I tried the requip XL and it made me real sleepy so I went back to three times a day

Been taking Requip XL for 3 weeks and it seems to be working for me. Side effects have been minimal

Anyone taking Requip be aware of compulsive behavior (online or casino gambling) and suddenly falling asleep (some call it backing out) while driving. I was lucky and made it through both.

My doc told me to take all 3 Requip XL 8-mg tablets at once in the AM. That caused a severe drop in blood pressure and light-headedness, so I took them at 6-hour intervals. I don't think they were any more effective than regular Requip, so I'm back to taking 8 regular 2-mg tabs per day.

Also, I've got pretty good meds insurance, but my share of the Requip XL cost is $214 a month! Regular Requip is available in generic.

Hi,
I've been using Azilect along with CoQ10 and exercise (and prayer) for three years. Like you I've resisted any other meds due to fear of side effects. Now my tremor has moved from my left side to my right side too. So I'm finally ready to start requip Xl tomorrow. My MDS says the side effects are usually just sleepiness if anything. I'd love to keep in touch as we start this new chapter in this PD adventure!
Hugs, Mary

I'm just starting it - day 2 and no side effects yet. I did 3 mg 3xday of regular Requip for awhile there and had some early side effects, but they mellowed out within 2 months or so. My research on the XL was that if you tolerate Requip well then you should the XL too. But where you haven't tried Requip before it's just going to take time to see how it works for you. If you're not falling asleep at the wheel, I'd encourage you to give the other side effects some more time to see if they subside (mine did), but if you have racing heart or anything like that it's probably a sign the medication isn't going to work well for you. Many worry about the ocd possibilities (gambling, sex, etc.) with Requip and I've had none at all. I think those types of side effects are 'rare' so-to-speak at low doses and are more common with high doses. I would try not to worry about them when you're just starting because your dose will be SO low, but of course, if you do have them you'll have to decide how bad they are (as well as the other side effects) and way them to the benefits the medication does give you. If Requip doesn't work for you there is always Mirapex... and others... meds do not work for everyone, Mirapex may be good for one but not another, Requip, Azilect, Amantadine... we just have to try and see what happens.

Good luck and hang in there! huge ((hugs)) and many prayers! Connie

For those taking Requip XL, a word of warning. Beware of the side effects. The Mayo clinic found in 2009 that almost 1 in 5 people taking a dopamine agonist like Requip XL would be prone to gambling, shopping or hypersexual problems.

I was on of the 5. The medicine helped my tremors but made me in to Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. I became two different people. I was started at 12 mg, then move to 24 mg, and then put on 16 mg.

I luckily saved my marriage but the past 1 1/2 years were a nightmare. Please beware...

As all of us Parkie patients know none of us respond the same to any given meds. I just tell people if it works and the side effects are bearable then stick with it. If you listen to all the hype I am sure you will find many people who swear this drug will kill you. These are also many of the same people who believe the government has a cure for PD and cancer but won't release it beacuse of the revenue the drug companies make for the treasury. As for me I am sure our fine U S government would betray us in exchange for money. Billions of it. Getting to the advice on the drug most people I have spoken with had negative side effects and stopped or cut back on the dosage. I seem to remember in clinical trials this drug was a poor performer but was released by the FDA anyway. God help us. Dave aka flyboy57

I take Requip 3 x daily and tt helps me, but my brain can't read the meds more than 1 1/2 hrs inside a 4 hr. window. At first it made me sleepy, but my body adjusted. What I wonder is if it is causing an increase of Neoropathy (nerve death creating nasty prickling sensations in my feet, now my fingers.

Susan

I was on requip modutab for almost three years and in that time, I never slept through one night. I was constantly waking up. My moods deteriorated and I became a serious compulsive gambler losing my life savings in the process. My doctor took me off this drug 2 months ago and my life has improved dramatically. I can sleep at night, my moods are a lot better and I have no urges to gamble. But since coming off requip, I estimate about a 10-15% worsening of my symptoms and haven't been given a replacement drug yet. I'm seeing my doctor next week so maybe she can recommend an alternative.
So, requip is definitely effective but be aware of the side effects.
Andrew

I am Shaz age 29 have Parkinson disease. Iam on carbo/levo and requip the normal one 3 times a day but now its like 5 times a day cos my body cant hold pd symptoms and revert back real quick like walking and movement disorder ,tremors ,shaking ,stiffness,etc. Some pd frnd of mine told me that requip has so much of side effects , the side effects iam facing so far is shortness of sleep cos i can only sleep for 2 hours round the clock.

Hi Shells,
I started taking Requip XL 2mg last night, I'd been advised to take it in the evening as being drowsy is a common side effect. I am currently taking Azlitec and CoQ10 (no side effects) but was only diagnosed with PD 7 weeks ago, so I'm a real novice at all of this. Anyway, I don't want to scare you but I've hardly slept a wink all night, I was dizzy, disorientated, heart thumping, vomitting - I've never reacted to anything like that before and feel a bit of a failure reacting so badly to such a low dose, everyone else is coping much better on much higher doses, perhaps you'll be luckier, I hope so, I'd really like to keep in touch with you and all the other new starters to see how you get on.
Julie

Schells post is from some time ago. How did it work for you Schells?

From what I have heard and read about dopamine agonists - they sound like they can be pretty scary. There must be a benefit that outweighs the scary stuff.

Does knowing that they can cause the compulsive behaviors help you from going down the compulsive path? Is it a matter of regulating the dosage to stop the complulive tendencies? Does going off of them stop the behavior?

My doctor says he tries these drugs before the heavy duty Parkinson's drugs such as Sinemet. I think the ideal is to delay the Sinemet as long as possible. So I assume I will have to face the decision of taking them some day.

What are the alternatives to not taking these drugs?

Hi Hopeful,

Please keep us updated on your taking Requip. I take Azilect and just started Sinemet. I have read lots of posts on Requip. Some are bad results and some are good results. Keep us posted it is always good to know how different people are affected by different meds.

Hi debfromnj,
Hanging in there with the Requip XL (day 6) it's been a tough week! I still have all of the side effects but to a much lesser degree now. I've even started to see some benefits - increased energy, movement and less muscle stiffness. Things are definitely looking up - all I need now is a good night's sleep!
Julie