Key takeaways
Ropinirole (generic, formerly branded as Requip) and pramipexole (generic, branded as Mirapex ER) are both dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Both medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Ropinirole's immediate-release tablets are typically taken three times daily for PD and once daily for RLS, and pramipexole's immediate-release tablets are also taken three times daily for PD as well as once daily for RLS. The extended-release versions of both medications are taken once daily. Common side effects for both include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness, but pramipexole can also cause constipation and swelling in the arms or legs. Both medications can lead to compulsive behaviors and hallucinations, but pramipexole has a rare risk of severe muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Neither medication should be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
