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Pramipexole Coupon - Pramipexole 0.5mg tablet

pramipexole

Generic Mirapex
Used for Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome
Used for Parkinson's Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome

Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). The dosage depends on what form you’re taking: the immediate-release tablet is taken 3 times per day and the extended-release tablet is taken once per day. The immediate-release is only available as a lower-cost generic (the brand name Mirapex has been discontinued in the US). The extended-release version of this medication is available as brand (Mirapex ER) and generic. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and tiredness.

Last reviewed on July 25, 2023
basics-icon

What is Pramipexole?

What is Pramipexole used for?

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only

How Pramipexole works

Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist. It's not completely known how pramipexole works. But it's thought to raise dopamine levels in the brain to help improve movement problems for people with Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome.

Are you looking for information on mifepristone (Mifeprex) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMirapex ER
Drug ClassDopamine agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Pramipexole essentials

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Avg retail price
$135.00(save 93.33%)
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$9.00
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What are the side effects of Pramipexole?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Early Parkinson’s disease (PD)
  • Sleepiness (33-36%)
  • Nausea (22-24%)
  • Constipation (12-14%)
  • Dizziness (12%)
  • Swelling in arms or legs (5-8%)
  • Fatigue (6%)
  • Hallucinations (5-6%)
  • Dry mouth (4-5%)
Restless legs syndrome
  • Nausea (16%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Fatigue (9%)
  • Sleepiness (6%)
  • Constipation (4%)

Other Side Effects

Early Parkinson's disease (PD)
  • Tremor (shakiness)
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Sleep problems
  • Depression
Restless legs syndrome
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis): dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness
  • Impulse-control behavior: intense urges for certain behaviors (e.g., gambling, shopping, binge eating, engaging in sexual activity)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up suddenly from a sitting/lying position

drowsiness

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

nausea

trouble sleeping

twitching, twisting, or other unusual body movements

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Confusion

cough

difficulty with swallowing

double vision or other changes in vision

falling asleep without warning

fearfulness, suspiciousness, or other mental changes

fever

frequent urination

memory loss

muscle or joint pain

muscle weakness

restlessness or need to keep moving

swelling of the body

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

writhing, twisting, or other unusual body movements

Rare

Abnormal thinking

anxiety

bloody or cloudy urine

chest pain

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness

frequent urge to urinate

loss of bladder control

swelling of the arms or legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation

dryness of the mouth

headache

heartburn, indigestion, or acid stomach

Less common

Abnormal dreams

decreased sexual drive or ability

general feeling of discomfort or illness

increased cough

increased sweating

itching

joint pain

loss of appetite

runny nose

skin problems, such as rash or itching

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Pramipexole

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to control movement problems

Available in a lower-cost generic version

Extended-release tablet can be taken once daily

thumbs-down

Cons

Only available as a tablet

Can cause extreme sleepiness

Immediate-release tablets need to be taken 3 times per day.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Pramipexole

pharmacist
  • You can take pramipexole with or without food. But if it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

    • Pramipexole can make you sleepy and can even make you fall asleep suddenly without warning. Don't drive or and do other things that require concentration until you know how this medication affects you and if you feel sleepy. If you already have a problem with staying awake during the day or take other medications that make you sleepy, let your provider know.

      • Don't drink alcohol while taking pramipexole because it can make you even sleepier.

        • Pramipexole can suddenly lower your blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting or lying position. Make sure to hold onto something when you're getting up so you don't lose your balance from any dizziness you might feel. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.

          • Don't change your dose or stop taking pramipexole without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, fatigue, and pain. Follow your provider's instructions to lower your dose slowly over a period of time to stop the medication completely.

            • For the extended-release tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. Don't crush, chew, or split the tablets in half. It's possible to see a swollen original tablet or swollen pieces of the tablet in your stool. If this happens, contact your provider.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Pramipexole

              How long does it take for pramipexole to work?
              Most of the medication from the immediate-release tablet gets absorbed into the body about 2 hours after you take it. This is why you should take it about 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. The extended-release tablets release the medication slowly into the body, so they generally take a little longer to start working.
              Does pramipexole cause weight gain?
              It depends. Based on reported side effects from clinical studies, 2% of people taking pramipexole reported weight loss. But medications like pramipexole can also cause compulsive behavior, which are intense urges and behaviors that are hard to control. One of these urges can be binge eating, which can potentially lead to weight gain. If you're uncomfortable with how your weight has changed since starting pramipexole, talk to your provider.
              What time of day should I take pramipexole?
              For Parkinson's disease, the immediate-release tablets of pramipexole are typically taken three times per day, so you should take a dose in the morning, at around noon, and at night. The extended-release tablets are taken once per day and can be taken at any time of the day. But if it's making you sleepy, take the tablet only at night. For restless legs syndrome, it's best to take the immediate-release tablet of pramipexole 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to help calm your restless legs so you can get some sleep.
              What should you not take with pramipexole?
              There aren't any specific foods or medications you must avoid while taking pramipexole. But taking dopamine antagonists like metoclopramide (Reglan) can lower how well pramipexole works. Depending on your specific situation though, your provider might still allow you to take both medications.
              Can you take pramipexole and ropinirole together?
              Pramipexole and ropinirole are typically not taken together. They're both dopamine agonists that work exactly the same way. Taking pramipexole and ropinirole at the same time can possibly raise your risk of side effects that the two medications share.
              Can I just stop taking pramipexole?
              No, don't suddenly stop taking pramipexole without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, fatigue, and pain. If you want to stop taking pramipexole, let your provider know so they can instruct you on how to stop the medication safely.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Pramipexole?

