Ropinirole ER, Ropinirole

Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA on May 22, 2023

These approved uses differ based on the form of ropinirole your doctor prescribes.

This article describes ropinirole’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of ropinirole.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of ropinirole. To find out more about ropinirole extended-release* oral tablet, see this article.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Ropinirole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of ropinirole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about ropinirole’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for ropinirole.

* To view ropinirole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of ropinirole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of ropinirole you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about ropinirole’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for ropinirole.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Ropinirole oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• nausea
• sleepiness
• drowsiness
• weakness
• mild allergic reaction†

Ropinirole extended-release oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• nausea
• dizziness
• pain or discomfort in your abdomen
• headache
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view ropinirole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ropinirole” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of ropinirole are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about ropinirole’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for ropinirole.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, ropinirole’s serious side effects include:

• falling asleep during daily activities, such as while driving or having a conversation
• low blood pressure when standing or sitting up, which can lead to fainting
• mental health and behavioral side effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, and delirium
• involuntary, sudden body movements (dyskinesia)
• impulsive behaviors, including excessive gambling, binge eating, and increased sexual urges
• severe withdrawal symptoms if ropinirole treatment is stopped suddenly
• worsened restless legs symptoms in people using ropinirole to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS)
• abnormal heart rhythm
• high blood pressure
• severe allergic reaction†

* To view ropinirole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ropinirole” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as ropinirole for certain conditions. Approved uses for ropinirole are described below.

Use for restless legs syndrome

Doctors may prescribe ropinirole oral tablet for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With RLS, you experience uncomfortable sensations in your legs and a strong urge to move them. Moving the legs often relieves these sensations or urges.

For many people with RLS, the urge to move your legs is often more intense while trying to rest or sleep. This can lead to sleep problems, which can interfere with your daily activities and cause other health issues.

Ropinirole is used to treat RLS that’s considered moderate to severe. Your doctor can tell you more about the severity of your RLS. They can discuss whether ropinirole or another treatment may be best for your symptoms.

Use for Parkinson’s disease

Doctors may prescribe ropinirole oral tablet and extended-release (ER)* oral tablet for treating Parkinson’s disease. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition caused by certain cells in the brain dying. These cells are involved in coordinating your body and muscle movements. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, which means symptoms worsen over time. But treatments such as ropinirole can help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• slow movements
• tremor
• stiffness in your arms, legs, or trunk
• coordination and balance problems, which can lead to falls

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about ropinirole.

Are there brand names available for ropinirole?

No, not at the moment. There currently aren’t brand names available for ropinirole in the United States.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about brand-name versions for ropinirole.

How does ropinirole compare with pramipexole?

Ropinirole and pramipexole are similar drugs. Both medications are approved to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Unlike pramipexole, ropinirole is also approved to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Ropinirole and pramipexole are both available as an oral tablet, as well as an extended-release (ER) tablet. Extended-release means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

And ropinirole and pramipexole both belong to a group of drugs called dopamine agonists. This means the two drugs work in similar ways.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how ropinirole and pramipexole compare.

Can ropinirole cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases ropinirole may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects can include:

• falling asleep during daily activities, such as while driving or having a conversation (This side effect can occur at any time while taking ropinirole.)
• low blood pressure when standing or sitting up, which can lead to fainting (This side effect is more likely anytime your ropinirole dose is increased.)
• involuntary, sudden body movements (This side effect may last throughout treatment with ropinirole but are also symptoms of the conditions ropinirole is prescribed to treat.)
• impulsive behaviors, including excessive gambling, binge eating, and increased sexual urges (This side effect may last throughout treatment with ropinirole but usually go away when treatment is stopped.)
• worsened restless legs symptoms in people using ropinirole to treat RLS

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of ropinirole may last.

Does ropinirole cause certain side effects in older adults?

No. Different side effects weren’t reported in older adults (ages 65 years and older) compared to younger adults in clinical studies of ropinirole oral tablet and ER oral tablet.

However, older adults are at higher risk for certain side effects ropinirole can cause. These include nausea and vomiting, as well as hallucinations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about your risk of side effects from taking ropinirole and ways to manage any that do occur.

Is ropinirole a controlled substance? Will I experience withdrawal symptoms when coming off the drug?

No, ropinirole isn’t a controlled substance. Doctors and pharmacists must follow strict regulations when prescribing and dispensing a controlled substance. These rules are in place to help prevent misuse and drug dependence. But ropinirole isn’t known to have a risk for misuse.

Withdrawal symptoms are possible if ropinirole treatment is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms caused by stopping treatment with a medication, especially when done suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms caused by suddenly stopping ropinirole include severely stiff muscles, confusion, and fever.

For this reason, you should not stop taking ropinirole without talking with your doctor first. Your doctor can design a plan to slowly lower your ropinirole dose over time until it’s safe to stop taking the drug completely. This is called drug tapering, and it lowers your risk of withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking ropinirole.

How does ropinirole work? And how long does it take to start working?

Ropinirole is a type of drug called a dopamine agonist. How the drug works to treat Parkinson’s disease or RLS isn’t fully understood. It’s thought to be related to the drug’s ability to increase the amount of dopamine in your brain. Your body needs dopamine to act out controlled, “smooth” body movements.

Ropinirole begins working after you take a dose. It may take several weeks after starting treatment before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Your doctor can provide more information on how they’ll monitor how well ropinirole is working to treat your symptoms.

If you have questions about how ropinirole works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The dosage of ropinirole your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking ropinirole

Ropinirole oral tablet is taken by mouth, with or without food.

Ropinirole extended-release (ER)* oral tablet is taken by mouth, with or without food.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take ropinirole. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Overdose of ropinirole

You should not take more ropinirole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much ropinirole, 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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Below, you’ll find information about ropinirole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of ropinirole

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take ropinirole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Interactions and warnings for ropinirole” section below.

Warnings for ropinirole

Some people should not take ropinirole, and others should take it cautiously.

Ropinirole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether ropinirole is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for ropinirole, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Ropinirole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to ropinirole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe ropinirole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to ropinirole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and ropinirole

Information about ropinirole and pregnancy and breastfeeding are described below.

Ropinirole and pregnancy

It’s not known whether ropinirole should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Ropinirole and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether ropinirole should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for ropinirole by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for ropinirole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes ropinirole’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about ropinirole or would like more details about it.

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

• Does ropinirole make you sleepy?
• Can ropinirole be used for depression?
• Is ropinirole a muscle relaxer?
• Will ropinirole cause weight gain?

• Ropinirole – ropinirole tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9d6a1c8d-7fcc-40f6-841a-311a0cf2c601/spl-doc
• Ropinirole – ropinirole tablet, film coated, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/2e01dbdd-f439-45d7-9085-2d92a1a1fee2/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.