Skip to main content

Requip Side Effects

Generic name: ropinirole

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Requip Side Effects associated with ropinirole. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Requip.

Applies to ropinirole: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Serious side effects of Requip

Along with its needed effects, ropinirole (the active ingredient contained in Requip) 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 while taking ropinirole:

More common

  • confusion
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • drowsiness
  • falling
  • nausea
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • swelling of the legs
  • twisting, twitching, or other unusual body movements
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • worsening of parkinsonism

Less common

  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blood in the urine
  • blurred vision
  • burning, pain, or difficulty in urinating
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • cold sweats
  • cough
  • double vision or other eye or vision problems
  • fainting
  • fear or nervousness
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • high or low blood pressure
  • irregular or pounding heartbeat
  • loss of memory
  • mental depression
  • pain in the arms or legs
  • pounding in the ears
  • rapid weight gain
  • sensation of spinning
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • sore throat
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • tingling, numbness, or prickly feelings
  • trouble in concentrating
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • vomiting

Rare

  • anxiety
  • buzzing or ringing in the ears
  • changes in vision
  • fever
  • headache
  • joint pain
  • loss of bladder control
  • muscle cramps, pain, or spasms
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • trouble with swallowing
  • unusual urges

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking ropinirole:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Requip

Some side effects of ropinirole 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:

Less common

  • abnormal dreams
  • acid or sour stomach
  • back pain
  • belching
  • decrease in sexual desire or performance
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • dryness of mouth
  • flushing
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • heartburn or gas
  • hot flashes
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • tremor
  • weight loss
  • yawning

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ropinirole: oral kit, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported adverse reaction reported in patients with early Parkinson's disease included nausea, somnolence, dizziness, syncope, asthenic conditions, viral infection, leg edema, vomiting, and dyspepsia. Among patients with advance Parkinson's disease, the more commonly reported adverse reactions included dyskinesia, somnolence, nausea, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, sweating, and headache.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in patients with restless legs syndrome included nausea, vomiting, somnolence, dizziness, and a asthenic condition.[Ref]

Nervous system

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Parkinson's disease

Psychiatric

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Parkinson's disease

Cardiovascular

Parkinson's disease:

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Immunologic

Gastrointestinal

Parkinson's disease:

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Respiratory

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Parkinson's disease

Ocular

Parkinson's disease:

Metabolic

Parkinson's disease

Genitourinary

Other

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Parkinson's disease

Asthenic conditions include asthenia, fatigue, and/or malaise[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Dermatologic

Hematologic

Parkinson's disease

Hepatic

Parkinson's disease

Hypersensitivity

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Requip (ropinirole)." SmithKline Beecham

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Further information

Requip side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.