I worry about the effects of Requip.

[olpilot]

I ve been on Requip for about 9 monthe, and just added Azilest, but even before the Azilect, I would get vert tired about an hour after I took my pill, 3 mg 3 times a day. My normal bp is about 125/65. After the pills when I get to the point I can;t keep my eyes open, yesterday I fell asleep during the takening of my B/P. I know rhw ratique problems with Requip, but when I lay dow my B/P drops to 95/45 and I feel like dead weight, hard to breat and move. I have orthostatc hyhpotension but it normally would drop when I get up. Dr. just wants to do orthstatic B/P cheecks twice a week for the next month, I;m almost afrais to take a nap, which the pills wont let get by with out. Any one have anything similar, thanka.

[Carrigan]

Sorry do not know but if your BP drops and does not recover when you stand and you find it hard to breath thats not good phone your GP for advise .

[etterus]

Requip was the first med that i was given 10 yrs ago. It resolved my PD symptoms but was like a sleeping pill. Orthostatic Hypo tension is nothing to play with. I'd see my Movement Disorder Neurologist ASAP.

[odonnell1]

I also take Requip XL but I take it at 11:00 PM the last thing before going to bed. I it helps me to sleep soundly for si hour most medicines that I ta that make me drows I try to tak just before going to b it works for and maybe it'll work for you.

[olpilot]

I take these at 7 am 1 pm and again at 7pm. The worst time is about an hour after I take the pills. I get a quick but very deep nap, B/P drops very quick, but comes back as soon as I start moving around. My dr plans on having me go to his office 2 times a week for a month to see if he wants to adjust B/P meds. Requip seems to work good for PD anyway, makes napping very easy.

[Emily1957 in reply to olpilot]

Please reconsider your conclusion. Requip causes serious BP problems--if BP goes a little TOO low, you're dead. The unnaturally deep sleep feels a little too close to death, too. And nausea? You have major side effects, but your dr keeps you on it?

[Hidden]

Requip was the first meds I was put on and am still taking. I did the 3X a day and was so tired I just knew if I closed my eyes I'd be asleep. Also the pills really tore up my stomach. About 3 years ago my Neuro put me on the Requip XL 1 a day 16 mg. I was only sick once a day instead of three. I now take 8 mg of Requip XL 2x a day and have done pretty well. Because I don't sleep well at night, (Insomnia one of the side effects) I take a power nap or two. It's a good Rx for movement probs. Sometimes it's the mix with other meds that don't react well .Trial and Error till you find what works for you. Good Luck with everything!

[JAYNIE]

I take 3 REQUIP XL (6MG) EACH BEFORE BED. i SLEEP BETTER, BUT AT TIMES DURING THE DAY, IT JUST HITS ME AND i CANT KEEP MY EYES OPEN, IF i AM DRIVING i JUST PULL OVER, DOES NOT LAST LONG. SO IN THE PAT FEEW WEEKS i AM TAKING T HE 3 PILLS AROUND 6:30 TO 7:00 pm. i DON[T GO TO SLEEP UNTIL AROUND MIDNIGHT, IT HELPS ME SLEEP AND SEEMS THAT I AM DOING BETTER DURING THE DAY. SO STHAT IS 4 TO 5 HOURS EARLIER THAN I WAS TAKING THEM. THE DOCTOR TOLD ME TO PLAY WITH IT AND IFIND WHAT WAS GR8 FOR ME.........

[larry33b]

We are nto guinea pigs. If somethiing effects you badly, stop taking it and if you doctor doesn't like it ask for a new neuro. These are not Gods just quacks.

[cabbagecottage]

My husband has been taking Sinemet Plus for about 5 years . along with a patch 6mg

He suddenly started to keep nodding off about an hour after taking a tablet and drooling . I was afraid to give them and afraid not to.

About the same time he was having changes made to his BP meds Beta blockers diuretic and BP med .

His BP goes down quite low as well

Its a bit like the chicken/ egg syndrome .

We are off to talk to his consultant in the morning .

