Ropinirole is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons disease and restless legs syndrome. Parkinsons disease is a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance, including shaking of parts of the body, stiffness, slowed movements, and problems with balance. Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down. Ropinirole is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists, and it works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (dopamine) in the brain.

Ropinirole comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. If you have Parkinsons disease, the regular tablet is usually taken three times a day and the extended-release tablet is taken once daily. If you have restless legs syndrome, the regular tablet is usually taken once a day, 1 to 3 hours before bedtime. It is important to follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ropinirole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Some common side effects of ropinirole include feeling or being sick, feeling anxious or nervous, and falling asleep without warning during activities of daily living, including driving, which sometimes resulted in accidents. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your doctor or specialist nurse. It is also important to tell your doctor, specialist nurse, or pharmacist if youre taking any other medicines before starting ropinirole, as some medications can interact with it.