Restless Leg Syndrome medications (prescription of course) can be a tricky subject. We have tried all the self-help, lifestyle changes, and fundamental cause remedies that we can. The symptoms still exist, sometimes continually throughout the day and night. Your condition has been evaluated as severe or very severe because there is much pain related with the other bothersome symptoms of Rls. Now is the time to allow your doctor to prescription a medication for you.
There is a wide range of medications for Rls which is why the world preeminent 'trial and error' process will need to take place. Your own private type of Rls may not rejoinder or you may have side effects from some medications. In condensed form, here is a list of prescription drugs used to treat Rls:
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Dopaminergic Agents
Considered first-line therapies since they typically alleviate all major features related with Rls. Dopaminergic agents have an inhibitory ensue on abnormal movements by improving levels of the neurotransmitterdopamine, a plainly produced chemical that regulates the delivery of messages between nerve cells (neurons) in the central nervous system. Such medications comprise bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel®)and pramipexole dihydrochloride (Mirapex®) and ropinirole hydrochloride (Requip(Tm)).
Dopamine Precursors
Known as Carbidopa/levodopa is used to operate movement in Parkinson's patients. This mixture is ready as Sinemet®.
Nonergotoline Dopamine Agonists and Other Medications
Best known by advertisements are ropinirole (Requip®) and pramipexole (Mirapex®).
Benzodiazepines
Interferes with chemical performance in the nervous system and brain, reduces communication between nerve cells. The benzodiazepine clonazepam (Klonopin®) is often prescribed for the treatment of Rls. Other benzodiazepines that may be recommended as appropriate, convenient alternatives comprise temazepam (Restoril®), diazepam (Valium®), and triazolam (Halcion®).
Opioids
Are natural or artificially produced (synthetic) chemicals that yield opium-like (opiate-like) effects. Opioid agents vary greatly in potency, fluctuating from mild to strong. Low-potency opioid agents may have useful results without risk of addiction, physicians may consider prescribing opioid agents such as propoxyphene hydrochloride (Darvon®) or codeine in patients with mild, periodic symptoms. The use of higher potency opioid agents such as oxycodone hydrochloride (Percocet® or Roxicodone®) or methadone hydrochloride should be reserved for those patients with severe Rls who have not responded to other acceptable medications.
Anticonvulsants
Is used to help carry on or preclude episodes of abnormally increased electrical performance in the brain (seizures). Anticonvulsants may help relieve some symptoms related with restless legs syndrome.carbamazepine (Tegretol®), a medication that reduces synaptic transmission, has been shown to decrease restlessness, sensory abnormalities, and sleep disturbances. However, it is opinion that the medication may be less efficient in reducing related involuntary movements.
Gabapentin (Neurontin®) has shown promise as a possible treatment for individuals with Rls. Gabapentin seems to be most efficient in those with mild or moderate Rls who taste actual leg pain. Alternatives together with valproate (Depakene®), a medication derived from carboxylic acid, or lamotrigine (Lamictal®).
Other Medications
Clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres®) may alleviate leg hurt and sleep difficulties in some citizen with Rls; but the medication may not be efficient in reducing related involuntary movements.
Additional Drug Treatments
Medications opinion to relieve Rls symptoms, such as baclofen (Lioresal®), a muscle relaxant that is opinion to block nerve performance in the spinal cord has been reported to operate symptoms. No controlled studies have been evaluated on these medications as of yet. Large-scale clinical trials would be helpful in evaluating the use of such medications and assessing their long-term security and effectiveness in the treatment of patients with restless legs syndrome.
Be aware that all of these Restless Leg Syndrome medications do come with side effects. The extent and duration of the side effects totally depends on which drug, which combination, and what dosage is given. Is it worth the agony to be on the medication? That will depend on how you react and how severe the impact of these medications and your Restless Leg Syndrome.
Chances are that you will need to try different medications and cross off your list the ones that don't seem to work. Maybe even combinations of these medications. The best advice to cope this situation is to keep a journal documenting the prescriptions along with how you rejoinder to these drugs. This is something that your doctor will appreciate in adjusting or changing your medication.
Restless Leg Syndrome Medications - What's Right For You?