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. CONTINUED BELOW
The PD-Friendly
Home
As a caregiver, providing a “Parkinson’s disease-friendly home” means having a place for the patient to live that is designed around their specific needs. Following the tips in this section may add additional comfort and convenience to the patient’s home. Best of all, many of these suggestions can be put into use right away.
Explore the safe features of a Parkinson’s-friendly home
Dressing & Moving Around
Keep the floors around the patient’s home clean and clear to prevent falls.
Give the patient plenty of time to dress so there is no need to rush.
Suggest that the patient wear loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. The patient may also find it helpful to put Velcro® fasteners on some of their favorite outfits. Try to help the patient affix Velcro® to some of their clothes, to help make dressing easier.
Ensure that the patient has a firm chair to use when dressing and a footstool for putting on shoes.
Suggest that the patient wear shoes with low heels or flat soles.
Advise the patient to pace himself or herself throughout the day.
Encourage the patient to take rest breaks throughout the day so he or she doesn't get tired.
Planning Pays: Schedule activities ahead of time so the patient doesn’t have to rush.
Bathing, Grooming, and Using the Bathroom
Provide a shower chair and a hand-held shower spray for the patient. For baths, use a tub-transfer bench.
Use only rubber and rubber-backed mats in the bathroom.
Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom.
Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom to make it easier to use.
Resting
Encourage the patient to get enough rest.
Provide the patient with a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests to use while sitting. Avoid chairs with soft cushions and swivel/rocking chairs.
Install a bed rail between the patient’s mattress and box spring to help make getting into and out of bed easier.
Keep a few night lights on in the bedroom and bathroom at night. This will help the patient find a way around when it gets dark.
Let’s Eat: Special utensils may make it easier for a patient to eat on his or her own.
- 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.