Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment
Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment or Drug Treatments
Medication for restless leg syndrome treatment is recommended only for people who have restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms at least three nights a week, or as determined by your doctor.
Drugs used to treat primary restless leg syndrome do not cure the condition, but only relieve symptoms. People whose restless leg syndrome symptoms occur sporadically may be prescribed medication to take when they have symptoms.
Generally Prescribed Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome
The following drugs are most widely prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment. They may be given alone or, in certain cases, in combinations.
1. Dopaminergic agents: These prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment agents increase the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. They may improve the leg sensations in restless leg syndrome. An example is the drug combination of levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet).
Sinemet (carbidopa or levodopa):
- Type : Dopamine enhancer
- Benefits : Been in use the longest
- Limitations: Augmentation* in 85% of patients
- Side Effects : upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, headache
2. Dopamine agonists: These prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment agents also increase dopamine levels in the brain but are less likely than levodopa to cause certain side effects.
These drugs have their own side effects. These side effects may be especially difficult for older people. Examples are pergolide mesylate (Permax), bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel), pramipexole (Mirapex), and ropinirole hydrochloride (Requip).
Permax (pergolide)
- Type : D-RA
- Benefits : As effective as Sinemet
- Limitations : Augmentation* in 10% of patients
- Side Effects : dizziness**, nausea, nasal congestion
Mirapex (pramipexole dihydrochloride)
- Type : D-RA
- Benefits : Treats all symptoms effectively
- Limitations : Prolonged use may be associated with a greater incidence of side effects
- Side Effects : dizziness**, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness
Parlodel (bromocriptine mesylate)
- Type : D-RA
- Benefits : Individual patients have reported good results
- Limitations : Results of efficacy studies are mixed
- Side Effects : dizziness, weakness, fainting**, nasal congestion, headache, abdominal pain
Requip (ropinirole)
- Type : D-RA
- Benefits: Enhances control over voluntary movements
- Limitations : Currently investigating use in restless leg syndrome; only in research phase
- Side Effects : dizziness, faintness, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue or drowsiness, indigestion, sweating, increased susceptibility to viral infection, headache
* The result of prolonged use in which the sensations reoccur in increased intensity, but earlier in the day, and usually results in patients switching medications.
** Caused by a temporary, yet significant drop in blood pressure that occurs when rising from a seated or lying position (clinically termed postural orthostatic hypotension).
3.Benzodiazepines: These prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment agents are sedatives. They do not so much relieve symptoms as help you sleep through the symptoms. Examples are temazepam (Restoril), Halcion (triazolam)and clonazepam (Klonopin) .
Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Benefits : Onset of effect is 1/2 hours and lasts nearly 24 hours
- Limitations : habit forming, impairs ability to operate machinery, avoid alcohol, strong side effects in elderly
- Side Effects : drowsiness, loss of coordination/unsteady gait, dizziness/lightheadedness, slurred speech
Restoril (temazepam)
- Benefits : Used to treat insomnia
- Limitations: habit forming, prolonged use less effective and cause adverse reactions
- Side Effects : drowsiness, loss of coordination/unsteady gait, dizziness/lightheadedness, slurred speech
Halcion (triazolam)
- Benefits: Used to treat insomnia
- Limitations : habit forming, prolonged use may be less effective and cause adverse reactions
- Side Effects : drowsiness, loss of coordination/unsteady gait, dizziness/lightheadedness, slurred speech
Benzodiazepines have a history of causing stronger side effects in elderly patients. They have the potential for becoming habit-forming, producing psychological and physiological dependence.
For this reason, patients are required to consult with their physician before increasing their dose or discontinuing their medication for restless leg syndrome treatment.
4. Opiates: These prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment drugs are most often used to treat pain, but they can relieve restless leg syndrome symptoms. Because opiates are very addictive, they are usually used only when other drugs don't work.
Low-potency opiates, which are used in people with mild or intermittent symptoms, include codeine and propoxyphene (Darvon, Dolene); higher potency agents, such as oxycodone hydrochloride (Roxicodone), methadone hydrochloride (Dolophine), and levorphanol tartrate (Levo-Dromoran), are used in more severe cases.
5. Anticonvulsants: A class of drugs that work by suppressing sensory disturbances. These agents are used to treat severe muscle spasms. In RLS, they are used mainly for people who have pain, neuropathy, or daytime symptoms. The most widely used example is gabapentin (Neurontin).
Fatigue dizziness, sedation, clumsiness or unsteadiness, blurred or altered vision, nausea, vomiting, and tremors are all possible side effects. Because of this, it is not recommended that people taking anticonvulsants operate machinery, including a motor vehicle, until safety can be assured.
6. Alpha2 agonists: These prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome treatment agents stimulate alpha2 receptors in the brain stem. This activates nerve cells (neurons) that "turn down" the part of the nervous system that controls muscle movements and sensations.
An example is clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres). This medication for restless leg syndrome treatment drug may help in cases of primary restless leg syndrome but has no effect on periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS).
