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- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
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 #  Dopamine Agonists 

 

   

  ## 💡 Quick Summary 

 - Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine in the brain to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and can be used alone or with [levodopa](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa").

- Available in multiple forms including tablets, patches, and injections to suit different needs.

- Side effects may include nausea, low blood pressure, sleepiness, [dyskinesia](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia"), hallucinations or compulsive behaviors

- Report side effects to your doctor promptly.

 

   ![Man and woman adding pills to scheduler](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/dopamineagonists.jpg?itok=wewFAfYN)  In Parkinson’s disease (PD), the brain cells that make dopamine slowly die over time, which leads to lower dopamine levels. This affects movement and other functions. Dopamine agonists are a class of medication that help stimulate the brain’s dopamine receptors, "tricking" it into thinking it is receiving dopamine.

### Quick Facts

- Dopamine agonists are a different class of drugs than [levodopa](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa").
- While levodopa is converted in the brain into dopamine, dopamine agonists mimic the effects of dopamine.
- Dopamine agonists are not as strong as levodopa medications, but they are sometimes used early on to manage symptoms or in combination with levodopa.
- Dopamine agonists are available in many forms, including immediate release, extended release, continuous and quick-acting options.

### Side Effects of Dopamine Agonists

Not everyone one will experience all the side effects listed below. If you notice any changes in how you feel, whether related to this medication or another, tell your doctor right away.

- Nausea
- Low blood pressure (signs include dizziness or lightheadedness)
- [Excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden sleep attacks](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/sleep-disorders "Sleep Disorders")
- Leg swelling
- [Visual hallucinations](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/hallucinations-delusions "Hallucinations/Delusions") (seeing things that are not there)
- Compulsive behaviors (such as uncontrolled shopping, gambling, eating, and sexual urges)
- [Dyskinesia](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia") (extra, involuntary movements)

 - ###   Disclaimer   
    
    This is not a complete list of all potential side effects. For full details on each drug and its possible side effects, review the package insert from your pharmacist.
- ###   Caution   
    
    Parkinson’s medications may have interactions with certain foods, other prescribed medications, over-the-counter cold medications, vitamins, herbal supplements and other remedies. These can sometimes be dangerous and even life-threatening. **Anyone taking a PD medication should make sure their doctor and pharmacist know about all their prescribed and over-the-counter treatments.**
 
  ##  Forms of Dopamine Agonists 

 There are many different forms and strengths of dopamine agonists. Because of this, it is important to be careful and double check your prescriptions when getting refills or receiving medications in the hospital. If the form or strength is switched by mistake, it could make symptoms worse or cause more side effects.

 - ###   Pramipexole (Mirapex) Tablet   
    
    This medication is also available as a longer-acting form.
    
    **Strengths:** 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg
    
    **Typical Treatment:** 1.5 to 4.5 mg total daily dose (3 times per day)
    
    **Indications for Use:**  Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)
- ###   Ropinirole (formerly Requip) Tablet   
    
    This medication is also available as a longer-acting form.
    
    **Strengths:** 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg
    
    **Typical Treatment:** 12 to 16 mg total daily dose (3 times by mouth daily)
    
    **Indications for Use:** Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)
- ###   Apomorphine Hydrochloride (Apokyn) for Subcutaneous Injection   
    
    This is a fast-acting medication that is injected under the skin (subcutaneous), administered by the person with Parkinson’s or a care partner.
    
    **Strengths:** 30 mg/3 mL vial
    
    **Typical Treatment:** The starting dose is 0.2 mL (2 mg) and may be adjusted up to 0.6 mL (6mg) by a doctor. It is used during “off” periods, when movement becomes more difficult as levodopa wears off. Anti-nausea medication is recommended for three days before starting the medication.
    
    **Side Effects Specific to This Form:** Redness and bruising at the injection site
    
    **Indications for Use:** Used in combination with other Parkinson’s medications as needed for "off" periods.
- ###   Rotigotine (Neupro) Transdermal Patch   
    
    This medication is delivered through a patch applied daily to a different area of the skin, commonly on the upper arm, torso, abdomen or thigh.
    
    **Strengths:** 1 mg/24 hr, 2 mg/24 hr, 3 mg/24 hr, 4 mg/24 hr, 6 mg/24, 8 mg/24 hr
    
    **Typical Treatment:** 2mg/24 hr to 8 mg/24 hr patch once daily
    
    **Side Effects Specific to This Form:** Skin rashes
    
    **Indications for Use:** Used on its own or in combination with other medications for PD symptoms (slowness, stiffness, tremor, etc.)
- ###   Apomorphine Hydrochloride (Onapgo) for Subcutaneous Infusion   
    
    This medication is delivered through a wearable infusion device, about the size of a large smartphone. The device connects to a thin tube and small needle placed under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or lower back.
    
    **Strengths:** 98 mg/20 mL in single-dose cartridges
    
    **Typical Treatment:**
    
    The maximum recommended total daily dose, including both the continuous dose and any extra doses, is 98 mg, typically spread out over the waking hours of the day. Anti-nausea medication may be recommended during treatment.
    
    **Side Effects Specific to This Form:** Skin irritation at the infusion site
    
    **Indications for Use**: For treating movement (motor) fluctuations in people with advanced Parkinson’s
    
    **Special Note:** Onapgo received FDA approval in February 2025 and is expected to be available later this year.
 
 *Page reviewed by Alison Lewis, PharmD, BCEMP, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Outpatient Neurology at Indiana University Health.*

  ##  Related Materials 

   Books 

###  [ Medications: A Treatment Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/books/medications) 



 [Read Now](/library/books/medications)

   Videos & Webinars 

###  [ Expert Briefing: Medication: What’s New? ](/library/videos/medication) 



 [Watch Now](/library/videos/medication)

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Medications for Movement Symptoms ](/library/fact-sheets/medications-movement-symptoms) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/medications-movement-symptoms)

  

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 ###  Order a Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide 

 The Hospital Safety Guide is a resource for people with Parkinson's and their care partners filled with useful tools and information to prepare for and navigate a hospital stay.

 [ORDER NOW](/resources-support/pd-library/order-publications) 

 [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) 

 

 

 

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