[greenma]

This board is so helpful! I also take requip xl/ I take it at bedtime, and sleep better than I had been before. I find that between 1-3 in the afternoon, I need to lie down for a short time. Sometimes I sleep, sometimes I don't.

[emswife in reply to greenma]

Hi can u please answer a question???? If you take requip just before bed, what dose? does it really help sleep? my pd nurse said to have 2mg about 6pm which i do, the XL, but it doesnt make my sleep any better. would i t be worth try ing a biiger dose later?? thansk in advance :))

[ronn in reply to emswife]

EW, I also take 2mg at around 6 or 7. I'm not sure that it MAKES me sleep, but it gets rid of problems which make sleep difficult, ( restless legs and other discomforts.). I would be careful when increasing dosage. For me, at least, there seems to be a threshold, above which lie compulsions and other unpleasantness.

[PatV]

I was on Requip several years and it was hell: compulsions, swelling, nausea and permanent marks around the ankle. I was too busy to be sleepy. When I threw up in front of neuro, he took me off and put me on sinemet.

[odonnell1]

I have been taken Requip XL or more than a year I started out with 4 mg and eight then 12 then 16 mg. I started to have a problem when we got to 16 I do develop hallucinations they were not bad but constant when I slept that night the doctor reduced to 8 mg the hallucinations went away but I started to get a jerking of my legs at night I found that taking the 8 mg at bedtime was helpful. If I do not have a leg jerk I sleep well. I also take the Azilec.

[moonswife]

Only get the advice from the GP if you are sure they understand the PD meds. Most really do not. When you say you are tired after the Requip, do you mean sleepy, or feel exhausted. This sleepiness is a side effect of Requip and Mirapex. You blood pressure is also lower than normal, with those two drugs and if you ever go to the ER be sure to explain that to them. I'll bet you feel the cold more easily and need a sweater when others don't? The Rx inserts say to stand slowly and get your balance before beginning to walk, especially after lying down. This is advice given from someone (me) who has taken a dopamine agonist for lots of years. And I am still learning. Picked up a magazine the other day to see that the "mysterious rash" that six, yes 6, doctors could not figure out was actually a side effect of one Rx. Now why did the pharmacist, allergist, dermatologist, gp and various other MDs not know.......There are too few of us on these meds and that they study the bigger picture of more commonly used drugs.

[Hoppy]

I have done much better on XL than on regular Requip. I think it is definitely superior in my case. And XL just went generic. Stalevo works well with me too. But regular Sinamet was of little benefit.

[olpilot]

Sometimes it is very hard to trust some of these Drs. After it took about 6 years of telling them what was going on, and them not believing, or listening to me, even when it comes to this. My wife has gone to every Dr appt, with neuro's, telling them the same thing, as I tell them. Why is it so hard for them to realize we may actually be able to tell when something isn't right, or feel things going on inside they may not be able to see, invisible or under the skin tremors, or what ever you want to call them. Not surprising they wont listen about meds.

[Koko]

I am taking Stalevo 5 xs a day amd Ropinirole 5Xs a day. and sinimet 5 times a day. I just know I need it. I get tired so i take a nap genrally arouround 3:00. THis schedule was provided for me by my neurologist who is quite well known, from Harvard so I feel confident with his decisions. YOu have gotten some great advise from the great people here. ONe thing I would like to add is that on this planet there are no two peopl alike.THa blows me away! All these people and no two are the same, even twins have chemical differences. SO, you must remember that no one will have the same results/reactions to a medicaiton as you would. Get with a nuerologist and and have her revoiew your needs and prescribe youre medications. You only see them 3 or 4 times a year so dont worry about distance from home. Take care!

[olpilot]

It is amazing thats for sure, but the feed back here is a great thing. I see the drs alot, just getting older is a challenge, adding PD makes it almost overwhelming, almost. My drs are certianly my primary source for med info and what is going on with me. Not always sure the listen the best, after all I'm not their only patience, all though sometime I feel I should be. Knowing that I am not the only out here, getting advice, and the thoughts of so many helps us all, I believe.

