Pramipexole 普拉克索片

‌Pramipexole‌ is a ‌dopamine receptor agonist‌, mainly used to treat ‌Parkinson’s disease‌ and ‌restless legs syndrome‌. It activates dopamine receptors in the brain, improves motor function, relieves symptoms such as tremor and stiffness, and regulates nerve signal transmission to reduce the impact of the disease on quality of life. Medication should be strictly followed according to the doctor’s instructions, and attention should be paid to dose adjustment and side effect monitoring.

1. Drug Overview and Indications
Pramipexole is a ‌non-ergot dopamine receptor agonist‌, which selectively acts on ‌D2 and D3 receptors‌, and is mainly used for the following two types of diseases:

‌Parkinson’s disease‌: used as a single drug or in combination with levodopa to improve symptoms such as bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and tremor, especially for patients with fluctuating symptoms in the middle and late stages of the disease.
‌Moderate to severe restless legs syndrome‌: relieve limb discomfort and night symptoms, and help patients improve sleep quality.
2. Mechanism of Action
Pramipexole simulates the physiological function of dopamine by activating dopamine receptors:

Regulate motor control: Compensate for the lack of dopamine in the brain of patients with Parkinson’s disease, restore the balance of the basal ganglia circuit, and reduce movement disorders.
Relieve abnormal nerve signals: In restless legs syndrome, inhibit abnormal discharges of the spinal cord or peripheral nerves, and reduce sensory abnormalities and motor impulses.
3. Usage and Dosage
Starting dose: Parkinson’s disease usually starts with 0.125 mg 3 times a day, and gradually increases every week; the starting dose of restless legs syndrome is 0.125 mg before bedtime.
‌Dose adjustment‌: Based on efficacy and tolerability, the maximum dose for Parkinson’s disease can reach 4.5 mg/day, and the restless legs syndrome does not exceed 0.75 mg/day.
‌Drug administration time‌: It is recommended to take it at a fixed time to avoid missing or repeating the medication.
4. Common side effects and treatment
Early reactions: Including nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, etc., which often occur in the early stage of treatment and usually alleviate as the body adapts.
‌Long-term risks‌:
‌Impulse control disorder‌: About 5%-10% of patients may develop abnormal behaviors such as pathological gambling and binge eating, which require timely discontinuation of medication and intervention.
‌Hypotension or edema‌: Elderly patients need to monitor blood pressure and lower limb edema.
‌Serious adverse reactions‌: Rare such as hallucinations and dyspnea, require immediate medical attention.
5. Precautions and contraindications
‌People to be used with caution‌: Patients with liver dysfunction, hypotension, and a history of mental illness should use it with caution.
‌Drug interactions‌: Avoid combined use with antipsychotic drugs (such as chlorpromazine), which may reduce efficacy; blood pressure needs to be monitored when used in combination with antihypertensive drugs.
‌Contraindications‌: It is contraindicated for patients who are allergic to the ingredients and patients with severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia).
6. Use of medication for special populations
‌Pregnant and lactating women‌: Safety data are limited, and it should only be used when the benefits are clear.
‌Elderly people‌: No dosage adjustment is required, but risk monitoring such as falls needs to be strengthened.
‌Children‌: The safety and effectiveness of this drug for people under 18 years of age have not been established.
VII. Withdrawal and Dependence
Sudden withdrawal may lead to withdrawal reactions (such as high fever and confusion), and the dosage should be gradually reduced under the guidance of a doctor. This drug is not addictive, but long-term use requires regular evaluation of efficacy and risks.

Reasonable use of pramipexole can significantly improve symptoms, but a plan should be developed based on individual conditions, with regular follow-up visits and attention to physical reactions.