What it means
It acts like dopamine in the brain, easing the stiffness and slowness of Parkinson diseasePAR-kin-sun dih-ZEEZA slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.Full entry and the urge to move the legs in restless legs syndrome. Side effects include nausea, dizziness on standing, sleepiness and sudden falling asleep during daily activities, hallucinations, and urges such as gambling or shopping that are hard to control. Its name can be confused with risperidoneris-PAIR-ih-dohnA second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar mania and irritability in autism.Full entry .
For the nurse
Teach the client to rise slowly, to avoid driving until they know how it affects them, and to report sudden sleep episodes or new compulsive urges. Extended-release tablets are swallowed whole.
At a glance
| Drug class | dopamine agonist (antiparkinson agent) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Requip, Requip XL |
| Spanish | ropinirol |
| Also written | Requip, Requip XL |
Easy to confuse with
risperidone
A second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar mania and irritability in autism.
Related terms
Parkinson disease
A slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.
amantadine
A drug used for Parkinson disease and its movement side effects, first made as an antiviral for influenza.
levodopa
The main drug for Parkinson disease, which the brain turns into dopamine.