Parkinson’s Medication Mirapex® Subject to Drug Interactions

By Jim Greene

Published on February 19, 2010

Taking the Parkinson's disease medication Mirapex® with certain other medications or with alcohol can result in potentially serious drug interactions. Most likely is an increased chance of Mirapex® side effects, some of which are currently the subject of numerous personal injury lawsuits.

Mirapex® (pramipexole dihydrochloride) is prescribed to treat symptoms such as involuntary tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. It is also used to treat leg tremors in restless leg syndrome patients.

Several Drugs Increase Risk of Mirapex® Side Effects

Drugs that may increase the risk of Mirapex® side effects when taken with Mirapex® include the antacids Zantac® and Tagamet®, the cardiovascular medications verapamil, quinidine, and diltiazem, the prescription diuretic triamterene, and quinine, once commonly used to treat nocturnal leg cramps.

According to lawsuits filed against Mirapex® maker Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an especially dangerous side effect of the drug is spontaneously falling asleep, which can occur while performing critical tasks, including driving. Consuming alcohol while taking Mirapex® can increase this risk.

Other plaintiffs have blamed Mirapex® for causing compulsive gambling, shopping, and eating, as well as increased sexual urges. One plaintiff was awarded damages in a compulsive gambling suit.

Reduced Mirapex® Effectiveness and Levodopa Side Effects Also Concerns

Taking antipsychotics or the gastrointestinal medication Reglan® with Mirapex® can reduce the effectiveness of Mirapex®.

PD patients who are taking medications that contain levodopa are advised to asked a doctor about cutting back on them when taking Mirapex®, since the latter increases the concentration of the former in the bloodstream, thus increasing the risk of levodopa side effects, such as congestive allergic reactions, seizures; irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; unusual changes in mood or behavior; depression or suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know has suffered medical problems due to Mirapex® drug interactions, including dangerous Mirapex® side effects, contact an attorney experienced in product liability/personal injury law. Your attorney will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve to help deal with medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

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