Neupro (rotigotine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome in adults. Neupro comes as a skin patch that’s typically applied once per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to help treat.

Neupro belongs to a drug class called dopamine receptor agonists. Neupro is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Neupro, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Neupro, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Neupro provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Neupro, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Neupro’s form, strengths, and dosages.

Neupro form

Neupro comes as a transdermal system. A transdermal system is a patch that you place on your skin. The patch delivers the drug through your skin and into your body slowly over time.

Neupro strengths

Neupro patches come in six strengths:

  • 1 milligram/24 hours (mg/24hr)
  • 2 mg/24 hr
  • 3 mg/24 hr
  • 4 mg/24 hr
  • 6mg/24 hr
  • 8mg/24 hr

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Parkinson’s disease

Doctors may prescribe Neupro to treat Parkinson’s disease.

If your doctor prescribes Neupro for your Parkinson’s disease, your starting dose will depend on how severe your condition is. For early stage Parkinson’s disease, the initial dose is 2 mg/24 hr. For late stage Parkinson’s disease, the initial dose is 4 mg/24 hr. Typically, you’ll apply a patch once daily. After 7 days, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage by 2 mg/24 hr, depending on how well your treatment is going.

If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend another dose increase after 7 more days. The maximum dosage of Neupro to treat Parkinson’s disease in early stage disease is 6 mg/24 hr. The maximum dosage of Neupro in late stage Parkinson’s disease is 8 mg/24 hr.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for restless legs syndrome

Neupro is also approved to help treat restless legs syndrome. In this case, the recommended starting dose of Neupro is 1 mg/24 hr. You’ll usually apply a patch once daily. After 7 days, your doctor may recommend increasing your daily dose by 1 mg/24 hr, depending on how well your treatment is going. After 7 more days, your doctor may recommend increasing your dosage by another 1 mg/24 hr.

The maximum recommended dosage of Neupro for restless legs syndrome is 3 mg/24 hr.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

Long-term treatment

Neupro is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Neupro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start using Neupro, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

The Neupro dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • how your body responds to Neupro
  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Neupro to treat
  • other medications you take
  • side effects you may have with Neupro

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Neupro dosage. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.

Neupro comes as a transdermal system, which is a patch you place on your skin once daily.

With a transdermal system, you’ll place the patch on your skin, releasing the drug slowly into your body over time. It is recommended to apply your Neupro patch on your stomach, thigh, hip, upper arm, shoulder, or side of the body between your ribs and pelvis.

Before applying each patch, you should wash the area on your skin and dry it well to make sure it sticks. Patches should not be placed on oily, damaged, or irritated skin. Also, patches should not be placed where they could rub against tight clothing because you may increase the risk of your patch falling off. When applying your dose, place the patch firmly on your skin and hold for 30 seconds to make sure it sticks.

Be sure to choose a different spot on your skin every day when placing your Neupro patches. Do not use the same spot on your skin more than once every 14 days.

If you have questions about how to use Neupro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

It is recommended that you apply a Neupro patch at the same time each day. If you miss a dose of Neupro, apply a new patch as soon as you remember. Apply your next Neupro patch at your normal time the next day. If you’re not sure whether you should apply a missed patch or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t take more Neupro than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Neupro can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Neupro

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Neupro. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Treatment with Neupro can cause withdrawal if you stop taking your patches suddenly or decrease your dose too quickly after taking it regularly for some time. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that happen after you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on.)

Symptoms of withdrawal after abruptly stopping Neupro include:

  • feeling anxious or agitated
  • sleep problems
  • muscle aches
  • tiredness
  • excessive sweating

These symptoms can be very uncomfortable. However, they’re usually not life threatening.

You and your doctor will periodically reevaluate your need for Neupro throughout your treatment. If a decision is made to stop your Neupro treatment, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time. This is known as a dose taper. A dose taper helps reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms when you stop treatment with Neupro.

Tapering your Neupro dose could last up to a week or several weeks. The exact time needed to taper your dose depends on your Neupro dose and how long you’ve taken it.

Do not stop taking Neupro unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. If you have questions about your treatment, talk with your doctor.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Neupro.

Is the dosage of Neupro similar to the dosage of ropinirole?

No, the forms and how often you take each drug are not similar. Both Neupro and ropinirole work similarly and can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome.However, Neupro is a skin patch taken once daily, and ropinirole is a tablet that can be taken either once daily or up to three times daily.

The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients and different dosage forms. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Neupro to start working?

Neupro starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Neupro treatment.

What is the recommended maximum dosage of Neupro?

The maximum dosage of Neupro that’s recommended depends on what you are using Neupro to treat. For Parkinson’s disease, the maximum dosage of Neupro to treat early-stage disease is 6 mg/24 hr. In late-stage Parkinson’s disease, the maximum dose is 8 mg/24 hr. For restless legs syndrome, the maximum dose of Neupro is 3 mg/24 hr.

Typically, doctors prescribe a low dosage to start. In some cases, doctors may increase the drug’s dosage. No additional benefits are seen with doses larger than the maximum dosages listed above. For details about Neupro dosages, see the “Neupro dosage” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Neupro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If it seems like you need a higher dosage, ask your doctor whether a dosage increase is right for you. Do not increase your dosage unless your doctor recommends doing so.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Neupro for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Neupro without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Neupro that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Neupro. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.