This page contains drug information on Mirapex.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Mirapex
the possible side effects of Mirapex
what happens if you miss a dose of Mirapex
what happens if you overdose with Mirapex
the most important information about Mirapex
how to use Mirapex
other drugs that may affect Mirapex
what to avoid while using Mirapex
 
Generic Name: pramipexole (oral) (pram i PEX ole)
Brand Names: Mirapex

What is the most important information I should know about mirapex?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. mirapex may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness, or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living (e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor. 
 •  Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent a fall.
 •  Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness caused by mirapex, which could be dangerous. Do not use alcohol or take other medicines without first talking to your doctor.
 •  Hallucinations may occur with mirapex, and may be more common in elderly patients. Call your doctor if you experience hallucinations.

What is mirapex?
 •  mirapex has some of the same effects as the naturally occurring chemical dopamine in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinsons disease.
 •  mirapex is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control associated with Parkinsons disease.
 •  mirapex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mirapex?
 •  Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with mirapex.
 •  mirapex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether mirapex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. 
 •  It is also not known whether mirapex passes into breast milk. mirapex may reduce breast milk production. Do not take mirapex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
 •  Hallucinations may be more likely to occur in patients older than 65 years of age.

How should I take mirapex?
 •  Take mirapex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  mirapex can be taken with or without food. Food may lessen nausea or stomach upset.
 •  mirapex is usually started at low doses and increased gradually. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  It may be several weeks or months before the benefits of mirapex are seen. Continue to take the medication until your doctor recommends that you stop.
 •  Store mirapex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a mirapex overdose are not known but might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fainting, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, uncontrollable movements, a tingling sensation, and chest pain.

What should I avoid while taking mirapex?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. mirapex may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or falling asleep while performing activities of daily living, sometimes without warning . If you experience increased drowsiness or dizziness, or episodes of falling asleep while performing activities of daily living (e.g., watching television, riding in a car, etc.), do not drive or participate in potentially dangerous activities and contact your doctor. 
 •  Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly and use caution to prevent a fall.
 •  Alcohol, sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medicines that cause drowsiness may increase the drowsiness caused by mirapex. Do not take other medicines without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of mirapex?
 •  Stop taking mirapex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives).
 •  Notify your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations, fainting, dizziness, drowsiness, falling asleep unexpectedly, or a blackout (especially when rising from a sitting or lying position). Your doctor may want to lower your dosage or discontinue this medication.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take mirapex and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or decreased appetite
      · constipation
      · dry mouth
      · sweating
      · headache
      · confusion
      · insomnia or
      · agitation or anxiety.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect mirapex?
 •  Before taking mirapex, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · the stomach medicines cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or metoclopramide (Reglan)
      · the heart medicines diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), verapamil (Verelan, Calan), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinidex, others)
      · the malaria and leg cramp medicine quinine (Quinamm) or
      · a medication used to treat mania, schizophrenia, other psychiatric conditions, and nausea and vomiting, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), promazine (Sparine), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thiothixene (Navane), haloperidol (Haldol), and others.
 •  You may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
 •  mirapex may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if mirapex is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with mirapex. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without the approval of your doctor.