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Guide to Restless Legs Syndrome

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Part 9 of 10 - What Medications Are Used to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome?

RLS Drug Options

No one drug is effective for everyone with RLS. What may be helpful for some may worsen symptoms for another. Drugs taken regularly can lose their effect, making it necessary to change drugs.

Dopaminergics

Dopaminergic agents have shown to reduce RLS symptoms and PLMD and are considered the initial treatment of choice. Good short-term results of treatment with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported, although most patients eventually will develop augmentation, meaning that symptoms are reduced at night but begin to develop earlier in the day than usual.

Dopamine agonists that may be effective in some and are less likely to cause augmentation include:

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and diazepam are prescribed for patients who have mild or intermittent symptoms. They help patients obtain a more restful sleep but they do not fully alleviate symptoms and can cause daytime sleepiness. Because these drugs also may induce or aggravate sleep apnea, they should not be used in people with this condition.

Opioids

For severe symptoms, opioids are prescribed for their ability to induce relaxation and diminish pain. Opioids include:

Side effects include:

  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • risk of addiction

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and gabapentin are useful for some patients, as they decrease the sensory disturbances. Side effects include:

  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • sleepiness

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