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What does it do?

Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and sometimes other conditions. It acts like a chemical in your brain called dopamine.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney or mental health problems, or low blood pressure.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take pramipexole regularly as directed with a glass of water.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Hallucinations, confusion, unusual behaviour or thinking

Unusual urges (e.g. gambling, eating, spending, sex)

Swollen feet or legs, short of breath

Falling asleep without warning

Tell your doctor

Drowsiness

Dizziness, headache

Strange or uncontrolled movements

Nausea, constipation

Tell your doctor if troublesome

Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up

Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Pramipexole can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
  • If you are taking pramipexole for restless leg syndrome, your symptoms might get worse when you start. Discuss this with your doctor, as changing the dose can help.
  • Do not stop taking pramipexole without talking to your doctor first.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed