Pramipexole has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Pramipexole is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). Pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Only immediate-release pramipexole (Mirapex) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release pramipexole (Mirapex ER) is approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms.

Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.

Pramipexole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use pramipexole if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low blood pressure;
• dizziness after getting up too fast;
• daytime drowsiness;
• kidney disease; or
• problems controlling your muscle movements.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known whether pramipexole will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether pramipexole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Use Mirapex ER (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking pramipexole have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
• extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert;
• tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• vision problems; or
• posture changes you cannot control, such as involuntary bending forward of your neck, bending forward at the waist, or tilting sideways when you sit, stand, or walk.

Side effects such as confusion or hallucinations may be more likely in older adults.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects may include:

• muscle spasm or muscle weakness;
• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
• confusion, memory problems;
• dry mouth;
• nausea, constipation;
• increased urination; or
• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with pramipexole.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.