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Pramipexole oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe pramipexole oral tablet for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS). You take it by mouth one to three times per day depending on the condition you are taking it for.
Medically reviewed by Christina Bookwalter PharmD, MS MEd, BCPS, BCACP
Updated on

This article describes pramipexole oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for pramipexole. If you want to know more about pramipexole oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Pramipexole oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Pramipexole also comes in an extended-release (ER)* oral tablet, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

* “Extended release (ER)” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.

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Form and strengths of pramipexole

Pramipexole oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: tablet that you swallow
  • Strengths: 0.125 milligrams (mg), 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg

Dosage of pramipexole

This article describes the recommended dosages for pramipexole oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of pramipexole oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of pramipexole in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of pramipexole oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of pramipexole oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

For adults with Parkinson’s disease, doctors prescribe a starting dosage and then gradually increase the dosage over time. This helps reduce the risk of side effects.

The following table outlines the recommended dosage schedule of pramipexole oral tablet for adults with Parkinson’s disease.

WeekRecommended dosage
Week 1 0.125 mg 3 times per day
Week 20.25 mg 3 times per day
Week 30.5 mg 3 times per day
Week 40.75 mg 3 times per day
Week 51 mg 3 times per day
Week 61.25 mg 3 times per day
Week 71.5 mg 3 times per day

The maximum dosage for Parkinson’s disease is 4.5 mg per day for normal kidney function.

Dosage for restless legs syndrome

The recommended dosage and maximum dosage of pramipexole oral tablet for adults with restless legs syndrome is:

  • Recommended starting dosage: 0.125 mg once per day 2–3 hours before bedtime
  • Dosage increases: Your doctor may increase your dose every 4–7 days as needed.
  • Maximum dosage: 0.5 mg once per day

Dosage adjustments for pramipexole

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of pramipexole oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • your kidney function

Missed dose of pramipexole

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of pramipexole oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of pramipexole oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pramipexole oral tablet and its dosage.

How long does it take for pramipexole to start working?

Pramipexole starts working within 2 hours of taking a dose. But it can take a few weeks after you start taking pramipexole for your symptoms to improve.

If you have more questions about how long it takes for pramipexole to work, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can pramipexole be used for depression? If so, what is the dosage?

Possibly. But pramipexole isn’t approved to treat depression. It’s used to treat Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe pramipexole off-label for depression. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you have questions about treatment options for depression, talk with your doctor.

Is pramipexole taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe pramipexole oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take pramipexole oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How pramipexole is taken

You’ll swallow pramipexole oral tablet one to three times per day as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

Pramipexole oral tablet may be cut in half along the score line (groove) if needed. The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether you can crush or chew the tablets. Try to swallow the tablet whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of pramipexole

It’s important that you do not take more pramipexole oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of pramipexole overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include an increased heart rate.

What to do if you take too much pramipexole

If you think you’ve taken too much pramipexole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for pramipexole oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of pramipexole oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take pramipexole oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will my risk of side effects increase if I take a higher dosage of pramipexole oral tablet?
  • How long will I need to take pramipexole oral tablet?
  • How does the dosage of pramipexole oral tablet compare with the dosage of the extended-release (ER) oral tablet?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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