I am just amazed by some of the side effects, I have never just fallen asleep like this, where I've fallen asleep during taking my own blood press, an automatic bp machine, but I can go to sleep while pumping up, and awake before the results disappear. I'm pretty sure I've had PD for a few years, but treatment for only about a yest. Lots to take in.

[Helshubby]

Hi there , I've read all your comments and was really surprised. I've been on Requip since 2007 - started Requip XL 2010 , and I take 22mg (Yes! 22mg) once a day (at around 0730) , I also take 1x 62.5mg Madopar (started January 2012). I have no sleep problems , am very rarely tired and don't need to nap very often. I must be the "lucky" one as i have never experienced any major side effects , apart from a little nausea when i first started meds. I struggle to walk sometimes but completed a Marathon (26.2miles!) 3 weeks ago - it amazes me that despite having Parkinsons we are all so different in our symptoms,meds,etc

Stay strong

Dave

[Susie01]

I take Azilect only, requip did absolutely nothing for me.

First of all, PD can cause drops in blood pressure, particularly when bending or stooping. Azilect can cause a lot of blood pressure issues. Please be very aware of the foods that can cause side effects while taking Azilect. If your dr has not instructed you (some do not even bother to tell you, mine did not) RESEARCH IT!

Azilect has been very affective in keeping my tremors minimal unless I am too stressed. But it took about 3 months for me to regulate it with my blood pressure medication. I have an automatic BP monitor that I bought at Walgreens. I made log sheets, generally checked 3X daily with additional checks when I felt it was high or low. There were times when I had to fluid load to get my pressure up.

I think the biggest benefit of Azilect is only taking it once a day. It does take me a little while to get going after taking it, but I don't have the highs and lows that many have while taking others such as sinemet or miripex.

[Susie01]

Another note: I am still an RN, though cognitive and physical issues with PD no longer allow me to practice. I do know a little more about monitoring BP and what to do when my blood pressures are high or low. I really worked with my Internist on that point, he trusted me to adjust my blood pressure meds as needed. My Neuro really did not give a damn. He just feels everyone should be on Azilect because it controls the tremors so well and makes him look like he knows what he is doing.

I questioned my pharmacist regarding Azilect and he had never even heard of it. He tried to pull it up in his computer data and found almost nothing.

Again, research it. Then it would be interesting to "innocently" quiz your MD about it! It sounds like you are newly diagnosed and I am not sure why he placed you on two meds at this point. Azilect is also a VERY expensive medication. I happen to get mine free through the manufacturer due to my low income and lack of health insurance.

I know your original question was on Requip, but since you mentioned Azilect and I am well aquainted with it, I thought I would share my own experience.

[olpilot in reply to Susie01]

I did a great deal of researce on Azilect before I started it after reading the food warnings and all the other warnings I was about to tell my neuro to find something else. I then found out almost all had been recinded, except those for drug interaction, including the antidepressants I was on for about 6 years. That was almost the scariest part. As for why 2 meds, all I know treatment seems to be as individual as our symptoms. I was some what newly diagnosed about a year ago, but for 7 years of seeing multitude of drs, you don't know how many times I was told about a symptom, "well that doesn't mean you have Parkinsons",with me never bring up PD. Actually never even thought of it, but my guess is so many doesn't means adds up to a pretty good chance, so I 'm pretty sure it has been at least a couple more yeats than I've been treated for. I only really tremor when upset, tired, or worked up. Balance problem, stiffness, and some cognative problems still continue.

My youngest daughter is a RN, she specialized for a while in dementia, geriatric patience. I try not to ask much, but when she asks me something I am so greatful.

[Susie01 in reply to olpilot]

I too had symptoms for many years before diagnosed. The first medical documentation is 2004, diagnosed in 2011 when it finally came to a point that I could not walk, was shaking uncontrollably, my left arm flailing...Still my internist who had been with me since 2003 was surprised by the diagnosis. He then checked everything and concluded that by George, I did have PD!

I have yet to find a decent neuro, but am sticking with the one I have until my disability hearing next month...then I think it is time to find someone who actually listens to patients,. If they would listen, they might learn something!

