Dopamine Agonists Like Mirapex Designed to Restore Motion Control
By Jim Greene
Published on January 12, 2010
The prescription drug Mirapex® (pramipexole dihydrochloride) is a dopamine agonist, used to supplement the insufficient production of naturally occurring dopamine in the brains of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) patients. Without proper levels of dopamine, the brain's motion control center doesn't function properly.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that facilitates the movement of impulses between nerve cells in the brain. This communication controls the activities of many body parts, including vital organs. In PD patients, compromised motion control leads to involuntary tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. RLS patients experience a type of leg tremor.
Dopamine Agonists Originally Made from Fungus
The first dopamine agonists were produced from ergot, a type of plant fungus. There are now two synthetically produced versions available in the U.S. Ropinirole is sold under the brand name Requip® by GlaxoSmithKline of the UK and Sun Pharmaceuticals of India. Pramipexole is sold as Mirapex® by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIP) of Germany.
Mirapex® has been the subject of numerous defective product/personal injury lawsuits, since it was linked to compulsive behavior in patients taking it. BIP lost one lawsuit blaming the drug for compulsive gambling in a patient who had no history of gambling problems. Other compulsive behaviors now included in product warnings are shopping, eating, and increased sexual urges.
Spontaneous Sleeping Episodes Blamed on Mirapex
Spontaneous sleeping, similar to that experienced by narcolepsy sufferers, has also been blamed on Mirapex®. There is no evidence that the drug causes true narcolepsy, which is thought to be a genetically inherited neurological disorder, but falling asleep without warning while engaged in routine activities, especially driving, is a serious concern.
If you or someone you know has experienced compulsive behavior or episodes of spontaneous sleeping while taking Mirapex®, you may be entitled to compensation to help you deal with the financial and personal consequences. An experienced defective products/personal injury attorney can help you get the help you deserve.
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