              Pramipexole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Extreme sleepiness

              • Risk factors: Already feeling sleepy | History of sleep problems | Taking other sedatives or medications that make you sleepy | Drinking alcohol

                Pramipexole can make you sleepy, and you can even fall asleep suddenly. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how pramipexole affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel too sleepy from pramipexole or have fallen asleep without warning while taking the medication.

                risk-warning

                Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

                • Risk factors: Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lowers blood pressure | History of medical conditions that can lower blood pressure | High pramipexole doses

                  Pramipexole can cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, loss of balance, or falls. Make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something after sitting or lying down. If you experience a fall while taking pramipexole, contact your provider.

                  risk-warning

                  Intense urges

                  Pramipexole can cause compulsive behavior, which are intense urges and behaviors that are hard to control. Let your provider know if you or your loved ones notice new urges or habits when taking pramipexole. These can include gambling, sexual urges, shopping, or binge eating. Your provider might need to adjust or stop your medication.

                  risk-warning

                  Hallucinations and behavior changes

                  • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | History of mental health problems (e.g., psychosis) | Advanced Parkinson's disease

                    Some people taking pramipexole had hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). Some also experienced agitation, confusion, and violent behavior. People with a history of mental health problems are generally not recommended to take pramipexole because the medication might worsen the condition. If you or your loved ones notice any hallucinations or other changes in behavior while taking pramipexole, contact your provider.

                    risk-warning

                    Difficulty controlling body movements

                    Pramipexole can cause or worsen uncontrolled body movements, such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. If you experience any uncontrolled movements and aren't able to stop them, talk to your provider right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Changes to your posture

                    Some people taking pramipexole have had changes to their posture. This typically occurred after starting the medication or after the dose is raised, but it can also occur after several months of treatment. Let your provider know if you experience any changes to your posture.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)

                    Though rare, some people with advanced Parkinson's disease who took pramipexole developed a serious and life-threatening muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis. If you notice any of symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, such as severe muscle pain, dark-colored urine, weakness, and tiredness, stop pramipexole and get medical attention right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Worsening symptoms of RLS

                    Pramipexole can potentially worsen your RLS symptoms. It can also make your symptoms spread to other parts of your body, make the restlessness feeling in your legs more intense, or cause your symptoms to start earlier in the day. Stopping pramipexole can also cause rebound RLS, which means your RLS symptoms can come back and be worse than before you started taking pramipexole.

                    dosage

                    Pramipexole dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 tablets of 0.5mg of Pramipexole is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.33% off the average retail price of $135.00.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    0.125mg90 tablets$18.00$0.20
                    0.25mg90 tablets$16.80$0.19
                    0.5mg90 tablets$9.00$0.10
                    0.75mg90 tablets$19.59$0.22
                    1mg90 tablets$19.37$0.22
                    1.5mg90 tablets$18.00$0.20

                    Typical dosing for Pramipexole

                    Parkinson's disease:

                    • Immediate-release tablets: The typical starting dose is 0.125 mg by mouth three times per day. If needed, your provider might raise your dose every 5 to 7 days to up to 1.5 mg three times per day.

                    • Extended-release tablets: The typical starting dose is 0.375 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider might raise your dose every 5 to 7 days to up to 4.5 mg once daily.

                    Restless legs syndrome:

                    • Immediate-release tablets: The typical starting dose is 0.125 mg by mouth once daily, 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. If needed, your provider might raise your dose every 4 to 7 days to up to 0.5 mg once daily.

                    Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                    More on Pramipexole dosage forms

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Pramipexole and other drugs

                    Pramipexole may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Pramipexole. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    • Sulpiride

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Pramipexole cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Pramipexole?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Pramipexole. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Pramipexole
                    Used for:
                    • Parkinson's disease

                    • Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only

                    $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Parkinson's disease (PD)

                    • Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have signs and symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, shakiness, and imbalance)

                    $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Pramipexole?

                    images

                    Pramipexole images

                    White Oval C 4 And B - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "B" And "C 4".White Oval C 4 And B - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    Red-Brown Round 9 3 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Red-Brown, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "9 3".Red-Brown Round 9 3 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    White Oblong 4 4 And P P - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "P P" And "4 4".White Oblong 4 4 And P P - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    White Oval Y 43 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Y 43".White Oval Y 43 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    White Oval Y 43 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Y 43".White Oval Y 43 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    White Oval Px 2 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Px 2".White Oval Px 2 - Pramipexole Dihydrochloride 0.5mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). PRAMIPEXOLE DIHYDROCHLORIDE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). PRAMIPEXOLE DIHYDROCHLORIDE tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Rabinak, C. A., et al. (2010). Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome in Parkinson disease. Archives of Neurology.

                    View All References (2)
                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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