Piritan Special Precautions

When prescribing Pramipexole in a patient with Parkinson's disease with renal impairments reduced dose is suggested in line with section dosage and mode of administration.
Hallucinations: Hallucinations are known as a side effect of treatment with dopamine agonists and levodopa. Patients should be informed that (mostly visual) hallucinations can occur.
Dyskinesia: In advanced Parkinson's disease, in combination treatment with levodopa, dyskinesia can occur during the initial titration of Pramipexole. If they occur, the dose of levodopa should be decreased.
Dystonia: Axial dystonia including antecollis, camptocormia and pleurothotonus (Pisa Syndrome) has occasionally been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease following initiation or incremental dose increase of Pramipexole. Although dystonia may be a symptom of Parkinson's disease, the symptoms in these patients have improved after reduction or withdrawal of Pramipexole. If dystonia occurs, the dopaminergic medication regimen should be reviewed and an adjustment in the dose of Pramipexole considered.
Sudden onset of sleep and somnolence: Pramipexole has been associated with somnolence and episodes of sudden sleep onset, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease. Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, in some cases without awareness or warning signs, has been reported uncommonly. Patients must be informed of this and advised to exercise caution while driving or operating machines during treatment with Pramipexole. Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrain from driving or operating machines. Furthermore, a reduction of the dose or termination of therapy may be considered. Because of possible additive effects, caution should be advised when patients are taking other sedating medicinal products or alcohol in combination with Pramipexole (see Interactions, Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines as follows and Adverse Reactions).
Impulse control disorders: Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of impulse control disorders. Patients and carers should be made aware that behavioural symptoms of impulse control disorders including pathological gambling, increased libido, hypersexuality, compulsive spending or buying, binge eating and compulsive eating can occur in patients treated with dopamine agonists including Pramipexole. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.
Mania and delirium: Patients should be regularly monitored for the development of mania and delirium. Patients and carers should be made aware that mania and delirium can occur in patients treated with Pramipexole. Dose reduction/tapered discontinuation should be considered if such symptoms develop.
Patients with psychotic disorders: Patients with psychotic disorders should only be treated with dopamine agonists if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Co-administration of antipsychotic medicinal products with Pramipexole should be avoided (see Interactions).
Ophthalmologic monitoring: Ophthalmologic monitoring is recommended at regular intervals or if vision abnormalities occur.
Severe cardiovascular disease: In case of severe cardiovascular disease, care should be taken. It is recommended to monitor blood pressure, especially at the beginning of treatment, due to the general risk of postural hypotension associated with dopaminergic therapy.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Symptoms suggestive of neuroleptic malignant syndrome have been reported with abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic therapy (see Dosage & Administration).
Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome: DAWS has been reported with dopamine agonists, including pramipexole. To discontinue treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease, pramipexole should be tapered off. Limited data suggests that patients with impulse control disorders and those receiving high daily dose and/or high cumulative doses of dopamine agonists may be at higher risk for developing DAWS. Withdrawal symptoms may include apathy, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sweating and pain and do not respond to levodopa. Prior to tapering off and discontinuing pramipexole, patients should be informed about potential withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be closely monitored during tapering and discontinuation. In case of severe and/or persistent withdrawal symptoms, temporary re-administration of pramipexole at the lowest effective dose may be considered.
Augmentation: Reports in the literature indicate that treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome with dopaminergic medicinal products can result in augmentation. Augmentation refers to the earlier onset of symptoms in the evening (or even the afternoon), increase in symptoms, and spread of symptoms to involve other extremities. Augmentation was specifically investigated in a controlled clinical trial over 26 weeks. Augmentation was observed in 11.8% of patients in the Pramipexole group (N =152) and 9.4% of patients in the placebo group (N = 149). Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to augmentation showed no significant difference between Pramipexole and placebo groups.
Effects on the Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Pramipexole can have a major influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Hallucinations or somnolence can occur.
Patients being treated with Pramipexole and presenting with somnolence and/or sudden sleep episodes must be informed to refrain from driving or engaging in activities where impaired alertness may put themselves or others at risk of serious injury or death (e.g. operating machines) until such recurrent episodes and somnolence have resolved (see Precautions, Interactions and Adverse Reactions).