Requip Vs. Requip XL

Requip and Requip XL are medications used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Though neither is a cure for the disease itself, they can help control the number and frequency of symptoms experienced. Requip is also used to treat restless leg syndrome in some patients.

Features

• Ropinirole (the generic name for Requip) is a dopamine agonist medication; it acts in place of dopamine in the brain. Requip and Requip XL control symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms and poor muscle control. They can also help with slowed movements and problems with balance. While basically the same medication, Requip XL releases medication throughout a 24-hour period while Requip gives one shot of medication at a time and then must be taken again.

Side Effects

• The side effects you may experience from taking Requip or Requip XL are the same, and can include nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, a decrease in appetite and weight loss, hallucinations, fainting and a decreased sensitivity to touch. Some users also experience sudden uncontrolled movements, falling asleep during normal activities or an increase in intense urges to gamble or have sex.

Use

• While dosage for a Requip or Requip XL prescription must be determined by a medical professional, the basic directions for taking these medications are the same for most patients. Requip tablets are taken three times a day to treat Parkinson's disease and only once a day, several hours before bedtime, for restless leg syndrome. Requip XL is only taken once a day to treat Parkinson's, as it delivers medication for up to 24 hours. It is not used in the treatment of restless leg.