What Are the Most Common Ropinirole Side Effects?

Some of the most common ropinirole side effects include fatigue, weakness, and constipation. Ropinirole is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome, which is a neurological condition characterized by an intense desire to move the legs in order to stop irritating sensations. Parkinson's disease, also a neurological disorder, is characterized by difficulty walking and speaking, loss of coordination, shaking, and tremors.

Ropinirole side effects may also include increased sweating. When taking this medication, patients should increase their fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Increased sweating is generally not considered one of the more serious ropinirole side effects and will generally subside within a few days of beginning treatment with the drug.

Abdominal cramping and stomach upset are also common ropinirole side effects, and if they become severe, the health care provider can suggest ways to treat them. Increasing exercise and eating a healthy diet can help relieve symptoms, which will usually subside soon after starting ropinirole treatment. Certain people may find gastrointestinal ropinirole side effects so distressing that they consider discontinuing treatment.

Hallucinations are rare but serious ropinirole side effects, which cause people to see or perceive things that don't exist. In addition, hallucinations might also cause people to feel abnormal skin sensations or hear non-existent sounds, known as auditory hallucinations. When hallucinations occur, the individual needs immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of physical harm to himself and others.

Another serious side effect of ropinirole is a worsening of Parkinson's disease symptoms. The medication may cause the patient to experience an increase in body stiffness and shaking, and if this is noticed, the health care provider should be consulted immediately. Although the health care provider may decide to discontinue treatment with ropinirole, the patient or his caregiver should not stop therapy abruptly, as this may cause adverse reactions.

An important side effect of ropinirole that requires immediate medical attention is confusion. People who experience confusion as a result of taking this medication may not remember what day it is or recognize familiar faces. All side effects, whether considered serious or not, should be brought to the attention of the health care provider. Alternative treatments and medications are available to those who cannot tolerate the side effects of ropinirole and should be considered.