Mirapex (pramipexole dihydrochloride)

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -dizziness or fainting spells -feel sleepy or have fallen asleep suddenly during the day -have trouble controlling your muscles (dyskinesia) -if you often drink alcohol -heart disease -kidney disease -low blood pressure -mental illness -narcolepsy -on hemodialysis -sleep apnea -an unusual or allergic reaction to pramipexole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause side effects or your condition may worsen. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

-alcohol -antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold -certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances -certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone -certain medicines for sleep -general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol -medicines for blood pressure -medicines that relax muscles for surgery -metoclopramide -narcotic medicines for pain

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks or months before you feel the full effect of this medicine. Continue to take your medicine on a regular schedule. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking some medicines for Parkinson's disease. If you experience any of these urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible. Talk with your doctor if you have posture changes you cannot control. These may include your neck bending forward, your spine bending forward at the waist, or tilting sideways when you sit, stand, or walk.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -changes in emotions or moods -changes in vision -confusion -falling asleep during normal activities like driving -hallucination, loss of contact with reality -involuntary muscle contractions; difficulty swallowing; difficulty walking -new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges -new or worsening curve in the spine -signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; unusually weak or tired -uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -constipation -drowsiness -dry mouth -nausea -trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.