What Are the Most Common Pramipexole Side Effects?

Pramipexole side effects differ considerably depending on the nature of the disease that the medication is used to treat. Patients with early and advanced Parkinson's disease are commonly given this medication, and though each of these groups may exhibit side effects that affect the digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, or other parts of the body, the specifics of the side effects are different between these two groups of patients. In general, pramipexole side effects for patients being treated for restless leg syndrome are less severe and less likely.

Some of the most common pramipexole side effects are nausea and constipation. Patients with early Parkinson's disease are more likely to experience nausea, while patients in later stages of the disease are more likely to experience constipation. Nausea is also one of the more frequent pramipexole side effects in patients with restless leg syndrome as well. Patients may also experience dry mouth, anorexia, and diarrhea, though these occur far less frequently.

Weakness, sleepiness, and insomnia are also common pramipexole side effects for any patient taking this medication. Dizziness and hallucinations are not uncommon for Parkinson's patients, and those in later stages of the disease commonly experience strange or vivid dreams as well as confusion. Patients taking this medication for restless leg syndrome are far less likely to experience any of these sometimes serious neurological side effects, though they may suffer from headaches.

In patients with late stage Parkinson's, low blood pressure is one of the most common side effects of pramipexole. This side effect does not appear in other groups of patients who take this medication. Patients need to be carefully monitored for signs of hypotension, as it can have serious consequences. Dizziness, fatigue, and loss of coordination, leading to accidental injury can be experienced by patients with abnormally low blood pressure.

Patients taking pramipexole who have more advanced Parkinson's are also likely to experience loss of motor coordination. This can also lead to accidental injury when a patient moves a part of the body suddenly into an object or falls as a result of an uncoordinated gait. In this group of patients, muscular ticks in the voluntary muscles may develop, and the patient may not be fully aware of the movements he makes. This side effect is not seen in patients taking this drug for early stage Parkinson's or for restless leg syndrome.