A patient taking pramipexole for Parkinson disease reports suddenly falling asleep during daytime activities. Which teaching is most important?

Correct answer: A. Avoid driving and report the episodes to the prescriber

  • A. Avoid driving and report the episodes to the prescriber
  • B. Take an extra dose before activities requiring concentration
  • C. Stop all Parkinson medicines immediately
  • D. Drink coffee before driving to prevent sleep episodes

Explanation

Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole can cause sudden sleep attacks, creating a serious safety risk during driving or other hazardous activities. The patient should avoid driving and promptly inform the prescriber. Extra doses, abrupt stopping and relying on caffeine are unsafe responses.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Analgesics and CNS Drugs

This area covers opioid and non-opioid analgesics, local anaesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and drugs for Parkinsonism. It examines therapeutic actions, dependence, respiratory depression, extrapyramidal effects, serotonin related toxicity and the distinction between pain relief, sedation and loss of consciousness.

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