Pramipexole

What are Pramipexole Tablets?

Pramipexole is a tablet used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). It’s also sometimes used to help with symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Pramipexole eases the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, so you can get the sleep you need without discomfort.

You take Pramipexole two to three hours before bedtime each night, and it controls the uncomfortable sensations in your legs that are keeping you up. So it should help you sleep better at night and feel more rested the next day.

How do Pramipexole Tablets work?

Pramipexole is a type of drug called a dopamine agonist. While we don’t know exactly how RLS works, it seems to be linked to problems making dopamine. Brain imaging studies have shown issues with the D2 dopamine receptors in people with RLS. ^[1]

While it’s not known exectly how it works for RLS, Pramipexole’s mode of action is thought to be related to binding to the dopamine receptors in your cells, especially D2 and D3 receptors in the brain. It then acts like dopamine in your body. This reduces RLS symptoms, stopping discomfort and the movement of limbs during sleep. This also helps you feel less sleepy during the day.

What doses of Pramipexole Tablets are there?

There are four different strengths of Pramipexole tablets. The doses are: 0.088mg, 0.18mg, 0.35mg and 0.7mg although we only offer the first three strengths).. You’ll usually start on the lowest possible dose, with one 0.088mg a day for the first four to seven days.

If this doesn’t control your symptoms, you’ll often then have your dose raised slowly every four to seven days. You’ll stop when your restless legs syndrome is treated with the lowest possible dose, to decrease the risk of side effects.

How to take Pramipexole Tablets

You should take Pramipexole tablets exactly as told by your clinician. If you have any questions, you can log into your account and message us.

• Try to take Pramipexole around the same time every day.
• Swallow the tablets whole without crushing or chewing them.
• You can take Pramipexole with or without food. Food may mean you absorb the tablets more slowly.
• Pramipexole can sometimes make people drowsy. If it affects your awareness, don’t drive.

How long does it take Pramipexole to work?

Pramipexole reaches peak absorption in your blood within one to three hours of taking it. So it works pretty rapidly. If you don’t see improvement right away, your clinician will often slowly increase your dose until you find the right amount for you.

While it can take some time to build up in your system and reach full efficacy, Pramipexole starts working very quickly. A study into the effects of Pramipexole on the very first night of treatment found that it significantly reduced RLS symptoms. Participants also moved much less while asleep. ^[2]

What should I do if I make a mistake while taking Pramipexole tablets?

Make sure to take Pramipexole tablets on time. If you forget to take them, just skip that dose and take your next dose normally. To help you remember, you can always try setting alarms for when to take your Pramipexole, or make it a part of your bedtime routine.

If you take too much Pramipexole, it can cause worrying side effects. Get medical attention right away. You shouldn’t stop using Pramipexole suddenly. If you want to stop treatment, talk to your clinician for advice. You can log into your account and message us for advice.