Understanding Medication for Restless Leg Syndrome

Taking medication for restless leg syndrome is something many people do when they just can't take it anymore. Dealing with RLS can affect your life during the day, but it is especially bothersome at night. You may not be getting the sleep you need, leading you to seek help anywhere you can get it!

The first thing many doctors recommend before trying medication for restless leg syndrome is to examine what you are consuming. Things like alcohol and caffeine can make your symptoms worse. There are also certain deficiencies, such as the lack of essential vitamins, that can lead to symptoms. You may have your levels tested (such as iron levels) to see if supplementation can help.

Others recommend trying home remedies. Stretching, massage, meditation, and exercise can be helpful for restless leg syndrome. Of course, these things may not be strong enough to help everyone, so you may want to turn to some of the available medications.

These medications are generally reserved for those who have more severe RLS symptoms and have had them for quite a long time. These will not eliminate the fact that you have restless leg syndrome, but they can help improve your symptoms.

Deciding Which RLS Medication is Right For You (If Any!)

Dopaminergic agents can increase the levels of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine agonists are very popular (such as Requip) and can mimic dopamine in the brain. Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax) can help you get some sleep. Opiates can help treat pain, as well as many RLS symptoms -- one example is Vicodin. Anticonvulsants can help relieve pain and other RLS symptoms. Finally, Alpha2 agonists can help stimulate the Alpha2 receptors in your brain.

If all that sounds complicated, it can be! You will definitely have to consult with your doctor to see which of the choices are best for you. Unfortunately, depending on which medication you choose to go with, there are a variety of side effects. Dopaminergic agents can lead to nausea, vomiting, and involuntary movements. Dopamine agonists can make you quite sleepy. Benzodiazepines can also lead to sleepiness. Opiotes can be incredibly addictive, and often dangerous.

You definitely do not want to rely on these medications if you do not have to. They truly only mask the symptoms, and may not be getting to the root of the problem -- they are no cure for restless legs! You owe it to yourself to see what else is out there, and to try other options first. Thankfully, there are methods, other than medication for restless leg syndrome, that can work for you.

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