SEARCH
E-mail This Page   Text Size A A

About
   Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia control movement and balance in the body. Inside the basal ganglia are nerve cells, which produce a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine takes "messages" about movement from cell to cell in the brain. These messages in the brain tell the rest of the body how to move. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells that produce dopamine gradually die off. This alters the processing of information about movement in the brain, which is why someone suffering from Parkinson’s disease may have trouble moving.

Important Safety Information About REQUIP XL

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.