Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Act Pramipexole.
Behaviour changes: People taking pramipexole have experienced abnormal behaviour such as compulsive gambling, compulsive shopping, hypersexuality, and binge eating. If you experience these symptoms or any other behaviour change while taking Act Pramipexole, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood pressure: Pramipexole can lower blood pressure for some people. People taking Act Pramipexole may feel dizzy or lightheaded when rising from a sitting or lying position. Make sure to tell your doctor if you experience this effect. If you have severe heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Act Pramipexole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Act Pramipexole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/sudden onset of sleep: Pramipexole and similar mediations can cause drowsiness and sudden onset of sleep or sleep attacks. Sudden onset of sleep can occur without warning or drowsiness. People taking Act Pramipexole should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. If you experience any daytime drowsiness or sudden onset of sleep while taking Act Pramipexole, contact your doctor immediately.
Hallucinations: People taking Act Pramipexole should be aware that hallucinations (mainly seeing things that are not really there) can occur and may affect their ability to drive and perform other daily activities. Make sure to tell your doctor if you experience this effect.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Act Pramipexole to build up in the body, causing side effects. People with reduced kidney function should discuss with their doctor how Act Pramipexole may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Act Pramipexole, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Pramipexole is not recommended for people with end-stage renal disease.
Melanoma: People with Parkinson's disease may be at increased risk of developing melanoma (a type of Skin Cancer). It is not known if this increased risk is due to Parkinson's disease or to the medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are taking Act Pramipexole. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): As with other medications that have an effect on movement disorders, pramipexole can trigger a potentially fatal set of symptoms known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you experience symptoms of NMS, such as high Fever; muscle stiffness; confusion or loss of consciousness; sweating; or rapid or irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention.
This is more likely to occur if pramipexole is stopped suddenly or the dose is decreased rapidly. If you are considering stopping Act Pramipexole, talk with your doctor about the appropriate way to reduce pramipexole.
Restless leg syndrome: When Act Pramipexole is used to treat the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, it may cause a worsening of symptoms in the early morning hours. It may also cause earlier onset of symptoms in the evening or an increase in symptoms. If you experience this, let your doctor know.
Stopping treatment: Do not stop taking Act Pramipexole without consulting with your doctor. Stopping this mediation suddenly can cause symptoms such as fever, rigid muscles, and blood pressure changes. If you and your doctor decide that stopping Act Pramipexole is best for you, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over a week.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People with Parkinson's disease are at risk of experiencing thoughts and intent of self-harm or suicide. These feelings may not pass when the symptoms of PD are relieved. If you have Depression or bipolar disorder, you may be at an increased risk of feeling agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or wanting to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Act Pramipexole, contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Act Pramipexole should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Act Pramipexole, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if pramipexole passes into breast milk. Since the medication reduces the amount of breast milk produced, women who are breast-feeding should not take Act Pramipexole.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using pramipexole has not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience hallucinations (hearing, seeing or feeling things that are not there) while taking pramipexole.
