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Home > Drug Category > Parkinson's Disease Medication > Mirapex ER and Equivalent

Mirapex ER Information

Mirapex ER (Pramiprexole Extended Release) is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease. This disease is a progressive neurological disorder mainly caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain's substantia nigra, leading to a critical deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This lack of dopamine signaling results in movement-related symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowed movement (bradykinesia). Pramiprexole acts as an agonist, meaning it directly stimulates dopamine receptors. It mimics the effects of depleted dopamine, helping restore the chemical signals necessary for proper movement and coordination. This helps manage movement symptoms.

Pramiprexole is also helpful in the treatment of moderate to severe restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, mainly at night or during rest. This disorder is linked to abnormal dopamine signaling in brain pathways that control movement and limb sensations. Pramiprexole, a dopamine agonist, helps restore steady dopamine signaling, thereby rebalancing the system needed for better movement control and reducing leg discomfort associated with the condition.

Mirapex ER Side Effects

Like all medications, pramiprexole does have a range of possible side effects. Some common side effects of this medication include abnormal dreams, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, hiccups, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, and vomiting. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Falling asleep suddenly (Sleep Attacks);
• Impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling, compulsive shopping;
• Neurological or mental disorders with symptoms like hallucinations, compulsive behaviors, confusion, uncontrolled movements of the body, depression, nervousness, and seizures;
• Severe hypotension with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and fainting; • Uncontrolled sudden movements (dyskinesia);
• Withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sweating, panic attacks, trouble sleeping

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Mirapex ER Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to pramiprexole, other ingredients in Mirapex ER, or any other medicine. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Heart disease;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Lung problems;
• Mental disorders such as depression, psychosis;
• Peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding;
• Skin disease such as melanoma

Because pramiprexole can cause individuals taking it to fall asleep suddenly without feeling drowsy first, it is highly advised that you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or participate in other high-risk activities until you and your doctor are sure how the medication affects your level of alertness. Taking alcohol with this medication can dramatically increase the risk of extreme drowsiness and sudden sleep. Therefore, avoid taking alcohol while using this medication. The medication can cause dizziness or fainting when changing positions, due to a drop in blood pressure. It is advised to stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position, especially when you’ve just started the drug or increased the dose.

Never stop using this medication suddenly. Abruptly stopping Mirapex ER can cause a severe reaction resembling a neuroleptic malignant syndrome, with symptoms like fever, confusion, and severe muscle stiffness. This medication must always be tapered off gradually under your doctor's supervision if you wish to discontinue it. There are not enough data on the safety of using this medication in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, please consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding to assess its risks and benefits. The safety and effectiveness of using pramiprexole have not been established for children.

Some medications, such as neuroleptics (phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes) and metoclopramide, can interact with pramiprexole and affect its action in the body. Therefore, before using this Parkinson's disease medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with Mirapex ER. Take Mirapex ER tablets orally, as directed by your doctor. Take it at the same time each day, preferably with food to prevent nausea. Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or splitting, because this disrupts the extended-release system. Dose increases must be gradual, as directed by your doctor. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Mirapex ER?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Mirapex ER.