I know it is tough for anyone, but people still think that women are complainers and hypochondriacs. I was diagnosed with everything from neuropathy, in spit of normal below the knee EMG to DT's, nevermind zero blood alcohol level, normal liver enzymes, etc. I was let go from a job because my hands shook when I was mad to draw labs, they took it as DT's and then there were also the memory problems. Why the heck would they put patients through me drawing their blood when my hands were shaking uncontrollably???? I know I could sue, but I am exhauseted with the process.Then of course there was anxiety causing the tremors...what a screwed up medical system we have!

[CassieB]

I have tried almost every Parkinson Medication over the last 10 years. Before I entered into the Drug Trial for carbidopa/levodopa intstinal Gel. I was taking requip, stalevo, sinemet, amantadine, and selegiline.

I began 6 years ago to notice a drop in blood pressure (BP) when standing. As time went on I had to begin taking fludrocortizone to keep my BP up! Using the carbidopa/levodopa intstinal gel allowed me to stop taking every other medication except Amantadine. I have been able to lower the fludrocortizone but not eliminate it. My BP drops just because I haver PD. My B/P has been recorded at 50/30.

I have been in the hospital on a few different occasions and scared the nursing staff At times I tend to go into what I call hibernation mode when I sleep I have set of the alarms because my BP goes very low as well as my heart rate (40 beats per min) I have had an ultra sound done on my heart. I have been told my heart is fine.

I do suggest that you continue to monitor you BP like your Doctor has as asked. If you are having a day when you feel weak and tired check your BP. The one thing I am certain of is that it is not consistant.

Good luck to you!

[olpilot in reply to CassieB]

So far my lowest BP is 83/45 as far as I have recorded, very close to as low as I ever want to feel again. I check and chart to keep track. So far hard to find a pattern, but I know some how the meds are part. Pill time now last hour and at least nexr 30 a bit miserable. Had to run a errand, the drive was tough, just wanted to get home. At age 60 I hate driving alone,oh well don't do it much anymore.

Good luck to you as wee.

[mathsman]

Hi

I was on 16mg of ReQuipXL until just before Easter. My Pd Specialist nurse was always checking that I wasn't gambling! I did have occasional very vivid dreams which often ended with my poor wife getting kicked, although on one occasion I kicked the wall. I too got very drowsy.

I was already geekily obsessive about spreadsheets and PowerPoint and some games and I think I might have got worse. - my wife has just looked over my shoulder and said "might?"

Am now on 12 mg of ReQuipXL, 4 Sinemet (25/100mg) and 1 Azilect and I feel a lot better.

Mike

[olpilot]

So far rhe cumpulisive, and obsesive thing seem to have passed me by. The one strange thing is for a long time all I wanted to do was sleep, as of the last week or so I've been busy make things in my ship, baking bread, and doing yard work. Maybe I'm just feeling a bit "normal" for a while.

[leedee]

The Azilect is making you feel better, the requip is making receptors available for the Azilect.

[JAYNIE]

I get very tired from my requip so my doctor put me on REQUIP XL. which is time released and I don't get a jolt all at once. I now take 3 6mg. at around 8:00 at night, and I am doing so much better. if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

[olpilot]

I want to thank everyone for their response, I see my neuro in about 10 days, you have all given me plenty to talk to him about. He's a relatively new guy, and seems very good to talk to. I think he listens better to my wife than me,which I guess is good, she is pretty observant, she notices things I don't, until it makes an impact. Good to have a dr that is still open, and realizes we do have a clue that there are somethings that may not show up at the visit. It is so good to have this place, so glad my wife found it and led me to it.

[Emily1957]

Requip almost killed me. Your story sounds very similar. I would get a new dr immediately, and get off of dopamine agonists. I was up to 5 naps a day on Requip, and felt like I was sinking into death; Some people just can't tolerate it. What's scary is that people's doctors will allow them to suffer every side-effect of Requip, yet keep them on it. I'd find a new dr. I changed doctors and changed to sinemet, and within an hour I felt great.

[Emily1957]

Requip causes the low BP and orthostatic hypotension. No Requip and my BP is fine.