Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Treatment

Periodic limb movement disorder treatment does not cure the disorder but usually relieves Periodic limb movement disorder symptoms.

Periodic limb movement disorder treatment involves medication that either reduces the movements or helps the person sleep through the movements.

Periodic limb movement disorder therapy does not cure Periodic limb movement disorder treatment but relieves symptoms. Note that many of the medications used for Periodic limb movement disorder treatment are the same as those used for restless legs syndrome treatment.

Generally, there are several classes of drugs that are used for Periodic limb movement disorder treatment. These include the Parkinson's disease drugs, anticonvulsant medications, benzodiazepines, and narcotics.

Current PLMD treatment recommendations consider the anti-Parkinson’s medications as a first line of defense. Medical PLMD treatment often significantly reduces or eliminates the symptoms of these disorders.

• Dopaminergic agents: These drugs increased the levels of an important neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called dopamine, which is important in regulating muscle movements. These medications seem to improve the condition in some people but not in others. Widely used examples are a levodopa/carbidopa combination (Sinemet) and pergolide (Permax).
• Anticonvulsant agents: These medications reduce muscle contractions in some people. The most widely used anticonvulsant in Periodic limb movement disorder is gabapentin (Neurontin).
• Benzodiazepines: These drugs suppress muscle contractions. They are also sedatives and help you sleep through the movements. Clonazepam (Klonopin), in particular, has been shown to reduce the total number of periodic limb movements per hour. It is probably the most widely used drug for Periodic limb movement disorder treatment.
• GABA agonists: These agents inhibit release of certain neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contractions. The result is relaxation of contractions. The most widely used of these agents in Periodic limb movement disorder is baclofen (Lioresal).