In the last two-three months I have developed what for me is an odd problem.

When I sit down at the computer, or to read or any one of a number of other activities that requires me to think, I sudenly get very tired and drop off to sleep. I am jarred awake when I start to fall off the chair or start to fall over...even sitting on the floor. The problem is particulaly acute when I am dyskinetic. Or when I stop to reread what I have written in a post or my journal. I'm changing meds right now and trying to find a timetable that works well for me. If I do take a break I often fall into a deep dream sleep for 10-15 minutes. then I'm fine for a few hours. I'm increasing my mirapex....is this a side effect? People that bore me have this effect also.
Your thoughts? please keep it simple and in your own words -your own experience. I'm still recovering from the sinemet cr post from a couple days ago. Gotta go get my power nap in now.

Hi, Rosebud...I wasn't able to determine whether or not you have already started the Mirapex and this "nodding off" had begun before or after taking Mirapex. I will just tell you, though, that while my pwp was taking the Mirapex, she experienced exactly what you said you have experienced....but, in all other respects, she felt really well while taking this medication...definitely alleviated...actually, eliminted her tremor...BUT, she had to stop taking Mirapex due to her developing OCD which is a side effect of this medication for some. She is now taking another medication along with the Sinemet, and this other medication (Parlodel) is in the same "family" of medications as Mirapex..very similar...but, she's taking it at a lower dose than the Mirapex. Although this medication seems to be helping with the tremor..as did the Mirapex...she definitely is experiencing the same kind of "sleep attacks" as you mentioned you are experiencing especially the sudden falling asleep experiences which is of prime concern as related to her driving....although, she has assured me that she is not experiencing the "sleepiness" when she drives. However, since it has been noted that Mirapex can cause sudden sleepiness..without warning...and since the Parlodel is a similar medication, there is some concern that she could fall asleep suddenly while driving because she certainly falls asleep very suddenly and without any warning when she is at home...I'm not certain that any of what I've said is of any value to you, but I felt that there was some similarity in what you are experiencing and what my pwp is also experiencing. I guess I just felt that I wanted to "warn" you about the Mirapex...especially if you have not already started it. If this is the case, then, it seems quite possible..even probable...that taking the Mirapex might only enhance the problem.

Take care, Rosebud...
Therese

Hi Rosebud,
I believe what your experiencing is a side effect of Mirapex. Back when I first was dx'ed I was started on Requip. All I wanted to do was sleep. We changed to Mirapex and had the same results except now I kept falling asleep at work. Not good. As soon as I quit these two drugs the sleepiness problems went away. This was my reason for starting on Sinemet.

GregD

Ive been on Mirapex for the last 4-5 years, but at a lower dose. WE are upping it to see if we can avoid increasing my sinemet, and to make up for the benefits of going off Remeron when it started to show it's dark side My OC behaviour seems to be in the buying of shoes! I recently bought a pair of shoes I liked in three colors Pink, green and Natural. I wanted the blue pair too, but I knew that was over the top.

Definitely the Mirapex. I would nod off while playing euchre on Playsite. My partner and opponents would patiently wait until I came to. Made for some pretty long games I tell ya.

Paula

Sorry.......I think it is the Mirapex as well. I do okay after I take it if I am very busy and active, but if I am just working on the computer or doing paperwork.........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Mary

Today i took 2 nap breaks and that helped. Sort of like putting some knobs on the control buttons. Does anyone take Mirapex at bedtime or in the middle of the night?

dear rosebud,
you may have low blood pressure -eat (sea salt) on your food
I do have some what low blood pressure - but it was worse while I was on mirapex...horrid drug
sorry about the post - but I was a pharmacy tech...
peace to your heart

When I first started using Requip in 1998 with a maximum dose of 15mg/day I had similiar slep attacks which were quite disturbing to say the least. After about 3 years they disappeared. Following a proposal from my Neuro I am now gradually swithcing over to Mirapex hoping that it will be more effective against tremor. When I had those sleep attacks I tried to fight them by taking frequent naps during the day or by listening to radio playing loudly or when possible by singing loudly and being as dynamic as possible during periods when I wanted to avoid these attacks. These are practical measures which worked for me. I hope they may help you. Please keep us posted. Since you have been on Mirapex for a long time may I ask you what is your daily dose and have you had any eye problems or nausea as side effects of Mirapex. Thanks.

You could ask your doctor about a med called Provogil? (I think that's what it's called.) It's supposed to counter the sleep issues of the agonists. Maybe worth looking in to?