Medications Commonly Prescribed To Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Although sufferers of restless legs syndrome may experience lengthy periods with no noticeable symptoms, the syndrome is generally considered a permanent condition. Quality of life isn't always affected and mild cases of restless leg syndrome can be treated with exercise, but for more debilitating cases of restless leg syndrome, stronger treatment including medication may be needed at some stage, and so it is good to know what options are available. Despite the fact that RLS is usually a lifelong condition, patients are only prescribed medication when they are actually suffering the uncomfortable symptoms of the syndrome.

It is very important to let your doctor know what medications you are already taking when you are talking with him about the possibility of treating restless legs syndrome pharmaceutically. Antihypertensive medication and antidepressants can worsen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. If you are taking other drugs to treat high blood pressure, these may also affect the choice of drug your doctor elects to treat your RLS.

There are a number of medications used to treat restless leg syndrome, however most of these were not originally designed specifically for this use. Here is a rundown of the most common you will hear talked about by you sleep doctor.

Drugs known as dopaminergic agents are often prescribed for restless legs syndrome although they are approved mainly for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. These drugs work by altering the activity of the brain chemical dopamine as it carries messages through the nervous system. The dopaminergic drug ropinorole has been approved by the FDA for moderate to serious cases of restless leg syndrome. Other dopaminergic drugs that may be prescribed, but have not been approved to treat restless leg syndrome specifically are levodopa and carbidopa, pergolide, and pramipexole. Some of the side effects include tiredness and nausea as well as dizziness and vomiting. Patients who use these drugs over the long-term sometimes find symptoms begin to start earlier in the day. The most common solution to this problem is to switch to a different medication.

Benzodiazepines are another class of drug also used to treat restless leg syndrome. Benzodiazepines are sedatives generally prescribed to treat insomnia. Valium is a commonly known brand of benzodiazepine sedative used to alleviate the symptoms of resless leg syndrome. Because these drugs depress the central nervous system, even when taken before bed, sleepiness may last well into the next day.

Opioids are also prescribed for restless leg syndrome. Pain is relieved and patients experience greater relaxation when taking these drugs. Codeine and oxycodone are two commonly known opiods. OxyContin is a familiar brand name that features oxycodone. If used over a long period, opioids can be addictive and in the short term can result in lightheadedness, nausea and constipation.

It is important to note that although it is fairly common for restless leg syndrome to worsen or begin for the first time in pregnant women, because of the risks to the baby in utero, patients are not likely to be prescribed medication to treat the symptom. Your doctor will suggest other non-drug treatments for restless leg syndrome during this time. An exception to this; because symptoms of restless leg syndrome can be severe during the last three months of pregnancy, doctors do sometimes write a prescription.

When restless legs syndrome is a resulting symptom of another disease or syndrome, such as diabetes or anemia, your doctor will usually treat the underlying condition to reduce the severity of the restless leg symptoms.

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Medications Commonly Prescribed To Treat Restless Leg Syndrome