Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking ropinirole as follows:
- Ropinirole intake carries the risk of sudden lowering of blood pressure, thus increasing risk for fall or accident. Episodes of hypotension with ropinirole intake, especially during sudden change of positions, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness the medication can cause, thus contributing to compromised safety. Individuals taking ropinirole must practice slow change of position to prevent risk for fall and accidents. Starting the medication at a low dose and gradually increasing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to reducing the risk for drowsiness, dizziness, and hypotension due to the medication. Individuals taking prescribed antihypertensive medications, if any, can be at even higher risk for hypotensive episodes, with ropinirole taken concomitantly. Observing a two-hour window between intake of antihypertensive medications and ropinirole can help avoid episodes of dangerously low blood pressure numbers. Ropinirole intake occasionally can also result in episodes of elevated blood pressure, headache, and vision changes. While taking ropinirole, observe compliance with log maintenance of every day blood pressure readings. Report any consistent grossly altered BP numbers to your physician and other health care personnel, for an appropriate change in your plan of care to be considered.
- Do not take ropinirole with alcohol. Alcohol can compound the drowsiness and hypotension ropinirole can cause, thus compromising safety and potentiating a serious risk for accidents and falls.
