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Very sleepy on Mirapexin-does it get better?

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Posted 2/21/2007 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
I took my first dose of week two on Mirapexin today (it is increased now) and I emediately felt so tired needed to crawl to bed...and I slept!

Does this wear off over time because it's horrible!

Girlirish sad

Posted 2/21/2007 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hate to say it, but I'm on week 6, maximum dose for last 2 weeks and the daytime drowsiness doesn't get any better, compounded by night-time insomnia (which obviously makes the next day's drowsiness a lot worse). In addition, it's definitely affected my mental state, and not in a good way. I feel jittery and anxious and depressed all the time and generally "weird", for want of a better term (which is odd as this drug is supposed to be an anti-depressant). On the plus side, it certainly improves some of the physical symptoms. However, I'm seeing the PD Nurse next week and will either ask to change meds or get something for the anxiety/depression. Not that I want to be popping dozens of pills. Anyone else had a similar experience?
Posted 2/21/2007 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
hello bobw,have just read your post ,believe it or not you have completely described what i have been unable to do or admit to. i have been on mirapexin many months now and as yet have not made week 6, i am still on week 5 and one half.I just keep battling on , night times are dreadful and it carrys on until about 11am, then i am right as rain until i fall asleep , no matter what i am doing, such as drinking cup of tea or texting my family, it can be rather embarressing,have actually heard as i was coming out of it one day a friend saying oh dear grace is off in a trance again. I think this is the first time i have actually talked about it and it is a big reief to speak and know there are others like it.But for all that i still feel so well when it isnt happening . Thank you so much for voicing my biggest worry.
Grace.
Posted 2/21/2007 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
There's a fairly comprehensive user feedback here:

http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20667&name=MIRAPEX
Posted 2/21/2007 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Girlirish , please don't let my answer to Bobw post scare you . I am sure its because of the number of pills i take in 24hrs ( 30 ) that helps to make these odd problems happen . The reason for so many pills is the number of other conditions i have,it dosnt follow that you will have the same thing happen to you .12hrs out of 24 i am my usual self laughing talking doing everything i want to do.Keep that smile going and so will i.
Grace
Posted 2/22/2007 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Girlirish,I have been on mirapex for many years.When i first started it I could'nt keep my eyes open for up to 2 hrs after taking it.That side effect has worn off,and I have little problem with it. I take it along with stalevo(Sinemet+comtan).I also found late nite insomnia to be a problem .I stopped this by not taking Mirapex within 4 hrs of bedtime.You will find that regulating your drugs ,and tayloring them to your own needs is a true challenge.Non of the above is intended to be advice as all react differently to even the same drug.I wish you the Best.Ed
Posted 2/24/2007 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your posts. I shall hope for the same as Ed. That the sleepiness wears off over time! Isn't it somewhat bizarre that Mirapexin causes sleepiness yet you can have insomnia?

My sleep is all over the shop as we say.

Any suggestions?

Girl Irish
PS went for a run this morning. I've never been so fit in my life
Posted 3/18/2007 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Well I am now in week 5 (o.7mg) and feel just awful. I am breathless, and feel at times like fainting. THe PD society nurse reckons its hypotension. My GP wants me to press on. I hate this drug. I am sleepy, constipated, at times feel extremely ill (faint & nausea). GP says body will get used to it meanwhile rest. At the moment this would mean no activity as everything I do to exert myself leaves me in an almost collasped state. My twin says "go and lie down you've gone very pale, your lips are white".

OK so now what....persist or give up on Mirepexin.

Girlirish
Posted 3/19/2007 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
redface  I slowly worked up to .5 mg 3x day this week.  I have insomnia and get these exhaustion attacks. But, I am doing so much better. I was on a very small dose - .125 3x day for over a year.  The tremors, stiffness(rigidity), and the dystonia were really bad. I was even dragging my right leg. I also had a major depression.  The mirapex has helped me so much. Just make sure to take it with some food. I'm almost back to normal, but it has taken 6 weeks. Even though I've gained 20 pounds, I can move really well and the dystonia is not as frequent. Good luck. Calming smurf
Posted 4/5/2007 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I still feel horrible on Mirapex. Not sure what to do as I don't see consultant till september. Even my friends notice and say I am not as well as I was before going on it!

I can't sleep at night and I can barely do anything during the day. Total lack of motivation.

Girlirish
Posted 4/5/2007 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
com'on chuck! be a good Girlirish here, I will keep ye going and have fish cakes and real home made veggie soup waiting for your arrival next week.
You help me and I help you, hopefully, It IS awful hard but we have been though so much, DON'T fall at this fence.
All the very best,
your 'other half' Ann Ireland
Posted 4/5/2007 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Girlrish,Took me a while to get use to mirapex.Don't get discouraged.There is a similar drug that is taken by those that don't tolerate mirapex.It is requip(ropinirole).You and your Dr. have just begun to explore the possibilities to treat your PD.best to you Ed
Posted 4/5/2007 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
are you saying the tiredness might get better and to persist?

I will discuss with Doc

Girlirish
Posted 4/5/2007 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
What I'm saying is over time with me the side effects became greatly reduced.Everyone is different with any given med.You definitely need to let the Dr. know what is going on.Wish you the best.Ed
Posted 4/6/2007 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Are Mirapexin and Mirapex the same thing??

I was on Mirapex a couple of years ago for about a month, but, the side effects were too severe.  Tired and at times almost comotose - blood pressure trouble where I would fall out of chairs.  It is helpful for some but not for everyone - check with your doctor.

Good luck

Jerry

Posted 4/10/2007 7:11 PM (GMT 0)

I was on Mirapex from July 2000 until six weeks ago.  Since I stopped it, I have lost 23 lbs, ankles are no longer swelling, insomnia has stopped, appetite has decreased tremendously and I no long play computer games all night.  Triamterene (a diuretic) was prescribed for the swelling, as it got worse, it dose was doubled.  I discovered from "The Pill Book" which I obtained from RiteAid Pharmacy that triamterene increased the strength of Mirapex by 50% and I was taking a double dose!  I am on Parcopa now and nothing else.  To add fuel to the fire I was given Prednisone for the skin rash, in total I gained 45 lbs in approx. 3 months.  I much prefer carbo-levadopa.  Almost forgot, my blood pressure has dropped from 146/95 to 119/70.


 

Posted 4/10/2007 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Well you name several symptoms I've had, insomnia, overeating, computer all night!!

Is Parcopa an agonist?

Whats Carbo-levadopa?

I think Mirapex HAS helped but I also think side effects too difficult for me.

Girlirish
Posted 4/10/2007 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
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