Dopamine Precursors and Agonists for Restless Legs Syndrome

Problems related to the dosing of dopamine precursors and agonists can occur, such as:

Rebound. This occurs when symptoms become worse at the end of a dosing period, usually late at night or in the morning.
Augmentation, which means that symptoms generally get worse. Symptoms begin to be noticed progressively earlier in the day, often in the afternoon or evening. Augmentation is most often a side effect of long-term dopamine use and usually becomes worse with increasing dosage. People with severe augmentation have symptoms constantly. The discomfort may intensify and spread to the torso or the arms. Stopping the medicine will usually return symptoms to the level that the person had before starting the medicine. At first, though, symptoms may temporarily get worse.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

By:	Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: March 10, 2011
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology

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