur while taking Mirapex. Especially with elderly individuals, hallucinations may occur while taking this medicine. Additional side effects include mood swings, fevers and stiff muscles. Report any side effects to a physician immediately, but do not abruptly stop taking Mirapex, unless told to do so by the physician. Titrating down the dose of medicine, before stopping it completely, may occur.
Precautions
Alcohol may increase the effectiveness of Mirapex. Because of the decrease of impulse control associated with Mirapex, notify the physician of any addictions, including shopping, gambling and alcohol, before starting the medication. Do not use Mirapex in conjunction with sleep aids or other medicines that may cause drowsiness. Notify the physician about other medical conditions before beginning Mirapex. Avoid Mirapex in individuals with narcolepsy, kidney problems and for patients with other muscular conditions, besides Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome.
