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Restless Legs Syndrome – Doctor-Prescribed Treatments
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Currently, there are two FDA-approved medications for the treatment of RLS: ropinirole (Requip) and pramipexole (Mirapex). Both are dopaminergic agents (described below). Sometimes, however, medications approved for other conditions are helpful in treating RLS, and doctors can prescribe them for what is called "off label" use to alleviate RLS symptoms.
Prescription medications used to relieve RLS fall into one of four categories:
- Dopaminergic agents improve muscle control and are commonly used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Currently, these are considered a first-line medication treatment for RLS. However, in some people, these drugs make symptoms worse, a phenomenon known as augmentation. In addition to the FDA-approved drugs for RLS, ropinirole (Requip) and pramipexole (Mirapex), these medications include cabergoline (Dostinex) and levodopa with carbidopa (Atamet, Sinemet).
- Sedatives can slow the body down and help promote sleep. Prescription sedatives include clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), diazepam (Valium), and triazolam (Halcion).
- Pain relievers may induce relaxation and alleviate some of the uncomfortable leg sensations. Prescription pain relievers include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and propoxyphene. However, dependency and/or addiction is a serious risk with these drugs.
- Anticonvulsants block abnormal impulses in the brain and may provide relief. These medications include gabapentin (Neurontin), valproate (Depacon), and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol).
The decision to prescribe medication for RLS will depend upon the age of the patient, the severity of his or her symptoms, and his or her overall health.
Take the RealAge Sleep Assessment for personalized sleep advice.
