Requip XL (Ropinirole)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - February 18, 2021
Requip XL (Ropinirole) Medication Information
Uses
Requip is a dopamine agonist that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Dosage
The tablets are available in several different strengths:
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 6 mg
- 8 mg
- 12 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Requip include:
- Nausea
- Somnolence
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Constipation
Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Requip.
Precautions
Requip can cause drowsiness, and sudden sleepiness, which can be dangerous if patients are operating heavy machinery.
Requip can cause a change in blood pressure and heart rate, so it is important to monitor these in patients.
This medication can cause problems with impulse control and make patients more compulsive.
Interactions
The most common drug interactions with Requip include:
- Estrogen
- Phenothiazines
- Butyrophenones
- Thioxanthenes
- Metoclopramide
Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Requip.
Storage
Store at room temperature (77ºF). Requip should be dispensed in a tight and light-resistant container.
Pharmacist Tips
- Requip needs to be taken as it is prescribed by your doctor.
- Requip can be taken with or without food, but it needs to be swallowed whole.
- Requip contains ropinirole, this medication is also available as an immediate release tablet.
Ropinirole FAQs
Can Requip keep you awake?
Requip usually makes patients drowsy.
How long does Requip last?
Requip can stay in the body up to 30 hours.
Can you stop Requip abruptly?
Patients can experience withdrawal if they stop this medication quickly.
Is Requip a muscle relaxant?
No, Requip is not a muscle relaxant, it work on the dopamine receptor in the brain.
Does Requip help with anxiety?
Requip has been shown to help with anxiety and depression symptoms.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Requip {package insert}. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2017.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/022008s009lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.