Early-Stage
Parkinson’s Disease
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, patients may show few symptoms. Functional impairment is generally minimal. However, you may see shakiness, stiffness, or slow movements on one side of the body. Even in these early stages, people with Parkinson’s disease may lack facial expression making it difficult for other people to interpret how they’re feeling.
As a caregiver, pay attention to these early-stage symptoms and tell the patient’s doctor about any changes you notice.
REQUIP XL as Initial Monotherapy
During the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, the doctor may prescribe
REQUIP XL as monotherapy. REQUIP XL is a once-daily dopamine agonist (DA) that helps control Parkinson’s disease symptoms. During these early stages, taking REQUIP XL alone may reduce the risk of developing dyskinesia, when compared to taking levodopa ("L-dopa") alone. Dyskinesia refers to the abnormal, involuntary body movements that can appear as jerking, fidgeting, twisting, and turning movements.
A doctor is the best person to evaluate a person with Parkinson’s disease and determine what medicine is right for him or her.
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.