Ropinirole is prescribed for mainly Parkinsons disease, RLS and extrapyramidal symptoms.
It is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinsons disease (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance), including shaking of parts of the body, stiffness, slowed movements, and problems with balance.
It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS or Ekbom syndrome; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down).
Ropinirole is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists. It works by acting in place of dopamine, a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control movement.
Unusual side effects specific to D3 agonists such as ropinirole can include hypersexuality, punding and compulsive gambling, even in patients without a history of these behaviors.
