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Medication and Restless Legs Syndrome

| June 20, 2014 Comment

Medication and Restless Legs Syndrome – Easing restless leg syndrome is possible. It all depends on the treatment. Watch this to learn about medications and restless leg syndrome.

Expert: Suzanne Phillips, M.D. Mount Sinai Hospital

Transcript

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition affecting 12 million Americans, and presently has no cure. However, the deep-seated muscle aches and twinges which accompany the condition may be eased with a variety of medications.

Because some cases of RLS are actually secondary to an underlying medical condition, most doctors will focus on treating that condition first. Some of the conditions which physicians treat prior to addressing RLS symptoms directly include kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia, which is characterized by low levels of iron in the blood, is perhaps the most common underlying condition which can lead to restless legs. A person with this deficiency may be prescribed iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate. Iron is often taken in conjunction with Vitamin C to help the body absorb this essential element.

In many RLS patients, however, the reason for the condition is not clear. When this is the case, medication to directly treat the symptoms may be prescribed.

Until fairly recently, there were no prescription drugs available to specifically treat restless legs syndrome. However, in 2005, the FDA approved a medication called ropinirole, which is sold under the brand name Requip, to treat this condition. Requip, which was originally approved to treat Parkinson’s disease, works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. The additional dopamine calms muscle contraction, thus reducing motion in the legs.

Requip is a member of the dopamine-agonist class of drugs. Other members of this family include Mirapex, Pergolide, and Permex, all brand names for the generic pramipexole. While only Requip is approved specifically to treat RLS, these other dopamine agonists, which were developed for Parkinson’s disease, may also be prescribed “off-label” to ease leg symptoms.

Neurontin, generally used to relieve pain caused by damage to the nervous system, has also been found to ease the discomfort of severe muscle spasms in people with RLS. People who have painful daytime symptoms may find relief from Neurontin, which was originally developed as an anti-seizure medication.

Another class of medications, the benzodiazepines, are used to help patients sleep through their symptoms, rather than directly relieving pain. Commonly prescribed medications in this class include clonazepam, or Klonopin, and alprazolam, or Xanax.

It’s important to note that the benzodiazepines cause daytime drowsiness and loss of short-term memory. On rare occasions, pain-relievers like oxycodone and hydrocodone may be prescribed to relieve severe symptoms of RLS. Because this class of drugs can be addictive, it is often a last resort option.

Even medications which are successful in treating RLS may eventually become ineffective as symptoms continue or increase. This process is known as augmentation. When augmentation occurs, your doctor may decide to switch your prescription, or perhaps adjust your dose accordingly.

It’s important to remember that each of these medications is available by prescription only, and should be used under the direct care of a doctor! Talk to your physician about the best medication for YOUR symptoms.

Last Modified: 2013-09-27

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Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos

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