New Information on Dopamine Agonists
Patients treated with dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip), as well as with other anti-parkinsonian medications have been reported to fall asleep during activities of daily living, including the operation of motor vehicle, potentially resulting in accidents. Although many patients taking these drugs report somnolence, some perceive that they have no warning signs and believe that they are alert immediately prior to the event. Some of these events have been reported as late as one year after the initiation of treatment. Somnolence usually occurs with higher doses, but drowsiness or irresistible sleepiness ("sleep attacks") may be present even at lower doses.
Precautions: When taking the above anti-parkinsonian medications, there is a possibility that you may suddenly fall asleep while performing daily activities, such as driving a car. Some medications (e.g., sleeping or calming pills, and medications taken for other medical conditions) or alcohol when taken together with these drugs may increase this possibility. If you develop increased sleepiness or experience falling asleep during activities of daily living (e.g., eating, conversations, watching television, passenger in car) you should notify your doctor and not participate in potentially dangerous activities (e.g., driving a car, operating heavy machinery).
Questions: If you have questions about this new information, please discuss them with Dr. Jankovic, Dr. Ondo or their associates at (713) 798-7438.