What is Requip used for?
Ropinirole, or Requip, is prescribed to help treat symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease; a progressive nervous system disorder that greatly impacts movement. Parkinsonism often causes symptoms such as loss of automatic movements (like blinking), impaired posture and balance, and slowed movement. Another nervous system disorder (unrelated to Parkinson’s disease) also treatable with Requip, is restless leg syndrome (RLS); a condition causing an overwhelming need or desire to move your legs, usually due to a sensation (like itching, crawling, or pins or needles).
What does Requip do?
The active ingredient, ropinirole, is a dopaminergic agent; this means it has some of the same effects as dopamine, a natural chemical found inside the body thought to be responsible for mood, movement, and concentration. Parkinson’s disease is associated with low levels of this chemical; Requip restores this balance of chemicals in the brain by mimicking dopamine and its effects, which reduces symptoms.
What does Requip look like?
Both brand name and generic (ropinirole) Requip come as tablets; brand name tablets come five-sided in a variety of colors ranging from green, pink, purple, yellow, brown, blue, and white. The generic tablets may have a similar appearance or different; generic tablets will often vary in appearance.
How to take Requip?
It is very important to follow your doctor’s directions when taking Requip; dosages (both strength and scheduling) for Parkinson’s disease will differ from the dosages meant for restless leg syndrome. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Unless otherwise directed, your dose may be taken with or without food, but ensure you swallow the tablet whole with water. Depending on your condition, you may need to take the tablet 1-3 times per day.
How long does Requip stay in your system?
It will take Requip a little over one day (1.25 days or 30 hours) to clear out of your system, with a half life of 6 hours.
How much Requip can I take?
This question can only be answered by your doctor as there are a number of factors that determine the answer. Generally, adults with Parkinson’s disease can take 0.25mg 3 times per day for the first week; following the first week, if necessary, the dose may be increased to 0.5mg 3 times per day. On week 3; you may take 0.75mg 3 times per day and week 4; 1mg 3 times per day. The maximum is 24 mg per day (8 mg 3 times daily). This does not apply to those with RLS; speak to your doctor to find out how much Requip you can take specifically.
How long does it take for Requip to work?
It could take a few weeks before you notice an improvement; the exact amount of time it takes this medication to become effective will vary between each individual.
What are the side effects of the drug Requip?
Common side effects of Requip include passing out, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and viral infections. Side effects often occur while the body adjusts to the new medication therefore common side effects should not alarm you. Speak with your doctor if side effects do begin to worry you. This is not a complete list of side effects.
How much does Requip cost?
The cost will vary depending on if you buy the brand or the generic. The brand name medication Requip was sold at a moderately high price before becoming unavailable in the United States in 2019. The generic is available for purchase as a tier 2 drug; tier 2 drugs are more expensive than tier 1 drugs. The cost of 100 (1mg) ropinirole tablets in the United States is more than 25% higher compared to 100 (1mg) ropinirole tablets at My Drug Center, which is only $79.00 (or $0.79 per tablet). We also have the brand name medication available for purchase with a valid prescription for $1.77 per tablet.