Key takeaways
Neupro (rotigotine) and ropinirole (formerly branded as Requip) are both dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Neupro is available as a transdermal patch, which you apply to your skin once daily, making it a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. In contrast, ropinirole is taken orally, with immediate-release tablets taken three times a day and extended-release tablets taken once daily. Neupro is only available as a brand-name medication, which can make it more expensive, while ropinirole is available in lower-cost generic forms. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness, but Neupro can also cause skin irritation where the patch is applied. Additionally, Neupro can make you very sleepy and may cause hallucinations, especially in older adults, while ropinirole can lead to compulsive behaviors and has a higher risk of causing nausea and dizziness. Both medications should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
