Advanced-Stage
Parkinson’s Disease
As Parkinson’s disease progresses over time, its symptoms may become more severe and difficult for the patient to control. Symptoms may be evident on both sides of the body and may become more severe, including:
Significant loss of balance
Slowed movements
Shaking
Stiffness
Confusion
Hallucinations
Choking
Slurred speech
Gastrointestinal or urinary problems
Patients with advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease may also be restricted to a bed or wheelchair, and may require a great deal of assistance.
Report All Symptoms to the Patient’s Doctor
Patients with advanced-stage Parkinson’s disease may need higher doses and/or additional medicines, and may experience additional symptoms or side effects from dopaminergic medicines to control their symptoms.
This is not a complete list of symptoms of advancing disease and should not take the place of discussions with the doctor. Click here for a Doctor Visit Worksheet to help you discuss these occurrences with the patient’s doctor.
REQUIP XL as an Adjunct Therapy with Other Medicine
During advanced-stage care for Parkinson’s disease, a doctor may prescribe
REQUIP XL to be taken along with other medicine. Taking REQUIP XL in addition to
L-dopa may allow the patient to take less L-dopa while maintaining the same amount of symptom control.
Prescription REQUIP XL is not for everyone. REQUIP XL may cause you to fall asleep or feel very sleepy during normal activities such as driving; or to faint or feel dizzy, nauseated, or sweaty when you stand up. Tell your doctor if you experience these or the following problems, or if you drink alcohol or are taking other medicines that make you drowsy. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or sleepiness, headache, and sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia). Increase or decrease in blood pressure and heart rate may occur. Hallucinations may occur at any time during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you experience new or increased gambling, sexual, or other intense urges while taking REQUIP XL. REQUIP XL may increase the side effects of L-dopa. Most patients were not bothered enough to stop taking REQUIP XL.