Falling asleep at the wheel : Motor vehicle mishaps in persons taking pramipexole and ropinirole

The authors report a new side effect of the dopamine agonists pramipexole and ropinirole: sudden irresistible attacks of sleep. Eight PD patients taking pramipexole and one taking ropinirole fell asleep while driving, causing accidents. Five experienced no warning before falling asleep. The attacks ceased when the drugs were stopped. Neurologists who prescribe these drugs and patients who take them should be aware of this possible side effect.